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
