Book a call
Book a call

Fully Funded PhD in Environmental Microbiology / Lung Microbiome – Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany (NANOMICO Project)

PhD position

8/7/2026

The Technical University of Munich (TUM), in collaboration with Imperial College London, is offering a fully funded PhD position in Environmental Microbiology / Lung Microbiome Research as part of the new international project NANOMICO – Decoding Nanoparticle–Epithelium–Microbiome Interactions in the Human Lung in Early-life. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated candidate interested in microbiome research, microbial ecology, host–microbe interactions, environmental health, and One Health questions.

Position Snapshot

  • Institution: Technical University of Munich (TUM), School of Life Sciences, Germany

  • Project: NANOMICO – Decoding Nanoparticle–Epithelium–Microbiome Interactions in the Human Lung in Early-life (joint initiative between TUM and Imperial College London)

  • Level: PhD / Doctorate (full-time, 3-year position)

  • Funding: Fully funded doctoral position with TV-L E13 salary (approximately 65%–100% of full-time, depending on experience and funding source), plus research, training, and mobility budgets

  • Research areas:

    • Nanoparticle–microbiome interactions in the human lung

    • Microbial community structure and function in respiratory systems

    • Biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance dynamics

    • Host–microbe interactions and environmental health

  • Start date: As soon as possible / flexible within 2026

  • Application deadline: Open until filled (rolling review)

  • Application contact: Email applications as a single PDF to schloter@tum.de

  • Application fee: None


About the NANOMICO Project

The NANOMICO project is a newly established international research initiative jointly led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Imperial College London. The project aims to decode how inhaled nanoparticles interact with the human lung epithelium and microbiome during early life, with implications for respiratory health, disease susceptibility, and environmental risk assessment.

The appointed PhD candidate will work on cutting-edge research at the intersection of environmental microbiology, lung microbiome science, nanoparticle toxicology, and multi-omics technologies. The project offers close collaboration with Imperial College London, access to excellent microbiome and multi-omics platforms, an international research environment, and a planned research stay in London.

Key research activities include:

  • Investigating how inhaled nanoparticles affect the human respiratory microbiome, microbial community structure and function, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial resistance dynamics

  • Working with lung-associated microbial isolates and defined microbial communities using cultivation-based approaches

  • Applying metagenomics, resistome analyses, metabolomics, and microbial interaction models to characterize nanoparticle–microbiome–epithelium interactions

  • Collaborating with clinical and environmental partners to integrate microbial and clinical data for One Health applications

  • Publishing results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting findings at national and international conferences

This project combines microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and environmental health sciences to address fundamental questions about how environmental exposures shape the lung microbiome and influence human health.

Funding and Financial Support

Selected candidates will receive a fully funded, salaried PhD position with the following core features:

  • Contract type: Research Associate (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter) under TV-L E13 pay scale, suitable for doctoral research

  • Salary level: TV-L E13 at 65%–100% of full-time (depending on experience and funding source), which typically yields around €2,000–€3,500 gross per month (depending on tax class, experience level, and family status)

  • Duration: Fixed-term contract for 3 years, covering the standard doctoral period

  • Benefits: Standard German employee benefits, including health insurance, pension contributions, paid leave (typically 24–30 days per year), and access to university facilities and training programmes

  • Research support: Access to lab reagents, multi-omics platforms, analytical equipment, and funds for conference travel, research stays (e.g., at Imperial College London), and collaboration, as per TUM and project norms

This funding model makes the position accessible to both German and international candidates, provided they meet the eligibility and enrolment requirements.

Who Should Apply

This position is ideal for candidates with a strong background in microbiology, environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, or related life sciences, and a clear interest in lung microbiome research, host–microbe interactions, and environmental health.

Academic Background

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in one of the following or closely related fields:

  • Microbiology

  • Environmental Microbiology

  • Microbial Ecology

  • Molecular Biology

  • Biotechnology

  • Bioinformatics / Computational Biology (with microbiome focus)

  • Environmental Health Sciences

  • Or a closely related discipline (e.g., Biology, Biomedicine with microbiology focus)


Skills and Attributes

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

  • Strong foundation in microbial ecology, microbiome research, and molecular biology

  • Experience with cultivation-based approaches, metagenomics, resistome analyses, metabolomics, and/or microbial interaction models is highly desirable

  • Familiarity with bioinformatics tools (e.g., R/Python for microbiome data analysis, metagenomic pipelines) is advantageous

  • Genuine enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research bridging microbiology, environmental health, and clinical applications

  • Good written and spoken English (German is a plus but not required)

  • Ability to work independently, manage long-term experiments, and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary, international team

Prior research experience (e.g., Master’s thesis on microbiome, microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, or related topics) is strongly recommended.

Application Materials

Applications must be submitted by email only as a single PDF file to Prof. Dr. Michael Schloter. Incomplete or late applications may still be considered until the position is filled, but early submission is strongly encouraged.

Required documents are:

  • Cover letter explaining your motivation, relevant background, and fit with the NANOMICO project and research group

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education, research experience, technical skills, and any publications or relevant projects

  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s, or current Master’s progress if not yet completed)

  • Contact details of two referees who can provide reference letters if requested

  • Summary of Master’s thesis (1 page max) and/or other relevant research work samples

All documents should be combined into one PDF and sent to schloter@tum.de with an appropriate subject line (e.g., “PhD Application – NANOMICO – [Your Name]”).

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

  1. Review the official project description

    • Read the full NANOMICO project description and research theme on the TUM website and Agristok summaries to understand the research focus, requirements, and application instructions.

    • Note the position title: “PhD Position (m/f/d) in Environmental Microbiology / Lung Microbiome Research” and project: NANOMICO.

  2. Prepare your application documents

    • Update your CV to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and skills in microbiology, microbial ecology, bioinformatics, and data analysis.

    • Draft a targeted cover letter that connects your background to the specific project (nanoparticle–microbiome–epithelium interactions in the lung), mentions any relevant lab or field experience, and explains your motivation for pursuing a PhD in this area.

    • Gather scanned copies of your degree certificates, transcripts, and a one-page summary of your Master’s thesis.

    • Confirm your referees’ contact details and ensure they are willing to provide reference letters if contacted.

  3. Combine documents into a single PDF

    • Merge your cover letter, CV, degree certificates, transcripts, thesis summary, and any other relevant documents into one PDF file (max size as per typical email limits, usually <5 MB).

    • Ensure the file is clearly named (e.g., “PhD_Application_YourName_NANOMICO_TUM.pdf”).

  4. Email your application

    • Send your PDF to Prof. Dr. Michael Schloter at schloter@tum.de.

    • Use a clear subject line, e.g.: “PhD Application – NANOMICO – [Your Name]”.

    • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled; early submission is strongly recommended.


Selection Process and Timeline

The recruitment process typically involves:

  • Initial evaluation: Prof. Schloter and the group review all submitted applications based on academic profile, research fit, lab experience, and motivation.

  • Shortlisting and interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews (usually online) to discuss their background, research interests, and fit with the project and team.

  • Final selection and offer: Successful candidates receive formal offers and instructions for contract signing and onboarding at TUM.


Key dates from the official call and summaries are:

  • Application deadline: Open until filled (rolling review)

  • Employment start: As soon as possible / flexible within 2026

  • Contract duration: 3 years (standard doctoral period)


Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This PhD position offers a rare combination of:

  • Fully funded, salaried doctoral contract with competitive pay (TV-L E13, 65%–100%, ~€2,000–€3,500 gross/month) and standard German employee benefits for 3 years

  • A clearly defined, high-impact research project on nanoparticle–microbiome–epithelium interactions in the human lung, with direct relevance to environmental health, respiratory diseases, and One Health

  • International collaboration with leading groups at Imperial College London, offering exposure to cutting-edge methods, multi-omics platforms, and a strong publication record

  • A vibrant research environment in Munich, with access to excellent laboratories, analytical facilities, and a strong network of microbiologists, environmental scientists, and clinicians


For candidates passionate about environmental microbiology, lung microbiome research, and the impacts of environmental exposures on human health, this is an excellent opportunity to pursue a high-impact PhD at one of Europe’s leading technical universities.

For more personalized tips or templates contact our team.

www.applywithmentors.com