Graduate Research Programmes

CEPLAS – Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences – from complex traits towards synthetic modules is a joint effort of MUHS, University of Cologne, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) and Forschungszentrum Jülich. Researchers of these institutions are pursuing inventive strategies for sustainable plant production. The goal of this cluster initiative is to develop state of the art methods for a second green revolution on the basis of innovative basic research and established know-how in plant research. CEPLAS focuses on cutting edge science as well as on the promotion of young scientists by novel study modules and individual training programmes.

For further information and open positions please see the homepage.
Homepage: CEPLAS

Biological membranes maintain a non-equilibrium state between the inside and outside space of single cells, subcellular compartments, and between the cells of multicellular organisms. A prerequisite for life is that membranes are not static entities but comprise constantly changing boundaries that react in response to internal and external cues. How do membranes obtain their identity and control their spatio-temporal dynamics? Which role do their constituents play, mainly the different kinds of membrane proteins and protein complexes? These are the fundamental questions that will be addressed within this CRC. As model systems, we have chosen different uni- and multicellular organisms to investigate identity and dynamics of their membrane systems. Our studies will comprise a two-pronged approach, starting from both, the level of individual membrane proteins and their complexes as well as entire cellular membrane systems.
We combine in our multifaceted consortium a unique range of structural, biochemical and cell biological technologies, which aims to unravel the molecular and cellular processes within the entire biological relevant timescale from nanoseconds to days. Our multidisciplinary approach, which involves extensive collaborations at the methodological and conceptual level, aims to decipher the multidimensional interplay between components of different membrane systems and the membranes themselves that ultimately form the basis for a wealth of biological processes.

For further information see the homepage:
Homepage: CRC 1208

Microbial life has a huge impact on human society determining our health, nutrition and the functioning of whole ecosystems. In nature, microorganisms do not live as autarkic units but interact and communicate with each other resulting in the exchange of nutrients and information, an active process we call “networking”. This microbial networking is operational at different scales ranging from intracellular endosymbionts to intercellular cross-kingdom communities. A highly evolved example of networking is displayed by organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, where endosymbiotic bacterial cells gave up their individuality to become integral, but still semi-autonomous, parts of their eukaryotic hosts. At the community level, higher-order biological entities are formed that consist of prokaryotic and eukaryotic members and are commonly referred to as microbiomes. CRC MibiNet’s vision is to understand microbial networking in its full complexity to explain how organelles evolve and how microbiome functions emerge. Therefore, we address the establishment, maintenance and evolution of microbial networking from intracellular interactions of organelles or endosymbionts and their host cell (A projects) to intercellular interactions in cross-kingdom communities (B projects) using state-of-the-art in vivo approaches and metabolomics (Z projects). We propose that the physiological and metabolic state of each member determines the dynamic and spatial organisation of microbial networking. CRC MibiNet will pursue a profound “learning from nature” strategy: fundamental principles and unifying concepts from natural examples of stable microbial interactions will be challenged by implementing them in the synthetic construction of designer organelles, endosymbionts and cross-kingdom communities. With the interdisciplinary training programme MibiNeⓍt, this CRC puts a special emphasis on the education of the next generation of microbiologists with important skills in data science and modelling enabling them to act at the interface between disciplines. Ultimately, the coordinated effort of CRC MibiNet will open up new horizons for the engineering of microbial networking for future medical, agricultural and biotechnological applications.

More information on the CRC website

Ecosystems are threatened worldwide by anthropogenic degradation, fragmentation and rapid climate change. Plants are critical for nearly all food webs and thus for the functioning of ecosystems. In this CRC, we therefore address the fundamental question: What are the genetic underpinnings of plant responses and adaptation to environmental change? To address this question, we will dissect the genetics of adaptation in plant species with contrasting abilities to grow under limited resources, abiotic stress, and competition with other plants. Using state-of-the-art genetic technologies with a combination of field surveys and controlled environmental manipulations, we will identify the genetic variation that controls survival and reproduction in response to altered resource availability, abiotic stress and plant-plant competition pressures. By comparing closely and distantly related species, we will assess whether the function of genes for adaptation to a particular environmental condition is species-specific or conserved over evolutionary time. For this purpose, our consortium is organized into two key research areas. Research area A will determine the importance of candidate genes and traits for survival and reproduction in challenging environments. Research area B will use quantitative and population genetics methods to isolate the variants in plant genomes that contribute to plant adaptation to natural environments. A common database will assemble all generated results and support the synthesis of findings across plant species, traits, genes, and environments. Our CRC includes an interdisciplinary training program in Molecular Biology and Ecology for early career scientists, who will be crucial for reaching our goals and disseminating our results. Ultimately, work in this consortium will provide key information on the traits, genes and (epi-)genetic variants promoting adaptations to environmental change in plants, and assist future efforts to preserve natural ecosystems.

More information on the TRR 341 website

Unraveling molecular resistance mechanisms against pharmacologically active compounds as well as the search for new bioactive compounds that can overcome either intrinsic or extrinsic resistance are core subjects of pharmaceutical research. This important topic will be investigated within the Research Training Group as exemplified by chemoresistant tumors and infections with chemoresistant microbial pathogens. Both forms of diseases are characterized by numerous resistance mechanisms against currently available drugs which may either weaken the success of drug therapy or which will render it completely ineffective. Known resistance mechanisms of tumors and microbial pathogens show functional similarities. Efforts aiming at a combined study of antitumor and of antimicrobial activities will thus lead to a scientific added value, especially as microorganisms often serve as model systems for research on more complex eukaryotic cells. Natural products and analogs inspired by natural products that are derived from stress exposed and hitherto rarely investigated marine organisms and fungal endophytes will serve as a pool for new lead structures and inspirations for novel molecular tools that will help in unraveling molecular modes of action and resistance mechanisms.

For further information and open positions please contact:
Homepage RTG 2158

Electronic excitation of molecules impacts diverse areas ranging from photobiology to molecular electronics, from basic science to applications, such as organic light emitting diodes (OLED). Intersystem crossing (ISC), the non-radiative interconversion of electronic states with different spin multiplicities, is a key process in photochemistry and photophysics. The efficiency and kinetics of ISC can render electronically excited molecules photo-labile or -stable, emissive or dark. This RTG proposes to study and modulate ISC in molecules by chemical substitution and by varying the molecular environment. It promotes and fosters interdisciplinary research seeking for a deeper understanding of emission enhancement by controlling ISC from singlet to triplet and its reverse. Closely related to this highly topical research, a cross-curricular PhD training program will be established, taking into special consideration diverse scientific backgrounds of the candidates. The doctoral researchers are being strategically mentored by co-supervision teams of PIs holding complementary expertise. In addition, workshops with international speakers, RTG symposia, and the RTG training will enhance the educational and subject-specific didactical skills of the young researchers as an optimal preparation for future work in academia or industry.

For additional information please visit the website of the graduate training group:
Homepage MODISC

In Deutschland sind etwa 7 Millionen Menschen an Typ-2-Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) erkrankt. Mehr als 300.000 Neuerkrankungen pro Jahr werden derzeit verzeichnet. Zur Diabetesentstehung tragen sowohl genetische als auch Umweltfaktoren bei. Insbesondere eine frühe Exposition mit ungünstigen Lebensstilfaktoren, pränatale oder juvenile Überernährung und Bewegungsmangel ist mit einem erhöhten Diabetesrisiko assoziiert. Die mechanistischen Zusammenhänge zwischen dieser frühen Exposition und dem Einsetzen einer gestörten Insulinwirkung in frühen Lebensphasen, sowie die darauffolgende Funktionsstörung der insulinproduzierenden β-Zellen, sind jedoch nicht hinreichend verstanden. Ziel des Forschungsprogramms ist es, die molekularen Mechanismen bei der frühen Diabetesentstehung besser zu verstehen. Doktoranden der Naturwissenschaften und der Medizin (PhD, Dr. rer.nat /Dr. med.) untersuchen gemeinsam neue experimentelle Modelle der Diabetesentstehung. Ein strukturiertes und kohärentes Qualifizierungskonzept mit translationaler Ausrichtung bietet den Rahmen für ein nachhaltiges Training und Mentoring, um das Wissen in der translationalen Diabetesforschung zu erweitern.

Für weitere Informationen und offene Stellen besuchen Sie bitte die Homepage des Graduiertenkollegs
Homepage: vivid

The RTG combines local scientific expertises in a multidisciplinary center of research and education in the field of toxicology. The research program has the following objectives: (i) analysis of differentiation-dependent alterations of factors that determine the susceptibility of stem (SC) and progenitor cells (PC) to genotoxins; (ii) Investigation of the impact of prototypical genotoxins on the efficacy and accuracy of the differentiation process. The RTG aims for an in-depth characterization of the complex stress responses of SC/PC and the differentiated progeny following genotoxic insults. In practice, the effects of genotoxins will be analyzed regarding cellular viability and differentiation efficacy of SC/PC as well as the functionality of the differentiated progeny using various murine and human in vitro models. The implementation of various test systems and well-defined genotoxins together with an extensive analysis of relevant end points will effectively foster multidisciplinary knowledge acquisition in stem cell-related toxicology. As a result of the networked scientific concept, appreciable synergistic effects are anticipated that favor both knowledge in basic research and future development of translational concepts. We expect that the RTG will substantially promote the advancement of “integrated toxicological test systems” (ITS), which aim to reduce animal-based toxicity testings (3R-principle).The multidisciplinary RTG communicates consolidated theoretical knowledge and substantial practical expertise in interdisciplinary areas of toxicology. It provides a qualified advanced training of the internationally recruited students in major fields of modern and future-oriented toxicology. The training program initiates the advanced qualifying education of the doctorate students to (European Registered Toxicologist). The RTG will expand and further solidify the pre-existing toxicological education at the MUHS, as represented by the NRW master study course “Toxicology” and, hence, provides a nationwide unique up-to-date platform for qualified education in toxicology. The RTG links the main areas of research established at the medical faculty and implements the aims of the developmental plan of the MUHS. It encompasses the university´s core areas “education” and “basic/applied research” and will guarantee the qualification of highly competent graduates with an excellent and comprehensive understanding of interdisciplinary aspects of modern toxicology.

More information on the RTGs website

The aim of the new Graduate School is to implement a unique training for scientific PhD students in the field of infectiology. The young researchers will be trained to discover new strategies for the elimination / clearance of pathogens from the infected host. The projects undertaken by the Manchot Graduate School "Molecules of Infection" (GS MOI) will concentrate on molecules that play important roles during infections, and these will be characterized in the context of specific disease models.

For further information and open positions please see the homepage.
Homepage: MOI

Die Gelsenkirchen School of Oncology DSO ist ein spezielles Ausbildungsprogramm des UTZ Gelsenkirchen für medizinische und naturwissenschaftliche Doktoranden im Bereich der onkologischen Forschung. Die Gelsenkirchen School of Oncology hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, die Qualität der Ausbildung des wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses im Bereich der Krebsforschung nachhaltig zu verbessern.

Durch eine umfassende Ausbildung in den Bereichen Biochemie, Zellbiologie, Molekularbiologie, Physiologie, Bioinformatik, Molekularer und Experimenteller Medizin erhalten die Doktoranden eine hervorragende Qualifikation auf dem Gebiet der molekularen Tumorbiologie.

Für weitere Informationen und offene Stellen besuchen Sie bitte die Homepage.
Homepage: Gelsenkirchen School of Oncology (UTZ-DSO)

HITEC is a Helmholtz Graduate School of Forschungszentrum Jülich and the five partner universities Aachen, Bochum, Cologne, Gelsenkirchen and Wuppertal focusing on energy and climate research. The aim of the Graduate School is to provide PhD students with the expertise and the methodological and communication skills necessary for scientific work on the highest international level. Furthermore, well-founded cross-cutting know-how will be imparted on the scientific, technical and social dimensions of the topic of energy and climate, such as the complex relations between the energy supply and its impact on climate change. HITEC stands for Helmholtz Interdisciplinary Doctoral Training in Energy and Climate.

For further information and open positions please see the homepage.
Homepage: HITEC

The Gelsenkirchen Graduate School of Economics (Dean: Prof. Normann) and its doctoral program are an initiative of the university's economics group within the Faculty of Business and Economics. In our program, outstanding students holding a Master's degree receive intensive training in analytical methods and quantitative analysis which prepares them for successful research. The two major fields of research, industrial economics and competition policy or international economics and monetary economics. The duration of the program is three years with a possible extension for the completion of the dissertation. All teaching is in English.

For further Information and open Positions please see the Homepage.
Homepage Graduate School of Economics

The Manchot Graduate School “Competitiveness of Young Enterprises“ (WEJU) of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics explores how young companies can achieve a competitive market position and how they are able to become market leaders within highly competitive environments. Accordingly, the aim is to empirically examine key challenges young enterprises are confronted with in order to derive evidence-based recommendations for entrepreneurs and new ventures.

Further information can be found on the webpages of the graduate school
WEJU Homepage