PhD Scholarships at Prinzessin Therese von Bayern Chair of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich / LMU

Overview

🏛️ Institution acronym	LMU
🏷️ Institution name (original)	PhD Scholarships at Prinzessin Therese von Bayern Chair of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
🌐 Institution name (English)	LMU
🌍 Country	Germany
🎓 Fields of study	Biology, Plant sciences, Environmental Sciences, Plant breeding
💶 Monthly stipend	4800 EUR/month
🔗 Official website	https://www.lmu.de/frauenbeauftragte/en/support-and-funding/
📫 Additional contacts	For inquiries about PhD positions, email the chair at [email]. Physical Address: Prinzessin Therese von Bayern Chair of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich Menzinger Str. 67 80638 Munich Germany

Stipend affordability

Stipend on this programme: €4,800/month (gross)

Estimated stipend vs student living costs in Germany.

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Open PhD Vacancies

🎯 Vacancy 1

PhD in Molecular Physiology of Photosynthesis — LMU Munich

Country: Germany | Deadline: 2026-08-05 | Funding: Not funded by a EU programme — partial

The Prinzessin Therese von Bayern Chair of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants at LMU Munich invites applications for PhD positions. The chair focuses on plant systematics, evolution, and biodiversity, utilizing molecular phylogenetics, genomics, and herbarium collections. PhD candidates conduct independent research within projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) or other sources. International applicants are welcome; the working language is English. Funding typically comes from research grants providing a salary according to TV-L 13 (approx. €4,000–€4,500 monthly gross). The chair is part of the Department of Biology and the GeoBio-Center, offering access to state-of-the-art labs and the Botanische Staatssammlung München. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for specific open projects.

Explore PhD Opportunities in Plant Systematics and Evolution

The Prinzessin Therese von Bayern Chair offers PhD positions in systematics, biodiversity, and evolution of plants. Research areas include phylogenomics, biogeography, and conservation. International students are encouraged to apply. Positions are funded through third-party grants.

Fields of Study

PhD research at the chair covers three main areas: plant systematics, biodiversity, and evolution. Students work on diverse projects from molecular phylogenetics to herbarium-based studies.

Biology

Focus on molecular systematics, phylogenomics, and evolutionary biology of plants. Projects often involve DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and field collections.

Plant Sciences

Research on plant diversity, taxonomy, and biogeography. Utilization of the Botanische Staatssammlung München herbarium for taxonomic revisions and evolutionary studies.

Environmental Sciences

Studies on plant responses to environmental change, conservation genetics, and biodiversity patterns. Integration of ecological data with phylogenetic methods.

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The chair provides a stimulating environment for PhD research in plant evolution and biodiversity. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaborations and access to extensive collections.

Eligibility Criteria

Admission to the PhD program requires a Master's degree in biology or related fields. International applicants must meet LMU's admission requirements. No specific language test is required, but English proficiency is expected.

Academic Qualifications

A Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, botany, or a closely related field with a strong background in plant systematics, evolution, or molecular biology. A grade of 'good' or better is typically expected.

Research Experience

Previous experience in molecular lab techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing) and bioinformatics is advantageous. Familiarity with herbarium collections or fieldwork is a plus.

Motivation and References

A statement of research interests and two academic letters of recommendation are required. Candidates should demonstrate a clear interest in plant systematics and evolution.

PhD Stipend (TV-L 13)

PhD positions are funded according to the German public sector pay scale TV-L 13 (50-65% position). The monthly gross salary ranges from approximately €2,000 to €2,800 for a half-time position, depending on experience. This covers living expenses in Munich.

Research Budget

In addition to the salary, PhD students have access to a research budget for consumables, sequencing, fieldwork, and conference travel. The amount varies by project but typically ranges from €5,000 to €15,000 per year.

Application Process

Applications are considered when specific PhD positions are advertised. There is no general call; candidates apply to open projects. The process involves submitting documents and an interview.

Find an Open Position: Check the chair's website and LMU's job portal for advertised PhD positions. Applications are only accepted for specific projects with defined topics and supervisors.
Prepare Application Documents: Submit a cover letter, CV, copies of degrees, transcripts, and two reference letters. A research statement aligned with the project is required. All documents in English or German.
Submit Application: Send the application as a single PDF via email to the contact person listed in the advertisement. Deadline is specified in each posting. Late applications are not considered.
Interview and Selection: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview (in person or via video call). The interview assesses research fit, motivation, and technical skills. Final decision is made within weeks.

For questions about specific positions, contact the chair directly via email. Ensure your application is complete before the deadline. International applicants should allow time for visa processing.

Application Deadlines

Deadlines vary per project. Typically, positions are advertised with a 4-6 week application window. Check the chair's website for current openings. There is no fixed annual deadline.

Chair Website

For more information, please visit the official website: PhD Scholarships at Prinzessin Therese von Bayern Chair of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich / LMU

Contact Information for PhD Inquiries

For inquiries about PhD positions, email the chair at [email].

Physical Address:
Prinzessin Therese von Bayern Chair of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Menzinger Str. 67
80638 Munich
Germany

Additional Information for International Applicants

International Student Services

LMU's International Office provides support for visa, accommodation, and integration. Visit their website for guidance. The chair also offers mentoring for international PhDs.

Career Prospects

Graduates pursue careers in academia, museums, botanical gardens, or environmental agencies. The PhD provides strong training in systematic and evolutionary biology.

PhD scholarship programs and External Funding Opportunities for PhD Scholarships in Agriculture

DAAD Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for international PhD students. Eligibility varies by country. Apply through the DAAD website.

LMU Graduate Center

LMU provides funding for PhD candidates through its Graduate Center. Check Graduate Center page for details.

DFG Research Grants

Many PhD positions are funded by DFG projects. Positions are advertised on the chair's website. No separate application needed.

University Location