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.
International applicants for doctoral study (Czech and Slovak Republics applicants NOT included)
Submission deadline until midnight 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
http://www.sci.muni.cz/cz/UEB
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
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 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 interview is usually in an online form and consists of 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 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 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.
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
Advanced neuroblastoma models for drug discovery
Supervisor: doc. RNDr. Jan Škoda, Ph.D.
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children and remains a major therapeutic challenge. Despite intensive multimodal therapies, about half of the high-risk neuroblastoma patients eventually die from the disease, highlighting the urgent need for more predictive preclinical models to support the identification of novel and clinically effective therapeutics. This PhD project aims to utilize and refine advanced in vitro and in vivo models of neuroblastoma to improve drug discovery and validation. Specifically, the work will focus on 3D tumor spheroid cultures, which better replicate the architecture and heterogeneity of pediatric solid tumors compared to conventional 2D models. Complementary in vivo models will be used to assess therapeutic responses in a systemic and physiologically relevant context. These models will be applied to test therapeutic approaches that act on mitochondrial synthetic lethality (Borankova et al., Cell Death Dis. 2023) or additional targets identified by our group (Kameneva et al., Nat Commun. 2022). The overall goal is to establish a robust platform that bridges the gap between preclinical and clinical neuroblastoma research, ultimately facilitating the discovery of more effective and clinically relevant therapies for high-risk neuroblastoma.
PLEASE NOTE: Before initiating the formal application process to doctoral studies, interested candidates are required to contact the potential supervisor (jan.skoda@sci.muni.cz) for an informal interview.
* Funding: Project no. NW26-07-00021 of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Czech Republic, “Drug repurposing for the therapy of MYC-driven pediatric tumors via mitochondrial synthetic lethality"
* Lab website: https://www.sci.muni.cz/ltb
PLEASE NOTE: Before initiating the formal application process to doctoral studies, interested candidates are required to contact the potential supervisor (jan.skoda@sci.muni.cz) for an informal interview.
* Funding: Project no. NW26-07-00021 of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Czech Republic, “Drug repurposing for the therapy of MYC-driven pediatric tumors via mitochondrial synthetic lethality"
* Lab website: https://www.sci.muni.cz/ltb
Supervisor
Biological Evaluation and Mechanisms of Action of Supramolecular Platinum Drugs in Cancer Therapy
Supervisor: Mgr. Jitka Holčáková, Ph.D.
Platinové komplexy patří mezi nejpoužívanější protinádorová léčiva, jejich účinnost je však často omezena vznikem lékové rezistence a nízkou selektivitou vůči nádorovým buňkám. Proto se výzkum soustředí na vývoj cílených systémů, které umožňují efektivnější transport léčiv do nádorových buněk a minimalizaci nežádoucích účinků.
Náplní práce je studium biologických účinků nově vyvinutých platinových(IV) proléčiv a jejich komplexů s makrocyklickými nosiči. Zaměří se na charakterizaci a biologická hodnocení těchto komplexů, zejména na studium jejich buněčného příjmu, intracelulární distribuci, mechanismus účinku a schopnosti překonávat lékovou rezistenci, s důrazem na vztah mezi strukturou, transportem a biologickou aktivitou.
V rámci projektu budou využívány metody:
Práce je financována projektem AZV ČR (NW26-08-00046) a Výzkumným centrem pro aplikovanou molekulární onkologii (RECAMO). Pracovní úvazek kandidáta bude zajištěn grantem/institucionální podporou + stipendiem v minimální výši stanovené § 91a zákona č. 111/1998 Sb. Současně bude zajištěna plná podpora při žádosti o další zdroje financování (Brno Ph.D. Talent, cestovní granty, Program výzkumu MOÚ apod.), možnost prezentace výsledků na mezinárodních konferencích i absolvování krátkodobého výzkumného pobytu v zahraničí na relevantních institucích. Práce bude probíhat na oddělení RECAMO Masarykova onkologického ústavu. Kandidát se stane součástí Výzkumné skupiny Romana Hrstky. Skupina se zaměřuje na identifikaci a validaci nových nádorových biomarkerů (proteinů, DNA a RNA) s cílem jejich zavedení do klinické praxe – zejména pro zpřesnění diagnostiky, monitorování minimální reziduální choroby a detekci či predikci přítomnosti metastáz. Vedle využívání moderních analytických metod se výzkumná skupina také věnuje testování nově vyvinutých potenciálních protinádorových léčiv a charakterizaci molekulárních mechanismů jejich účinku.
https://www.mou.cz/vyzkumne-centrum-aplikovane-molekularni-onkologie-recamo/t1478
Před zahájením formálního procesu podávání přihlášek do doktorského studia se zájemci musí obrátit na školitele (jitka.holcakova@mou.cz) a domluvit si neformální pohovor.
Náplní práce je studium biologických účinků nově vyvinutých platinových(IV) proléčiv a jejich komplexů s makrocyklickými nosiči. Zaměří se na charakterizaci a biologická hodnocení těchto komplexů, zejména na studium jejich buněčného příjmu, intracelulární distribuci, mechanismus účinku a schopnosti překonávat lékovou rezistenci, s důrazem na vztah mezi strukturou, transportem a biologickou aktivitou.
V rámci projektu budou využívány metody:
- buněčné testy viability, živé zobrazování buněk, fluorescenční mikroskopie a další molekulárně-biologické metody pro hodnocení cytotoxicity, buněčné odpovědi, poškození DNA nebo aktivace signálních drah
- průtoková cytometrie, subcelulární frakcionace a ICP-MS - charakterizace buněčného příjmu a distribuce platinových komplexů
- využití inhibitorů a siRNA na specializovaných buněčných modelech - mechanismy lékové rezistence a buněčného transportu
- in vivo testy na modelech lidských nádorových xenograftů u imunodeficientních myší
Práce je financována projektem AZV ČR (NW26-08-00046) a Výzkumným centrem pro aplikovanou molekulární onkologii (RECAMO). Pracovní úvazek kandidáta bude zajištěn grantem/institucionální podporou + stipendiem v minimální výši stanovené § 91a zákona č. 111/1998 Sb. Současně bude zajištěna plná podpora při žádosti o další zdroje financování (Brno Ph.D. Talent, cestovní granty, Program výzkumu MOÚ apod.), možnost prezentace výsledků na mezinárodních konferencích i absolvování krátkodobého výzkumného pobytu v zahraničí na relevantních institucích. Práce bude probíhat na oddělení RECAMO Masarykova onkologického ústavu. Kandidát se stane součástí Výzkumné skupiny Romana Hrstky. Skupina se zaměřuje na identifikaci a validaci nových nádorových biomarkerů (proteinů, DNA a RNA) s cílem jejich zavedení do klinické praxe – zejména pro zpřesnění diagnostiky, monitorování minimální reziduální choroby a detekci či predikci přítomnosti metastáz. Vedle využívání moderních analytických metod se výzkumná skupina také věnuje testování nově vyvinutých potenciálních protinádorových léčiv a charakterizaci molekulárních mechanismů jejich účinku.
https://www.mou.cz/vyzkumne-centrum-aplikovane-molekularni-onkologie-recamo/t1478
Před zahájením formálního procesu podávání přihlášek do doktorského studia se zájemci musí obrátit na školitele (jitka.holcakova@mou.cz) a domluvit si neformální pohovor.
Supervisor
Function of CDK12 in differentiation of mammary epithelial cells
Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Jiří Kohoutek, Ph.D.
Replication stress-induced DNA damage is a key trigger for functional differentiation of mammary epithelial cells into milk-secreting alveolar cells. Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 - CDK12 regulates transcription of DNA damage repair pathway genes and is frequently mutated in cancer, but its role in normal mammary gland biology is unexplored. Our preliminary data show that Cdk12 heterozygous mice exhibit lactation defects, and CDK12 inhibition in primary mammary epithelial cells and organoids disrupts lactogenic differentiation, reduces polyploidization, and decreases milk protein production. These findings point to a novel, essential function of CDK12 in mammary gland differentiation. Student will utilize well characterized cell lines to explore role of CDK12 in cell signaling and molecular machinery involved in mammary gland differentiation by use of gene expression reporter systems, protein-protein interaction technique, immunofluorescence, FACS and CRIPSR based strategy. By identifying CDK12 as a key player in normal mammary function, this work may provide critical insights into lactation failure and functional consequences of CDK12 to progression of breast cancer.
Please note: The applicant is required to contact jiri.kohoutek@sci.muni.cz for an enrolling interview.
Motivated, talented and focused applicants are welcome.
Supervisor: Jiří Kohoutek is focused on regulation of transcription mediated by RNA polymerase II, primarily at the level of the RNA polymerase II modification, phosphorylation, by cyclin-dependent kinases, CDKs. Among them CDK12 and CDK13 are main interest of our group and we are only starting to appreciate their unique roles of CDKs in various cellular processes. In collaboration with other research laboratories, we have published several manuscripts describing role of CDK12 and CDK13 in mouse development. The supervisor has been mentoring 3 PhD and 5 Master’s students.
Department: Laboratory of Cell Differentiation, Department of Experimental biology, Faculty of Science
Funding:The position and research activities will be supported by the supervisor’s starting grant GAČR 26-21568S. The candidate will be entitled to 0,5 FTE covered by the grant/institutional support. It is highly appreciated if applicant will be keen to apply for additional scholarship support for additional sources of funding, such as Brno PhD talent, travel grants, MSCA fellowships, and others. The applicant will also present its results at national or international conferences and will be highly supported to accommodate research stay at relevant institutions.
Please note: The applicant is required to contact jiri.kohoutek@sci.muni.cz for an enrolling interview.
Motivated, talented and focused applicants are welcome.
Supervisor: Jiří Kohoutek is focused on regulation of transcription mediated by RNA polymerase II, primarily at the level of the RNA polymerase II modification, phosphorylation, by cyclin-dependent kinases, CDKs. Among them CDK12 and CDK13 are main interest of our group and we are only starting to appreciate their unique roles of CDKs in various cellular processes. In collaboration with other research laboratories, we have published several manuscripts describing role of CDK12 and CDK13 in mouse development. The supervisor has been mentoring 3 PhD and 5 Master’s students.
Department: Laboratory of Cell Differentiation, Department of Experimental biology, Faculty of Science
Funding:The position and research activities will be supported by the supervisor’s starting grant GAČR 26-21568S. The candidate will be entitled to 0,5 FTE covered by the grant/institutional support. It is highly appreciated if applicant will be keen to apply for additional scholarship support for additional sources of funding, such as Brno PhD talent, travel grants, MSCA fellowships, and others. The applicant will also present its results at national or international conferences and will be highly supported to accommodate research stay at relevant institutions.
Supervisor
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. 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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