Ph.D Admissions at University of Göttingen,Germany

University of Göttingen
GGNB Biomolecules: Structure-Function-Dynamics

Degree:PhD (Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences) or, alternatively, Dr rer nat

In Cooperation with: Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry (MPI-bpc); Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine (MPI-em); German Primate Center (DPZ)

Course Language(s): English

Admission Semester: any time

Beginning of Programme: Open

Programme Duration: Three years

Application Deadline: Application is possible independent of deadlines.

Contact

Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
GGNB Office
Kirsten Pöhlker
Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11
37077 Göttingen
Tel. +49 (0) 5 51-3 91 40 04
Fax. +49 (0) 5 51-3 91 40 47
ggnb@gwdg.de
Submit Application To

Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
GGNB Office
Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11
37077 Göttingen
Germany
(Online Application at www.ggnb.uni-goettingen.de)

Description of Content:

The research focus is on the structure, function, and dynamics of biological macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies with emphasis on molecular mechanisms of interactions. Research topics include chromatin remodelling, vesicular transport, membrane fusion, nucleo-cytoplasmic transport, the nuclear pore complex, the spliceosome, the ribosome, and other ribonucleoprotein complexes. All these projects share the common goal of biochemical reconstitution, as well as biophysical and structural understanding of the processes involved. 

In recent years, Göttingen has developed into one of the leading centres of structural biology. There are several groups applying NMR-spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. These approaches are complemented by biophysical methods (fluorescence- and CD spectroscopy, calorimetry, EPR-spectroscopy, rapid kinetics, single molecule biophysics, etc). The analysis of three-dimensional structures also includes theoretical approaches to the structural dynamics of biological macromolecules. Many of these groups are united in the DFG Collaborative Reseach Centre SFB 860 that is thematically focused on the structure, function, and dynamics of macromolecular complexes.

Course Description:

Educational Organization:

Biomolecules: Structure-Function-Dynamics is a doctoral programme of the Faculty of Biology, offered by the Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). It is funded by the DFG within the framework of the German Federal and State Governments' Excellence Initiative to promote science and research at German universities. The graduate school offers a joint modular training programme to which all doctoral programmes of the GGNB contribute, and which is open to all GGNB students. In addition to a lecture and seminar programme, training consists of (1) individual counselling by thesis committees, (2) intensive methods teaching courses of one to three weeks in special training labs, (3) two- or three-day methods courses in the laboratories of the participating faculty, (4) professional skills courses such as scientific writing, presentation skills, intercultural communication, project management, team leadership skills, conflict resolution, ethics and career development, and (5) student-organised scientific meetings, industry excursions and intercultural events. Students are able to tailor their individual curriculum by choosing from a large number of courses and events.

The Biomolecules programme provides training for doctoral students with a special interest in understanding cellular functions at the molecular level. Students will become experts in studying the structure and function of biomolecules at an atomic or molecular level, and they will also be trained in biophysical chemistry and cell biology in order to understand molecular function in a cellular context.

In addition to seminars on biochemistry, microbiology and structural biology, the programme contributes to GGNB training with short methods courses conveying state-of-the-art techniques for the quantitative analysis of protein-protein and protein-nucleic acids interactions, biochemical kinetics, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics, both at an introductory and advanced level. Furthermore, the programme administers the new bioanalytics lab facilities (up and running since 2008) and the associated extended methods course.

The Biomolecules programme is hosted by the Göttingen Centre for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB) of the University of Göttingen and includes faculty members of a variety of university research groups, as well as research groups at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine and the German Primate Center.

Forms of Assessment:

Evaluation of doctoral thesis by two referees; public defence of doctoral thesis

Study Abroad Unit(s)

Participation in international scientific meetings, time-limited research projects and methods courses abroad are encouraged

General promotion / funding of the programme

German Research Foundation

ECTS-Credits: 20

Diploma Supplement: No

Course-related German Language Courses: Yes

Course-related English Language Courses: Yes

Course Objectives: The aim of the programme is to provide an intensive, research-oriented education in an excellent research environment. The programme is intended to qualify students for a professional career in academia, industry or science management.

Costs, Fees and Funding:

Tuition Fees: No tuition fees are charged for the PhD programmes at the Georg August University.

Enrolment Fees: The enrolment fees are approx. 200 EUR per semester. The fee includes a pre-paid semester ticket which entitles students to use local trains within the federal states of Lower Saxony and Bremen free of charge.

Costs of Living: The cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to most university cities in Germany. Approx. 650-700 EUR per month are currently required (for accommodation, food, health insurance, books, etc.).

Job Opportunities: The University of Göttingen and the Biomolecules programme support students in their pursuit of a professional career in academia, industry or science management. During the course of study, employment as a teaching or research assistant at the university or its non-university partners is possible. Doctoral fellowships are available at approx 1,100 -1,500 EUR per month.

Funding Opportunities within the University: Doctoral fellowships are available at approx 1,100 -1,500 EUR per month.

Required Entry Qualification Profile:

Language Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English are asked to submit proof of proficiency in English. If no English test is available, proficiency in English can be evaluated during a personal interview. Proven higher education in English or a reasonably long stay in an English-speaking country may also be accepted.

Required DSH / TestDaF : No

Required English Language Test: Yes

Academic requirements:

Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, chemistry, physics, or related fields

Where to Apply

Directly at the university

FOR DETAILS, PLEASE REFER www.ggnb.uni-goettingen.de