Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics

Windows of the living cell universe wide-opened.

Degree programme objectives

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.

Study plans

Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics

full-time, single-subject

Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics

combined, single-subject

Admission Procedures
International applicants for doctoral study (Czech and Slovak Republics applicants NOT included)
Submission deadline until midnight 15/12/2026

Information on entrance examinations designed for this degree programme
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).
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.

Studies

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Objectives
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.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the programme, the graduate is able to:
- perform independent and experimental research in the fields of molecular biology, cell biology and genetics and interprete it rigorously;
- write a mansucript of original research article and review article for foreign scientific journal;
- present results of own work in the form of poster and lecture in scientific conference;
- be well oriented with the field, including the ethical aspects and follow its trends;
- actively participate in expert discussions within the field;
- communicate and discuss in English;
- immediately accept the position of postdoctoral position in any top foreign laboratory without necessity of other methodical, theoretical and language improvement;
- supervise pregradual and high-school students;
- draft research project and create competitive grant application.
Occupational Profiles of Graduates
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
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.