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Fully Funded PhD in Molecular Physiology of Photosynthesis – LMU Munich, Germany (Start: November 2026)

PhD position

8/7/2026

Ludwig‑Maximilians‑Universität München (LMU Munich) is offering a fully funded PhD Research Assistant (Doctoral Candidate) position in Molecular Physiology of Photosynthesis within the Prinzessin Therese von Bayern Chair of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants (Faculty of Biology).

The project focuses on the molecular regulation of the C4–CAM photosynthetic switch in Portulaca species, with special emphasis on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase (PPCK) and its role in photosynthetic flexibility under stress.

Position snapshot

  • Position: Research Assistant (PhD Candidate) in Molecular Physiology of Photosynthesis

  • Institution: LMU Munich, Faculty of Biology – Chair of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants

  • Location: Munich, Germany (next to the Botanical Garden Munich‑Nymphenburg)

  • Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Renata Callegari Ferrari

  • Programme: Structured PhD in Plant Science / Plant Physiology / Molecular Biology

  • 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 November 2026

  • Deadline (official): 5 August 2026 (email application only)

  • Application contact: Prof. Dr. Renata Callegari Ferrari – r.ferrari@lmu.de


About the research project

The AG Ferrari group studies photosynthetic adaptations that enable plants to thrive under stress, with a focus on non‑model species that can flexibly switch between different photosynthetic types (e.g., C3–CAM, C4–CAM, or C3–C4 intermediates).

The appointed PhD candidate will investigate the regulation of the C4–CAM photosynthetic switch in Portulaca*, a genus that naturally exhibits both C4 and CAM photosynthesis and can shift between them depending on environmental conditions. A major focus is understanding the role of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase (PPCK) in controlling this metabolic flexibility.

Key research activities include:

  • Developing and conducting experiments on the molecular and biochemical regulation of C4–CAM switching in Portulaca species.

  • Using physiological, biochemical, and molecular approaches (e.g., gas exchange measurements, enzyme assays, metabolite quantification, qRT‑PCR, RNA‑seq analysis) to dissect regulatory networks.

  • Analyzing transcriptional and post‑translational control mechanisms that modulate PPCK activity and other key enzymes in the C4 and CAM pathways.

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

  • Collaborating with other members of the Ferrari group and associated labs (e.g., AG Kadereit) on plant stress adaptation and photosynthetic evolution.

The project combines plant physiology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to address fundamental questions about how plants dynamically adjust their photosynthetic strategy in response to environmental stress.

Supervision and research environment

The PhD candidate will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Renata Callegari Ferrari in the Chair of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants at LMU Munich. The group is part of a vibrant, international research environment in plant sciences at LMU, with close ties to the Botanical Garden Munich‑Nymphenburg and other plant biology groups.

Doctoral researchers benefit from:

  • Access to modern laboratories, greenhouses, and field facilities for plant physiology and molecular work.

  • A young, international, and highly motivated team with strong publication records and collaborative networks.

  • 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: Research Assistant (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter) under § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG / 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 November 2026 to October 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, greenhouse space, 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 plant science, plant physiology, plant biochemistry, or molecular biology, and a clear interest in photosynthesis and plant stress adaptation.

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:

  • Plant Science / Plant Biology

  • Plant Biotechnology

  • Plant Biochemistry

  • Molecular Biology

  • Plant Physiology

  • Or a closely related discipline (e.g., Biochemistry, Biology with plant focus)


Skills and attributes

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

  • Strong foundation in plant physiology, photosynthesis, and molecular biology.

  • Experience with wet‑lab techniques such as gas exchange measurements, enzyme assays, metabolite quantification, qRT‑PCR, and/or RNA‑seq analysis.

  • Familiarity with bioinformatics tools (e.g., R/Python for RNA‑seq or proteomics) is desirable but not mandatory.

  • Genuine enthusiasm for basic research in plant physiology and photosynthesis, and motivation to pursue a research career in academia or related sectors.

  • 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 plant stress, photosynthesis, or related topics) is strongly recommended.

Application materials

Applications must be submitted by email only as a single PDF file to Prof. Dr. Renata Callegari Ferrari. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Required documents are:

  • Motivation letter (maximum one page) explaining how your background, skills, and career goals match the research project on C4–CAM photosynthesis in Portulaca.

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

  • Contact details for your Master’s thesis supervisor and one additional academic referee.

  • Degree certificates and academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s, or current Master’s progress if not yet completed).

All documents should be combined into one PDF and sent to r.ferrari@lmu.de with an appropriate subject line (e.g., “PhD Application – Molecular Physiology of Photosynthesis – [Your Name]”).

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

  1. Review the official position description

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

    • Note the position title: “Research Assistant (PhD Candidate) in Molecular Physiology of Photosynthesis” and supervisor: Prof. Dr. Renata Callegari Ferrari.

  2. Prepare your application documents

    • Update your CV to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and skills in plant physiology, molecular biology, and data analysis.

    • Draft a targeted, one‑page motivation letter that connects your background to the specific project (C4–CAM switch in Portulaca, PPCK regulation), mentions any relevant lab experience, and explains your motivation for pursuing a PhD in this area.

    • Gather scanned copies of your degree certificates and transcripts, and confirm your referees’ contact details.

  3. Combine documents into a single PDF

    • Merge your motivation letter, CV, referee contacts, and degree certificates/transcripts 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_Photosynthesis_LMU.pdf”).

  4. Email your application before the deadline

    • Send your PDF to Prof. Dr. Renata Callegari Ferrari at r.ferrari@lmu.de.

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

    • Ensure your email is sent no later than 5 August 2026.


Selection process and timeline

The recruitment process typically involves:

  • Initial evaluation: Prof. Ferrari 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: 5 August 2026

  • Employment start: 1 November 2026

  • Contract end: October 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 C4–CAM photosynthetic flexibility, with direct relevance to plant resilience, climate change adaptation, and crop improvement.

  • A vibrant research environment in Munich, with access to excellent lab and greenhouse facilities, the Botanical Garden, and a strong network of plant biologists and physiologists.

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


For candidates passionate about plant physiology, photosynthesis, and molecular mechanisms of stress adaptation, this is an excellent opportunity to pursue a high‑impact PhD at one of Europe’s leading research universities.

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