Submit your application during this period
International applicants for doctoral study (Czech and Slovak Republics applicants NOT included)
Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics
Doctoral degree in full-time or combined form. The language of instruction is Czech.
The programme can be studied only as a single subject.
Application deadline depending on the admission procedure chosen (midnight 30 November 2026 or 15 December 2026)
What will you learn?
The programme was created by integrating two previously independent programmes: Molecular and Cellular Biology, and General and Molecular Genetics. The decision to integrate these programmes was motivated primarily by the fact that, due to modern methodological approaches, these disciplines increasingly overlap, complement each other, and their boundaries are gradually disappearing. The integration of the two fields has resulted in mutual enrichment, which is reflected in the overall conception of the programme.
The aim of the programme is to provide high quality scientific training in molecular and cellular biology and genetics, enabling graduates to conduct independent research on molecular processes at the level of cells, tissues, and whole organisms. Students are systematically guided toward developing a strong theoretical background in the field and acquiring practical skills through the application of modern methodological approaches.
The programme has a broad scope and covers topics related to gene and genome research in microorganisms, plants, animals, and humans.
- Research in microorganisms focuses primarily on molecular diagnostics, genomics of clinically relevant bacterial strains, and their interactions with bacteriophages.
- Plant research is mainly oriented toward the analysis of genomes of model organisms as well as economically important species.
- Research in animals and humans includes, among other areas, studies of population genetic structure, prenatal and postnatal molecular diagnostics, molecular biology of tumors and other complex diseases, stem cell research, protein engineering, and biotechnology.
Students have opportunities for independent scientific work under the supervision of experienced mentors in modern, well equipped laboratories. They regularly participate in laboratory and departmental seminars, where they discuss current research results, and they present their findings at national and international conferences. Students are actively involved in basic and applied research projects funded by grant agencies, in cooperation with academic institutions, healthcare facilities, institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences, and private companies.
“Windows of the living cell universe wide-opened.”
Practical training
Students carry out their research activities in the laboratories of their supervisors, where they acquire practical skills related to the focus of their doctoral project. A compulsory component of the study programme is also an international internship or research stay abroad with a minimum duration of one month.
Further information
Additional information can be found in following addresses:
https://ogmb.sci.muni.cz/en/for-applicants
https://ogmb.sci.muni.cz/en/education/information-for-phd-students
The Office for Doctoral Studies, Quality, Academic Affairs and Internationalization takes care of doctoral students SCI MU
https://www.sci.muni.cz/en/students/phd
On the department's website, you can find the following information:
- Forms (application forms for state examinations and defences, various applications, etc. )
- Legislation (links to: MU Study and Examination Regulations, Scholarship Regulations of MU, Terms of Scholarship Programmes of the Faculty of Science)
- Dissertations (Guidelines for dissertations, templates)
- Manuals (guidelines for Individual Study Plans, study and research obligations in DSP, etc.)
- Doctoral study programmes (recommended study plans, examination committees, overview of accredited programmes)
- Deadlines for the doctoral state examinations and defences
- Enrolment (information needed for the enrolment to the next semester)
- Graduation but also office hours, contacts, news, information on skills development and scholarships.
Detailed information on stays abroad can be found on this website:
https://www.sci.muni.cz/en/students/phd/develop-your-skills/stay-abroad
Career opportunities
The programme is designed to meet the standards of leading international universities. Graduates find employment at top level Czech and international scientific institutions, including universities and research institutes, as well as in healthcare facilities and specialized laboratories. They are well prepared for independent scientific work, the design and management of research projects, grant proposal writing, experimental research, proper interpretation of results, and their presentation in both oral and written forms.
Many graduates continue their scientific careers by undertaking postdoctoral positions abroad after completing their doctoral studies, where they further develop their expertise and gain valuable international experience.
A number of graduates also find employment in the private sector, including biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, agri biotechnology, forensic and other specialized laboratories, as well as companies developing modern laboratory and diagnostic technologies. Many of our graduates currently hold positions as leading scientists, university lecturers, senior managers, or directors of scientific and educational institutions
Admission requirements
Admission to Doctoral degree programmes in 2026/2027 (beginning: Spring 2027)
— Submission deadline until midnight 30 Nov 2026
Admission procedure
The admission procedure takes place in the form of an oral entrance examination (usually in an online form), which has two parts:
1) Expert interview – the committee examines the applicant's professional competence and motivation on the basis of his/her CV, motivation letter and letter of recommendation, submitted by the applicant together with the application form. During the interview candidates present their PhD research project including methodology, and expected outputs in the presence of the supervisor. The committee also evaluates the candidate's knowledge of molecular and cell biology and genetics, with an emphasis on the area of planned research and his/her ability to put the findings into a general context (maximum 100 points).
2) Language part – the committee evaluates the candidate's ability to present and discuss his/her previous/current scientific (diploma) work and the concept of the planned PhD research in English. (max. 100 points).
The admission procedure takes place in the form of an oral entrance examination (usually in an online form), which has two parts:
1) Expert interview – the committee examines the applicant's professional competence and motivation on the basis of his/her CV, motivation letter and letter of recommendation, submitted by the applicant together with the application form. During the interview candidates present their PhD research project including methodology, and expected outputs in the presence of the supervisor. The committee also evaluates the candidate's knowledge of molecular and cell biology and genetics, with an emphasis on the area of planned research and his/her ability to put the findings into a general context (maximum 100 points).
2) Language part – the committee evaluates the candidate's ability to present and discuss his/her previous/current scientific (diploma) work and the concept of the planned PhD research in English. (max. 100 points).
More information about admission process for international applicants in general can be found here.
Date of the entrance exam
The applicants will receive information about the entrance exam by e-mail usually at least 7 days before the exam.
Please, always check your e-mails, including spam folders.
Conditions of admission
To be admitted, a candidate must obtain a total of 70 out of 100 points in the expert knowledge part and 60 out of 100 points in the language part.
Successful applicants are informed of their acceptance by e-mail and subsequently receive an invitation to the enrolment.
Programme capacity
The capacity of a given programme is not fixed; students are admitted based on a decision by the Doctoral Board after assessing their aptitude for study and motivation.
International applicants for doctoral study (Czech and Slovak Republics applicants NOT included)
— Submission deadline until midnight 15 Dec 2026
Admission procedure
The admission interview is usually in an online form and consists of two parts:
1) Expert interview – The admissions committee evaluates the applicant’s academic qualifications and motivation based on the curriculum vitae, motivation letter, and letter of recommendation submitted together with the application. During the interview, conducted in the presence of the prospective supervisor, applicants present their doctoral research project, including its methodology, expected contribution, and anticipated outputs. Based on the submitted materials and the admission interview, the committee assesses whether the applicant demonstrates sufficient potential for scientific research and whether the proposed dissertation topic is scientifically sound and experimentally feasible. (maximum of 100 points),
2) Language part – A necessary condition for admission is the applicant’s ability to communicate in English. This skill is assessed by the committee during the interview. (maximum of 100 points).
The admission interview is usually in an online form and consists of two parts:
1) Expert interview – The admissions committee evaluates the applicant’s academic qualifications and motivation based on the curriculum vitae, motivation letter, and letter of recommendation submitted together with the application. During the interview, conducted in the presence of the prospective supervisor, applicants present their doctoral research project, including its methodology, expected contribution, and anticipated outputs. Based on the submitted materials and the admission interview, the committee assesses whether the applicant demonstrates sufficient potential for scientific research and whether the proposed dissertation topic is scientifically sound and experimentally feasible. (maximum of 100 points),
2) Language part – A necessary condition for admission is the applicant’s ability to communicate in English. This skill is assessed by the committee during the interview. (maximum of 100 points).
More information about admission process for international applicants in general can be found in the section Admission Process.
Date of the entrance exam
The applicants will receive information about the entrance exam by e-mail usually at least 10 days before the exam.
Please, always check your e-mails, including spam folders.
Conditions of admission
To be admitted, a candidate must obtain a total of 70 out of 100 points in the expert knowledge part and 60 out of 100 points in the language part.
Successful applicants are informed of their acceptance by e-mail and subsequently receive an invitation to the enrolment.
Programme capacity
The capacity of a given programme is not fixed; students are admitted based on a decision by the Doctoral Board after assessing their aptitude for study and motivation.
Admission to Doctoral degree programmes in 2026/2027 (beginning: Autumn 2026)
— Data from the previous admission procedure (1 Jan – 30 Apr 2026)
Admission procedure
The admission procedure takes place in the form of an oral entrance examination (usually in an online form), which has two parts:
1) Expert interview – The admissions committee evaluates the applicant’s academic qualifications and motivation based on the curriculum vitae, motivation letter, and letter of recommendation submitted together with the application. During the interview, conducted in the presence of the prospective supervisor, applicants present their doctoral research project, including its methodology, expected contribution, and anticipated outputs. Based on the submitted materials and the admission interview, the committee assesses whether the applicant demonstrates sufficient potential for scientific research and whether the proposed dissertation topic is scientifically sound and experimentally feasible. (maximum of 100 points)
2) Language part – A necessary condition for admission is the applicant’s ability to communicate in English. This skill is assessed by the committee during the interview. (maximum of 100 points).
The admission procedure takes place in the form of an oral entrance examination (usually in an online form), which has two parts:
1) Expert interview – The admissions committee evaluates the applicant’s academic qualifications and motivation based on the curriculum vitae, motivation letter, and letter of recommendation submitted together with the application. During the interview, conducted in the presence of the prospective supervisor, applicants present their doctoral research project, including its methodology, expected contribution, and anticipated outputs. Based on the submitted materials and the admission interview, the committee assesses whether the applicant demonstrates sufficient potential for scientific research and whether the proposed dissertation topic is scientifically sound and experimentally feasible. (maximum of 100 points)
2) Language part – A necessary condition for admission is the applicant’s ability to communicate in English. This skill is assessed by the committee during the interview. (maximum of 100 points).
More information about admission process for international applicants in general can be found here.
Date of the entrance exam
The applicants will receive information about the entrance exam by e-mail usually at least 7 days before the exam.
Please, always check your e-mails, including spam folders.
Conditions of admission
To be admitted, a candidate must obtain a total of 70 out of 100 points in the expert knowledge part and 60 out of 100 points in the language part.
Successful applicants are informed of their acceptance by e-mail and subsequently receive an invitation to the enrolment.
Programme capacity
The capacity of a given programme is not fixed; students are admitted based on a decision by the Doctoral Board after assessing their aptitude for study and motivation.
Deadlines
Submit your application during this period
Admission to Doctoral degree programmes in 2026/2027 (beginning: Spring 2027)
Study options
Single-subject studies
-
Full-time studies in czech
What will you learn? -
Combined studies in czech
What will you learn?
Dissertation topics
Single-subject studies
No topics currently listed.
Supervisors
- doc. MVDr. Martin Anger, CSc.
- prof. RNDr. Eva Bártová, Ph.D., DSc.
- prof. Mgr. Petr Beneš, Ph.D.
- RNDr. Ing. Ondřej Bonczek, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Tibor Botka, Ph.D.
- prof. Mgr. Václav Brázda, Ph.D.
- Ing. Radim Čegan, Ph.D.
- prof. Mgr. Jiří Damborský, Dr.
- prof. RNDr. Jiří Doškař, CSc.
- doc. RNDr. Eva Drozdová, Ph.D.
- doc. RNDr. Martin Falk, Ph.D.
- doc. RNDr. Miroslav Fojta, CSc.
- Mgr. Lucie Grodecká, Ph.D.
- RNDr. Roman Hobza, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Jitka Holčáková, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Miroslav Horňák, Ph.D.
- prof. MVDr. RNDr. Petr Hořín, CSc.
- doc. Mgr. Roman Hrstka, Ph.D.
- Ing. Vojtěch Hudzieczek, Ph.D.
- doc. Mgr. Radka Chaloupková, Ph.D.
- RNDr. Petr Chlapek, DiS., Ph.D.
- RNDr. Bohuslav Janoušek, Ph.D.
- doc. MVDr. Renata Karpíšková, Ph.D.
- doc. RNDr. Eduard Kejnovský, CSc.
- doc. Mgr. Jiří Kohoutek, Ph.D.
- doc. RNDr. Irena Koutná, Ph.D.
- RNDr. Aleš Kovařík, CSc.
- doc. Mgr. Petr Králík, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Zdeněk Kubát, Ph.D.
- doc. RNDr. Petr Kuglík, CSc.
- prof. Mgr. Martin Lysák, Ph.D., DSc.
- RNDr. Terezie Malík Mandáková, Ph.D.
- Ing. RNDr. Martin Marek, Ph.D., MBA
- Mgr. Lenka Marková, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Ivana Mašlaňová, Ph.D.
- prof. RNDr. Eva Matalová, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Jan Mendel, Ph.D.
- MUDr. Petr Müller, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Jarmila Navrátilová, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Marta Nekulová, Ph.D.
- doc. RNDr. Jakub Neradil, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Jiří Nováček, Ph.D.
- prof. RNDr. Roman Pantůček, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Zdeněk Pilát, Ph.D.
- doc. Mgr. Pavel Plevka, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Hana Polášek-Sedláčková, Ph.D.
- prof. RNDr. Zbyněk Prokop, Ph.D.
- prof. MVDr. Jiří Rubeš, CSc.
- prof. RNDr. Daniel Růžek, Ph.D.
- doc. RNDr. Vladislava Růžičková, CSc.
- prof. RNDr. Ivan Rychlík, Ph.D.
- prof. RNDr. Jana Řepková, CSc.
- Mgr. Karel Říha, Ph.D.
- prof. RNDr. Ivo Sedláček, CSc.
- prof. RNDr. Petr Skládal, CSc.
- prof. RNDr. Ondřej Slabý, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Jan Smetana, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Přemysl Souček, Ph.D.
- RNDr. Kamila Součková, Ph.D.
- doc. RNDr. Sabina Ševčíková, Ph.D.
- doc. RNDr. Jan Škoda, Ph.D.
- prof. RNDr. Jan Šmarda, CSc.
- RNDr. Michal Štros, DrSc.
- prof. MUDr. Pavel Trávník, DrSc.
- RNDr. Iveta Valášková, Ph.D.
- RNDr. Vladimíra Vallová, Ph.D.
- prof. MUDr. Julie Vašků, Ph.D.
- RNDr. Bořivoj Vojtěšek, DrSc.
- prof. RNDr. Lenka Zdražilová Dubská, Ph.D.
Study information
| Provided by | Faculty of Science | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of studies | Doctoral | |
| Mode | full-time | Yes |
| combined | Yes | |
| distance | No | |
| Study options | single-subject studies | Yes |
| single-subject studies with specialization | No | |
| major/minor studies | No | |
| Standard length of studies | 4 years | |
| Language of instruction | Czech | |
| Collaborating institutions |
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|
| Doctoral board and doctoral committees | ||
Do you have any questions?
Send us an e-mail
to
prof. Mgr. Petr Beneš, Ph.D.
Consultant
| e‑mail: |
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