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Fully Funded PhD in Molecular Biology of Cyanobacteria – LMU Munich, Germany (Start: October 2026)

PhD position

8/7/2026

Ludwig‑Maximilians‑Universität München (LMU Munich) is offering a fully funded PhD Candidate position in Molecular Biology of Cyanobacteria within the Emmy Noether project “Metabolic foundation of developmental transitions” (led by Dr. Sofía Doello) in the Faculty of Biology – Bereich Botanik.

The project investigates how the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 adjusts its metabolism to survive nutrient limitation and environmental stress, focusing on metabolic regulation, dormancy, and recovery.

Position snapshot

  • Position: PhD Candidate in Molecular Biology of Cyanobacteria

  • Institution: LMU Munich, Faculty of Biology – Bereich Botanik (Botany), Biocenter

  • Location: Planegg / Munich, Germany

  • Supervisor: Dr. Sofía Doello (Emmy Noether Young Researcher Group)

  • Programme: Structured PhD in Microbiology / Molecular Biology / Biochemistry

  • Level: PhD / Doctorate (3‑year full research degree)

  • Funding: Fully funded – TV‑L E13 salary at 65% employment (approx. €2,000–€2,200 gross/month, depending on tax class and experience)

  • Start date: 1 October 2026 (or soon thereafter)

  • Deadline (official): 16 August 2026 (email application; later applications may be considered until filled)

  • Application contact: Dr. Sofía Doello – Sofia.Doello@lmu.de


About the research project

The Doello group focuses on uncovering the regulatory and adaptive mechanisms that control cyanobacterial metabolism at the molecular level, using Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 as a model system.

The appointed PhD candidate will work on the metabolic regulation of Synechocystis under nutrient stress, with an emphasis on how cells shut down metabolism, enter a dormant state, survive prolonged stress, and rapidly resume growth when nutrients become available again.

Key research activities include:

  • Creating and physiologically characterizing mutant strains of Synechocystis to dissect metabolic pathways involved in stress response and dormancy.

  • Performing enzyme purification and characterization to study key metabolic regulators and their activity under different nutrient conditions.

  • Analyzing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data to link genetic changes with metabolic phenotypes and regulatory networks.

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

  • Supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s students in lab projects related to cyanobacterial metabolism and stress adaptation.

The project combines physiological, biochemical, and molecular approaches with genomics and bioinformatics to answer fundamental questions about metabolic flexibility and survival strategies in cyanobacteria.

Supervision and research environment

The PhD candidate will be supervised by Dr. Sofía Doello, an Emmy Noether Young Researcher at LMU Munich, within the Molecular Biology of Cyanobacteria group in the Bereich Botanik (Botany) of the Faculty of Biology.

The group is part of a broader, interdisciplinary research environment in plant sciences and microbiology at LMU, with access to modern molecular biology labs, sequencing facilities, and bioinformatics support.

Doctoral researchers benefit from:

  • Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratories for microbial cultivation, molecular cloning, protein work, and omics analyses.

  • A young, international, and highly motivated team with strong publication records and collaborations across Germany and abroad.

  • Professional training and development through LMU’s graduate support services and structured doctoral programmes in the life sciences.


Funding and financial support

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

  • Contract type: PhD Candidate (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter) under TV‑L E13, suitable for doctoral research.

  • Salary level: TV‑L E13 at 65% of full‑time, which typically yields around €2,000–€2,200 gross per month (depending on tax class, experience level, and family status).

  • Duration: Fixed‑term contract from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2029 (3 years), covering the standard doctoral period.

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

  • Research support: Access to lab reagents, sequencing services, analytical equipment, and funds for conference travel and collaboration, as per LMU 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, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related life sciences, and a clear interest in cyanobacterial metabolism, stress physiology, and regulatory biology.

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

  • Biochemistry

  • Molecular Biology

  • Cell Biology

  • Biotechnology

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


Skills and attributes

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

  • Strong foundation in molecular biology research (e.g., cloning, gene expression analysis, protein work, microbial cultivation).

  • Experience with microbial systems (bacteria, cyanobacteria, algae) is highly desirable.

  • Familiarity with gene editing, protein purification, and/or enzymatic assays will be considered an advantage.

  • Genuine enthusiasm for basic research in microbial metabolism and stress adaptation, and motivation to pursue a research career in academia or related sectors.

  • Good written and spoken English (German is not required, but can be helpful for daily life in Munich).

  • 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 microbial physiology, metabolism, or related topics) is strongly recommended.

Application materials

Applications must be submitted by email only to Dr. Sofía Doello. Incomplete or late applications may still be considered until the position is filled, but early submission is strongly encouraged.

Required documents are:

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

  • One‑page letter of motivation explaining your interest in cyanobacterial metabolism, relevant background, and career goals.

  • Copy of Master’s certificate or a statement of the expected date of certification if not yet completed.

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

All documents can be sent as separate attachments or combined into a single PDF; either format is acceptable as long as all required items are included.

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

  1. Review the official position description

    • Read the full job posting on the LMU website and Agristok/ResearchersJob summaries to understand the research theme, requirements, and application instructions.

    • Note the position title: “PhD Candidate in Molecular Biology of Cyanobacteria” and supervisor: Dr. Sofía Doello.

  2. Prepare your application documents

    • Update your CV to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and skills in molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry.

    • Draft a concise, one‑page motivation letter that connects your background to the specific project (metabolic regulation and dormancy in Synechocystis), mentions any relevant lab experience (e.g., bacterial work, gene editing, protein assays), and explains your motivation for pursuing a PhD in this area.

    • Gather a scanned copy of your Master’s certificate (or a brief note on expected completion date) and confirm your referees’ contact details.

  3. Email your application before the deadline

    • Send your documents to Dr. Sofía Doello at Sofia.Doello@lmu.de.

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

    • Ensure your email is sent no later than 16 August 2026 (applications sent later may still be considered until the position is filled, but early submission is recommended).


Selection process and timeline

The recruitment process typically involves:

  • Initial evaluation: Dr. Doello 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 LMU Munich.


Key dates from the official call and summaries are:

  • Application deadline: 16 August 2026 (with possible consideration of later applications until filled)

  • Employment start: 1 October 2026

  • Contract end: 30 September 2029 (3‑year position)


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%, ~€2,000–€2,200 gross/month) and standard German employee benefits for 3 years.

  • A clearly defined, high‑impact research project on metabolic regulation and dormancy in cyanobacteria, with direct relevance to microbial stress physiology, biotechnology, and environmental microbiology.

  • A vibrant research environment in Munich/Planegg, with access to excellent molecular biology labs, sequencing facilities, and a strong network of microbiologists and plant scientists.

  • An international, collaborative team with strong publication records and opportunities for conference travel and networking.

For candidates passionate about microbiology, molecular biology, and metabolic regulation in prokaryotes, this is an excellent opportunity to pursue a high‑impact PhD at one of Europe’s leading research universities.

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