Available Positions
This year, two pathways are available:
1. Doctoral Positions
The following doctoral positions are currently available. Please note that for all positions listed below, funding is still in the process of being secured.
Supervisors are committed to supporting promising candidates in identifying and applying for appropriate funding — such as a fellowship, scholarship, or third-party funding.
For full project descriptions, please visit: https://www.bio.lmu.de/lsm/en/become-an-lsm-student/recruiting-labs-doctoral-positions/index.html#st_accordion__master_2
2. Independent Research Proposals (new this year)
A number of LSM faculty members are open to receiving original research proposals in specific areas. Rather than applying to a pre-defined project, candidates develop their own original proposal inspired by the research interests of a participating faculty member. Should a proposal be of interest to the potential supervisor, they would be willing to support the candidate in identifying and applying for appropriate funding — such as a fellowship, scholarship, or third-party funding.
Participating faculty members and their research areas:
- Prof. Claude Becker— Epigenetics, epigenomics, plant-microbe interactions, biosynthetic gene clusters
- Prof. Alexander Keller— Biodiversity, AI and computer vision, plant-pollinator interactions, ecological genomics
- Prof. Dario Leister— Regulation and improvement of photosynthesis (open to CSC candidates only)
- Prof. Michael Matschiner— Phylogenetics, adaptive radiation, museum and fossil specimens
- Dr. Natascha Turetzek— Arthropod evo-devo, gene duplication, sensory organ diversification, thermal stress
For full research area abstracts, please visit: https://www.bio.lmu.de/lsm/en/become-an-lsm-student/recruiting-labs-doctoral-positions/index.html#st_accordion__master_1
Entry Requirements
- Master's degree (MSc) or equivalent in biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biophysics, biotechnology, medicine, or a related discipline
- In exceptional cases, a 4-year Bachelor's degree with Honours (min. 240 ECTS, with written thesis) is accepted
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- The most recent final examination must have taken place no more than four years prior to the date of application
- There are no tuition fees
What We Offer
- An international, multidisciplinary doctoral programme at a world-class research institution
- Individual mentoring and a structured Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC)
- A wide range of transferable skills workshops, seminars, and career development opportunities
- Financial support for conferences and scientific events
- A vibrant student community at the LMU Biocenter
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted through the LSM Online Application Portal — applications via email or mail will not be accepted.
- Application portal opens: 1 September 2026
- Application deadline: 19 October 2026, 12:00 noon CET
- Letters of reference deadline: 26 October 2026, 12:00 noon CET
- Online interview days: Early January 2027
Apply here: www.portal.graduatecenter.lmu.de/ocgc/lsm
Full details: www.bio.lmu.de/lsm/en/become-an-lsm-student
Contact: info.lsm@bio.lmu.de
