Recruiting labs/ Doctoral positions

Research Group: Prof. Dr. Claude Becker, Genetics of Organismic Interactions
Lab homepage: https://www.bio.lmu.de/en/research/research-fields/genetics/becker-lab/

Research Area 1
In this research area, we are interested in receiving proposals related to epigenetic and epigenomics, particularly in the context of somaclonal variation, to address the question: How does vegetative propagation of plants influence the emergence, stability and genomic distribution of epigenetic variants? Candidates with a background in computational biology and data analysis are encouraged to apply.

Relevant publications:
10.1073/pnas.1805371115
10.7554/eLife.13546
10.1371/journal.pgen.1010479

Research Area 2
Here, we are looking for candidates with an interest in the genetics underlying organismic interactions in plants. In particular, our research investigates the role of plant-derived specialized metabolites in shaping interactions with bacteria, fungi, insects and other plants. We are focussing on biosynthetic gene clusters in grasses and in Solanaceae and ask how these clusters have evolved, how they are regulated, and how the products deriving from these clusters act in modulating beneficial interactions and/or in defending the plant against herbivores and pathogens. We are looking for candidates with a diversified background in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, biochemistry, and/or computational biology.

Relevant publications:
10.1073/pnas.2420164122
10.1111/nph.20416
10.1101/2025.02.25.640125v3

Research Group: Prof. Alexander Keller - Organismic and Cellular Networks
Lab homepage

We welcome innovative research proposals investigating how biodiversity responds to global environmental change using ecological and computational approaches. We are particularly interested in projects focusing on AI and computer vision for biodiversity monitoring, climate change impacts on foraging resources, plant-pollinator interactions, DNA metabarcoding and ecological interaction networks to understand ecosystem functioning and biodiversity change. We particularly encourage interdisciplinary proposals combining field ecology with molecular ecology, ecological bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, or ecological modelling. Candidates with backgrounds in ecology, ecoinformatics, deep-learning and computer vision, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Selected publications:

* Honey bee food resources under threat from climate change. Nature Communications (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-68085-6

* Limited thermal tolerance in tropical insects and its genomic signature. Nature (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10155-w

* Biodiversity resilience in a tropical rainforest. Nature (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10365-2

* Semi-automated sequence curation for reliable reference datasets in ITS2 vascular plant DNA (meta-)barcoding. Scientific Data (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-02962-5

Google Scholar:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=de&user=RSmdZ3kAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

Research areas open to proposals:
We are interested in receiving proposals related to the regulation and the improvement of photosynthesis, particularly in the context of genetic screens, adaptive evolution and synthetic biology. Candidates with a background in the genetics and/or microbiology of plants or photosynthetic microorganisms are encouraged to apply.

Please note: This research group is exclusively open to applications from Chinese candidates who are eligible for the LMU-CSC Scholarship (China Scholarship Council). If you are not a Chinese national or not eligible for the CSC scholarship, please consider other participating research groups.

Relevant publications:
Penzler JF, Naranjo B, Walz S, Marino G, Kleine T, Leister D (2024) A pgr5 suppressor screen uncovers two distinct suppression mechanisms and links cytochrome b6f complex stability to PGR5. Plant Cell 36: 4245-4266. https://academic.oup.com/plcell/article/36/10/4245/7635904

Figueroa-Gonzalez T, Chen W, Abdel-Salam EM, Štipl D, Komenda J, Zhivkovikj M, Dann M, Leister D. 2026. Improving tolerance to fluctuating light through adaptive laboratory evolution in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis. Nat Commun. 17(1):4025. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-72689-x

Lab homepage

Research areas open to proposals:

We are interested in receiving proposals related to phylogenetics or museum-related research. Our work aims to resolve diversification processes, particularly of groups that undergo adaptive radiation (e.g. African cichlid fishes, Antarctic notothenioid fishes), and we include museum and fossil specimens in our analyses to gain a fuller picture of their diversity. Candidates with a background in bioinformatics and/or molecular labwork are encouraged to apply.

Relevant publications:

Muschick et al. (2025) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108406

Matschiner et al. (2020) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-17827-9

Ngoepe et al. (2025) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-23186-6

Lab homepage: https://www.bio.lmu.de/en/research/research-fields/zoology/matschiner-lab/

The Turetzek Lab studies arthropods, with a focus on how genetic and molecular mechanisms are linked to phenotypic diversity and adaption. The group combines comparative developmental biology, functional genetics, comparative genomics, and multi-omics to investigate the evolution of appendages, sensory organs, and reactions to thermal stress in spiders and insects.

We welcome research proposals on the genetic and molecular basis of arthropod diversification, especially in spiders and insects. Particularly interesting topics include:
1. Gene duplication and divergence: studying how tandem duplications, whole genome duplications, and paralog expression divergence contribute to phenotypic innovations and adaptive mechanisms
2. Evo-devo of sensory organs:
a) revealing the genetic basis controlling specification and differentiation of external mechanosensory organs in spiders
b) identification of the genetic mechanisms involved in sensilla diversification on the egg-laying apparatus in the agricultural pest species, the spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii
3. Thermal stress effects in arthropods across life stages and tissues:
a) Compare thermal limits of different life stages and sexes in spider and insects species and investigate effects on fitness and behavior.
b) Compare tissue specific physiological and genetic responses in response to heatwaves in spiders and insects

Projects can integrate comparative genomics, gene function, multi-omics, and behavioral approaches.

We are interested in receiving proposals related to arthropod evo-devo, gene and genome duplication, sense organ diversification, and developmental or tissue specific heat stress responses, particularly in the context of phenotypic diversification and adaptation in insects and spiders. Candidates with a background in developmental biology, genomics, bioinformatics, or evolutionary/behavioral ecology are encouraged to apply.

Relevant publications or collaborative projects:

- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jez.b.23304

- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13227-024-00224-4

- https://g-evol.uni-muenster.de/

- https://www.thermalecologyalliance.org/projects

Lab homepage: https://www.turetzek-lab.org/

Project Title: Antisense oligionucelotide treatment for MAST3 associated epilepsy

Supervisor: Prof. David Keays (LMU, Munich)

Funding: is currently pending, Prof. Keays would be willing to support promising candidates in applying for appropriate funding — such as a fellowship, scholarship, or third-party funding

The Project. Epilepsy is a severe chronic neurological disorder that affects more than 50 million people worldwide. Mutations in MAST3, an uncharacterised serine/threonine kinase, are known to cause epilepsy through a gain of function mechanism. In this project will exploit modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that target recurrent pathogenic mutations in MAST3. We will test the efficancy of this approach using a platform that relies on human stem cells, harbouring MAST3 mutations. Working closely with industry partners we will use these cells, to generate “min-brains” within the laboratory which model multiple aspects of brain development and have been shown to recapitulate epileptic phenotypes. The student will become skilled in 3D cell culture, physiological methods, single cell sequencing, and will be well positioned for a career that bridges academic and industry.

The ideal candidate. This ambitious project requires a candidate with an existing interest in stem cell biology and/or developmental neuroscience. He/she should be patient, be impervious to scientific failure, value quantitative approaches and demonstrated a capacity for scientific excellence.

Website: www.Keayslab.org

Relevant papers: Tripathy R, et al. Mutations in MAST1 Cause Mega-Corpus-Callosum Syndrome with Cerebellar Hypoplasia and Cortical Malformations.. Neuron. 2018 Dec 19;100(6):1354-1368.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.10.044. Epub 2018 Nov 15.

Project Title: Avian Cerebral Organoids

Supervisor: Prof. David Keays (LMU, Munich)

Funding: is currently pending, Prof. Keays would be willing to support promising candidates in applying for appropriate funding — such as a fellowship, scholarship, or third-party funding

The Project. An opportunity exists for a driven and passionate neuroscientist to undertake a Phd under the supervision of Dr David Keays on avian cerebral organoids. The project will aim to generate a library of avian iPSC and ES cells for the generation of three dimensional neuronal cultures. The latter will then be employed to interrogate Avian specific aspects of neurodevelopment, exploiting CRISP-Cas9 genome editing, single cell sequencing, and histological methods. Specifically, we are interested in exploring the shape and type of neuronal progenitors, the modular nature of the avian brain, and the evolution of white matter tracts.

The ideal candidate. This ambitious project requires a candidate with an existing interest in stem cell biology and/or developmental neuroscience. He/she should be patient, be impervious to scientific failure, value quantitative approaches and demonstrated a capacity for scientific excellence.

Website: www.Keayslab.org

Project Title: The Identification and Characterisation of Novel Microtubule Associated Proteins.

Supervisor: Prof. David Keays (LMU, Munich)

Funding: is currently pending, Prof. Keays would be willing to support promising candidates in applying for appropriate funding — such as a fellowship, scholarship, or third-party funding

The Project. Microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) play critical roles in multiple aspects of neurodevelopment, guiding the generation, migration and differentiation of neurons. Mutations in genes which encode for MAPs results in a broad spectrum of neurological disorders including lissencephaly, microcephaly, and callosal phenotypes. In this project we will draw on existing unpublished mass spectroscopy datasets to identify novel proteins associated with the microtubule cytoskeleton. The function of these proteins will then be interrogated in vitro, exploiting neuronal stem cell, organoid based platforms and CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering. We expect this project will provide insight into the role of the neuronal cytoskeleton in the development and evolution of the vertebrate brain.

The ideal candidate. This ambitious project requires a candidate with an existing interest in stem cell biology and/or developmental neuroscience. He/she should be patient, be impervious to scientific failure, value quantitative approaches and demonstrated a capacity for scientific excellence.

Website: www.Keayslab.org

Relevant papers:

Phillips AW, Cushion TD, Vilceanu A, Heisterkamp P, Keays DA. Loss of EB2 delays mitotic progression in murine and human neural progenitors. Development. 2026 Mar 1;153(5):dev204903. doi: 10.1242/dev.204903.

Leca I et al. A proteomic survey of microtubule-associated proteins in a R402H TUBA1A mutant mouse. PLoS Genet. 2020 Nov 2;16(11):e1009104.

Institute:
LMU Munich, Faculty of Biology, Genetics

Subject areas/Research fields:
Protein Biochemistry/ Structural Biology/ Molecular Biology/ Molecular Plant Sciences, Microbiology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Evo-Devo, Genetics

Keywords: Development, Evolution, Symbiosis, Plant-Microbe interaction, transcriptional regulation, transcriptional networks

Name of supervisor: Prof. Dr. Martin Parniske

Funding:
Application for funding by the DFG is in progress

Project title:
Transcriptional networks shaping the legume root symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia

Project description:

Crop production worldwide is sustained through nitrogen fertilizer produced via the energy-demanding Haber-Bosch process. Legumes evolved to become independent of nitrogen from the soil by engaging in symbiosis with bacteria, collectively called rhizobia, that convert atmospheric nitrogen to plant-usable ammonium. The project builds on the underlying idea that the nitrogen-fixing root nodule symbiosis of legumes experienced modifications and improvements by dynamically evolving transcriptional networks. By focusing on transcription factors and cis-regulatory elements on cognate promoters, the early career scientist will investigate and compare the connections between different signaling pathways involved in the evolution of the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis of legumes.

The project will require a strong knowledge base and ideally practical experience in protein biochemistry, analysis of protein-protein and protein-DNA interaction in vitro and transcriptome analysis in silico.

References: Google Scholar

For further information, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Martin Parniske, parniske@lmu.de

Research Group Website

Institute: LMU Munich, Faculty of Biology, Genetics

Subject areas/Research fields:
Biochemistry/ Pharmacology/ Genetics/ Molecular Biology/ Molecular Plant Sciences

Keywords:

Drosophilia suzukii, Plant secondary metabolites, Fragaria vesca, Strawberry

Name of supervisor: Prof. Dr. Martin Parniske

Funding:
Application for funding by the BMFTR in progress

Project title: Harnessing natural genetic resources to defend fruits against insect attack

Project description:

Drosophila suzukii, a member of the vinegar fly family, has become the most damaging pest worldwide for a wide variety of soft fruits. While other Drosophila species lay their eggs into decaying fruits, D. suzukii has evolved the ability to insert eggs into the flesh of ready-to-harvest ripe fruits either on plants or in storage. Hatched larvae then consume the fruits from inside out and infected fruits are no longer suitable for human consumption. Aiming for a sustainable and effective control method, we utilized a diverse collection of strawberry plants (genus Fragaria) and identified sources of natural resistance to D. suzukii, the first-reported herbivore resistance in fruits (Gong et al., 2016). Our results indicate inhibitory effect at early stages of D. suzukii larvae development and involvement of plant secondary metabolites. As a consequence, resistant genotypes do not support proliferation of flies, hence limiting the source of infestation. In this project, we aim to identify the genes and mechanisms underlying this resistance and thus provide alternative strategies that can replace insecticide application for the production of healthy fruits. Our two-pronged approach will involve on the one hand the bioassay-based purification and identification of the larvae inhibiting compounds from resistant strawberries and on the other hand the genetic identification of the strawberry gene(s) responsible for this resistance.

Applicants will benefit from a theoretical background and ideally practical experience in plant genetics and/or plant secondary metabolite analysis.

References:

Google Scholar

For further information, please contact: Martin Parniske (parniske@lmu.de)

Reseach group website

What is the LSM? The LSM (Life Science Munich Graduate School) is an international doctoral institution of Ludwig Maximilian University Munich (LMU).

What does the LSM offer? The LSM offers an international doctoral programme in life sciences spanning a wide range of disciplines including Anthropology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Ecology, Genetics, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Plant Sciences, Zoology, and more.

What degree does the LSM award? The LSM awards the German doctoral degree Dr. rer. nat., which is equivalent to a PhD but legally not identical.

Are there tuition fees? There are no tuition fees for the LSM doctoral programme. However, all students must be matriculated at LMU, which requires a semester fee of approximately €144 per semester.

Are doctoral students financially supported? Successful applicants receive a doctoral position generally funded through the supervisor's third-party research funds or a scholarship. The programme also provides financial support for conferences, transferable skills courses, methods courses, and social events.

Where can I find the full list of LSM faculty members? The full list of LSM faculty members is available on our Faculty page.

Are interviews held in person or online? Since 2020, all LSM interview days have been held online via Zoom.

What are the entry requirements? Applicants must hold a Master of Science degree (MSc) or equivalent. In exceptional cases, a Bachelor's degree with Honours (4-year degree, min. 240 ECTS, with written thesis) is accepted. Your degree does not need to be completed at the time of application, but must be awarded before starting the studies. The programme is taught entirely in English — proficiency in written and spoken English is expected.

My English language certificate is outdated. Can I still upload it? Yes, please upload your most recent certificate even if it is a few years old.

Do I need to upload a CV? Yes, a CV must be uploaded in the Profile/CV section of the online application tool.

Can I apply while still completing my degree? Yes. You may apply before your degree is completed, provided it is awarded by 30 September of the year your doctoral studies begin.

My academic documents are not in English or German. Do I need a translation? Yes, translations into English or German must be submitted alongside your original documents. Certified translations are not required at the application stage, but may be requested during interviews or upon matriculation. Documents in Catalan, Danish, Dutch, French, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Romanian, Icelandic, or Latin do not require notarization or official translation.

I am studying abroad and cannot access some required documents. Can I submit them later? Late document submissions are only accepted in exceptional cases. Please contact the LSM office to discuss your situation.

How and when can I apply? Applications must be submitted online through the LSM Online Application Tool, which opens annually on 1 September. Applications submitted by mail, email, or outside the application window will not be considered.

What should I write in the first essay — Letter of Motivation? Please describe why you chose to apply to the LSM doctoral programme specifically, how you will benefit from it, how the LSM will benefit from having you, and why you wish to pursue a doctoral thesis in your selected research group.

What should I write in the second essay — Motivation for Selected Research Project? Please describe your scientific skills, methodologies, and techniques in essay form — not as a CV — and explain how they match with your selected project.

Can I apply to a lab that has no advertised position this round? For funded doctoral positions, only labs with an advertised project can be selected — not all LSM members offer funded positions every year. Please visit the lab's website directly to check for independent openings.
For the Research Idea & Proposal pathway, you may only apply to labs that have indicated their openness to receiving independent proposals this round.

Can I choose a research group not listed on the LSM website? No. Only research groups actively participating in the LSM doctoral programme may be selected. TAC members, however, do not need to be affiliated with LSM-participating institutes — with the exception of the direct supervisor.

How do I know my referees have been contacted? Your referees are contacted automatically as soon as you click "Save" on the References page. You will receive a notification once each referee has submitted their letter. Please double-check the spelling of referee email addresses carefully.

Can I submit existing recommendation letters directly? No. All letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically by the referees themselves through the LSM online system. Referees will also be asked to complete a short evaluation form, which takes very little time.

Can I edit my application after submitting it? No. Once submitted, your application cannot be amended. You may edit and save your application as many times as needed before clicking "Save and Submit." After submission, only your name, password, and email address can be updated.