12 PhD Fellowships at Jena School for Microbial Communication

The Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) is funded by the German Excellence Initiative. It conceptionally combines different research areas (microbial communities, interactions with plant, animal and human hosts and environmental interactions) to a comprehensive picture of microbial communication (www.jsmc.uni-jena.de). JSMC is an ambitious Graduate School prospectively comprising 150 PhD students who are educated in a structured, interdisciplinary training program based on top-level fundamental research.

Four faculties of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, six non-university research institutions as well as twelve partner companies are participating in this cutting edge research and training program which includes an innovative PhD program, career development and intensive sociocultural care. Three embedded existing Research Training Groups as well as twelve other cooperative research projects are engaged to incorporate novel research areas to achieve a complete view of microbial communication.

JSMC invites applications for 12 PhD Student Fellowships We expect:
- a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Natural or Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Medical Sciences, etc.). Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply.
- high motivation and interest to join one of the interdisciplinary research areas of JSMC
- creativity and interest to shape your own thesis project
- an integrative and cooperative personality
- very good communication skills in English (instruction language at JSMC)

We offer:
- a highly communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top-level research conditions
- a PhD stipend paid for 3 years according to the rules of the DFG (German Research Foundation) as well as generous research funding
- a comprehensive mentoring program with efficient supervision by a team of supervisors
- a structured PhD training program including courses in novel technologies and soft skills
- Jena – the German City of Science 2008: a young and lively city with dynamic business activities, successful scientific centres of innovation and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University Friedrich Schiller University Jena is an equal opportunity employer.

The application procedure is handled online exclusively via the JSMC website: www.jsmc.uni-jena.de

To apply, please acquaint yourself with the vacant PhD projects listed on this website. Then download, complete, and submit the ‘Statement of Interest’ form.
Applications can only be considered upon receipt of the completed ‘Statement of Interest’ form submitted by email to apply-jsmc@uni-jena.de.
DO NOT submit any additional documents at this point.

Deadline for submission of the ‘Statement of Interest’: April 6th, 2009.

Selected applicants will be invited to a JSMC Recruitment Meeting in Jena, Germany, at the end of June, 2009. Awarding decisions will be made shortly thereafter (July 2009).

Homepage : http://www.jsmc.uni-jena.de/

Contact address : JSMC - Jena School for Microbial Communication Friedrich Schiller University Jena Jenergasse 8 D-07743 Jena phone: +49 (0)3641-930 420

Keywords : biology, chemistry, physics, medical sciences, biochemistry, jena, phd fellowship
Name : Ulrike Schleier
Email : appl-jsmc@uni-jena.de