Willkommen bei der Antragsdatenbank!

zur Antragstellung

CSC-Tübingen PhD Program: Project 03/2026: Elucidation of the biosynthesis of natural products in actinomycetes

Topic Description: The project focuses on the discovery and biosynthetic analysis of novel natural products from rare actinomycetes. Using genome mining approaches, BGCs encoding potentially bioactive compounds are identified and investigated. The goal is to elucidate their biosynthesis using genetic and biochemical methods, and to optimize production through metabolic engineering. This research contributes to the development of new antibiotics and improves our understanding of microbial secondary metabolism.

Faculty: Faculty of Science
Institute/Section/Subject: Institute: Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT) / Section: Department of Microbial Bioactive Compound / Subject: Natural Product Biosynthesis

Supervising Professors: Apl. Prof. Dr. Evi Stegmann

About the Supervisors: I studied Biology and obtained my PhD in Microbiology at the University of Tübingen in 1999, working on the biosynthesis of EDDS in Amycolatopsis orientalis. I completed my habilitation in 2009 on glycopeptide antibiotic biosynthesis. Since 2013, I have been leading an independent research group at the University of Tübingen.
The research focuses on the discovery and functional characterization of novel natural products from actinomycetes, with a particular emphasis on compounds exhibiting antibiotic activity. Using genome mining approaches, we identify biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) coding for structurally unique and bioactive secondary metabolites. Through the combination of genetics, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry, we elucidate biosynthetic pathways step by step. This mechanistic understanding enables us to optimize production and generate improved or novel derivatives using tools such as mutasynthesis and synthetic biology.
Key research areas include::
- Genome mining for novel natural products
- Biosynthesis and pathway elucidation
- Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering
- Genetic manipulation of actinomycetes
- Producer strain self-resistance mechanisms


Intended Degree: Dr. rer. nat., Interfaculty Graduate School of Infection Biology and Microbiology (IGIM)

Type of the PhD study: Full-time (complete doctoral studies at the University of Tübingen)

Requirements for the application:
Required Degrees and Qualifications: Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Natural Products Chemistry, Genetics, Bioinformatics,
Relevant expertise includes:
Genome mining and analysis of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), Microbial secondary metabolism, Genetic and biochemical methods for biosynthesis elucidation, Metabolic engineering and strain optimization, Natural product discovery and characterization

Language Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. Accepted formal language exams include TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 95 or IELTS with a minimum overall band score of 6.5. Good scientific communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are essential. In addition to the formal requirements, knowledge of German or Chinese is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Notes: Candidates should have strong motivation for interdisciplinary research and a keen interest in natural product biosynthesis and microbial metabolism. Prior experience with laboratory techniques in molecular biology, microbiology, or biochemistry is highly desirable. Willingness to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team and to engage in scientific discussions and presentations is expected.



For further instructions on how to apply, more information on the program and contact details please see below.

--------------------------------------------------------------

CSC-Tübingen PhD Program
The China Scholarship Council (CSC) and the University of Tübingen have established a PhD Program which supports Chinese nationals inside and outside of China wishing to carry out all or part of their PhD study in Tübingen.

Aims:

• providing high quality research training to qualified students from Chinese universities
• developing education and research collaborations between the University of Tübingen and Chinese universities and research institutions

Target group:
Excellent postgraduate and doctoral students from the People's Republic of China.

Funding line A - Full time fellowship:

• postgraduate students who want to carry out their complete doctoral studies at the University of Tübingen
• up to 48 months
• degree conferred by the University of Tübingen
• Annual living allowance as prescribed by the Chinese Government (which includes Overseas Student Health Cover)

Funding Line B - Part time fellowship (sandwich model):

• doctoral students who want to carry out their research and studies alternatively at their home universities and the University of Tübingen. They follow a schedule set in advance by both the Chinese supervisors and supervisors at the University of Tübingen
• 6-24 months in Tübingen
• degree conferred by the Chinese home university
• Annual living allowance as prescribed by the Chinese Government (which includes Overseas Student Health Cover) for 6-24 months

Funding for both Funding lines includes:

• Return airfare to Germany
• Visa application fees
• Support for the attendance of international conferences during the second and third year (up to 1000€ granted to successful applicants)

Benefits for both funding lines:

• Tuition waiver
• Option to take German language classes provided by the University of Tübingen during the first year
• Accommodation offered in Tübingen student dormitories depending on availability
• Opportunities to gain additional teaching and research experience as well as economic benefits from the University of Tübingen from the second year onward (depending on the ability of the applicant and the situation of the respective institute)

Application Process:

• Jan 15: Application deadline. Applications must be handed in through the online application system of the University of Tübingen
• by March 10: Successful applicants will be officially informed
• by March 31: Invited applicants have to register with the CSC according to the regulations of the CSC.
• by May 31: Final decisions about the allocation of scholarships will be made by the CSC
• by Oct 1: Program participants arrive in Tübingen
• Successful candidates must return to China upon completion of their studies.

How to Apply:
In order to apply you need to upload the following documents combined in 1 PDF

• Cover/Motivation letter
• CV
• Research proposal (3-5 pages)
• Academic transcripts* (if you have not yet completed your Master's studies, please submit a confirmation of studies and an up-to-date transcript of records)
• Proof of proficient English language skills (i.e. comprehension of a wide range of demanding, longer texts as well as fluent and spontaneous expression allowing a flexible and effective language use for social, academic and professional purposes.) - TOEFL iBT 95 or IELTS 6.5 or equivalent

*List of required Academic transcripts (including official translation into German or English for documents issued in Chinese)
1) Bachelor’s Degree Award Certificate / Bachelor Gradverleihungsurkunde (学士学位证书 xueshi xuewei zhengshu)
2) Bachelor's Degree Certificate/ Abschlusszeugnis (毕业证书 biye zhengshu) für das Bachelorstudium (本科 benke)
3) Transcript of the subjects and marks / Fächer- und Notenübersicht (成绩表 chengjibiao) for your Bachelor’s degree/ für das Bachelorstudium (本科 benke)
4) Master’s Degree Award Certificate / Master-Gradverleihungsurkunde (硕士学位证书 shuoshi xuewei zhengshu)
5) Master’s Degree Certificate/ Abschlusszeugnis für das Masterstudium (硕士研究生毕业证书 shuoshi yanjiusheng biye zhengshu)
6) Transcript of the subjects and marks for your Master’s Degree / Fächer- und Notenübersicht für das Masterstudium (硕士研究生成绩表 shuoshi yanjiusheng chengjibiao)

For questions please contact:
(Ms) Tetyana Tonkoshkur
Dezernat II – Forschung
Internationale Forschungskooperation
+49 7071 29-750005
international.research@uni-tuebingen.de
zur Antragstellung