Overview
This program equips students with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in microbiology. They learn contemporary microbiological, molecular genetic, bioinformatic, biochemical, analytical, and biophysical methods for studying microorganisms. Key research areas include physiological regulation of microbial cells regarding antimicrobial production and resistance, infectious disease pathogenesis, and microbial interactions with the environment. Community-level research focuses on microbial biodegradation in biogeochemical cycles and bioremediation.
Start of studies in the winter semester (October)
Opening of applications and publication of the dissertation topics: 15. 2. 2026
Application by: 30. 4. 2026
Detailed information about the study programme
Offer of dissertation topics:
- Decoding Antibiotic Resistance: The Mechanism of mRNA-Dependent ABCF-Mediated Translation Rescue
- Dissecting Bordetella interaction with the respiratory epithelium
- Factors affecting the abundance of soil microbiomes and their composition on a global scale
- Response of microbial soil community and microbe-mediated ecosystem processes to forest harvesting
- Role of FtxA protein in virulence of oral pathogen Filifactor alocis
- The role of microorganisms in greenhouse gas production in forested peatlands of North Europe
Profile of the graduate
The graduate acquires deep theoretical knowledge in microbiology. He/she is able to employ current microbiological, molecular biology, bioinformatic, biochemical, analytical and biophysical methods for the study of microorganisms and to apply this knowledge in the independent and creative research project. He/she is able to propose a solution of a given scientific problem and to correctly evaluate and interpret the obtained data. The graduate is ready to solve the basic research problems in microbiology as well as those of applied microbiology (industrial , medical and environmental) and biotechnology.
Application submission
The application is submitted electronically through the Charles University study information system. The completed application must be submitted electronically in the study information system no later than on 30. 4. 2026 for study programmes starting in the winter semester (October).
The admission fee is 100 EUR and it is paid for each submitted application.
Required application appendice is the agreement of a supervisor in the format of the following form available here. We recommend reaching out to the supervisor as soon as possible (ideally before 31. 3. 2026 for study programmes starting in the winter semester), so the application could be send out in time in case the agreement is granted.
Entrance exam
The regular date of entrance exam for all doctoral programmes starting in the winter semester (October) is in June 2026 (to be specified), an alternative date is in June 2026 (to be specified).
The request for an alternative day is submitted and approved via the electronic information system.
The form of the entrance exam is an oral interview, which mainly concerns the issues of the planned dissertation and the candidate’s knowledge within the field of expertise of the given study programme.
Find more information in:
Important links
Detailed description of the study on the website of the Department of Genetics and Microbiology
Applicants with specific needs
If you have a physical handicap, you can apply for a modification of the entrance exam. For more information read the Conditions of the admission procedure for doctoral study programmes.
Departments involved in this programme
Department of Genetics and Microbiology
Guarantor of the study programme
doc. RNDr. Radovan Fišer, Ph.D.
radovan.fiser@natur.cuni.cz
Do you have a question?
Complete information about the admission procedure can be found on the website for applicants. For questions, please contact the admissions contact persons.
