Life Sciences

During the initial stage of their studies, students deepen their theoretical knowledge and practical skills. They also conduct an independent literature review related to the topic of their doctoral dissertation. The core of the programme, however, is the students’ own research. Under the guidance of their supervisors, students gradually develop the ability to independently plan and carry out all stages of a scientific project, from experimental design and selection of appropriate methodologies to data analysis, interpretation, and presentation of the results in different scientific formats.

The programme is highly multidisciplinary and, compared with traditional biology programmes, places greater emphasis on methodological and analytical approaches. Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure enables students to integrate biochemical, bioanalytical, structural, imaging, and other advanced experimental techniques when addressing complex biological questions. This broad methodological background enhances both the quality and impact of their research and their flexibility in the labour market. Graduates are therefore well prepared for careers in academia and research institutions as well as in biotechnology companies and newly established spin-off companies.

The programme reflects current scientific knowledge, developments in the life sciences, and the evolving needs of the labour market. It also benefits from the support provided by the so-called CEITEC PhD School, which offers a comprehensive framework for the training and professional development of doctoral researchers working in CEITEC research teams. In addition to scientific expertise, particular emphasis is placed on developing transferable competencies, including communication, project and research management, technological skills, and other professional skills. Students also gain a thorough understanding of research integrity and the ethical principles relevant to the life sciences and to research and development more broadly.

The programme has a strong international orientation and aims to prepare graduates for careers in an international scientific environment. It is offered in both Czech and English, with most courses, all seminars, and a substantial part of the research activities conducted in English. The international research environment also provides students with opportunities to use English on a daily basis in scientific communication, collaboration, and other research activities.

The doctoral programme is intended for applicants who have completed a Master’s degree in a relevant field.

Upon successful completion of the programme, the graduate is able to:

• independently and creatively design and conduct scientific research projects and appropriately select and apply advanced methodologies and experimental models in the life sciences;
• critically analyse and interpret the results of their own research and prepare them for publication in the form of a scientific article;
• present, discuss, and defend the results of their own research within the international scientific community;
• apply advanced theoretical and specialist knowledge in the life sciences to address complex scientific problems;
• know about and critically evaluate the latest knowledge and scientific development, not only in the above-mentioned field but in general in the field of scientific research activities;
• communicate scientific topics and research results effectively in English, both orally and in writing;
• collaborate effectively in an international and interdisciplinary research environment and apply experience gained through international collaboration;
• communicate and transfer specialist knowledge and research experience to students and other audiences through teaching and mentoring activities;
• make use of the soft-skills gained during the study, see the soft-skills courses offered and other workshops planned within individual professional development.

The doctoral programme places strong emphasis on internationalisation, interdisciplinary research, and the development of transferable skills, including scientific communication, project and research management, teamwork, leadership, and professional development. Together with advanced scientific expertise and experience with state-of-the-art research methodologies, these competencies prepare graduates for careers in leading scientific, academic, technological, and commercial organisations in the Czech Republic and internationally.

Graduates are particularly well qualified for positions in:

- research organisations and academic institutions, including universities and research institutes focused on biological and biomedical research. Graduates may continue their scientific careers as postdoctoral researchers and subsequently progress to positions as independent researchers, research group or programme leaders, heads of core facilities, or university lecturers;

- applied research and development, particularly in biotechnology, biomedicine, pharmaceutical research, diagnostics, and related fields, where they can work as scientific specialists, researchers, and developers of new technologies and methodologies;

- the biotechnology and biomedical industry, including positions in scientific consulting, technology assessment, product development, and specialist marketing of biomedical and biotechnological products and services;

- innovation and technology transfer, where their knowledge of intellectual property, research commercialisation, and technology transfer, combined with their scientific expertise, provides a strong foundation for participation in the establishment and development of start-up and spin-off companies.

The combination of scientific independence, broad methodological expertise, international experience, and transferable professional skills also enables graduates to adapt to emerging areas of the life sciences and to pursue career paths extending beyond traditional academic research.

An essential component of practical training in the Life Sciences doctoral programme is the active integration of students into research teams at CEITEC MU. From the beginning of their studies, doctoral students are directly involved in ongoing research and develop practical skills in experimental work, research planning, teamwork, scientific networking, and project management. Participation in national and international research projects, including EU Framework Programme projects and ERC grants, also gives students valuable insight into research funding and the preparation, management, and implementation of research projects.

Students have access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and shared core facilities at CEITEC MU, allowing them to gain hands-on experience with advanced methodologies and instrumentation beyond those routinely used within their own research groups.

A mandatory component of the doctoral programme is a study or research stay at a foreign institution lasting at least one month. International mobility exposes students to different research environments, methodological approaches, and scientific cultures, while also promoting scientific independence and the development of international professional networks. In exceptional and duly justified cases, and subject to the approval of the Vice-Dean, this requirement may instead be fulfilled through participation in an international collaborative research project whose results have been published or presented abroad, or through another form of direct involvement in international scientific collaboration.

The programme also supports Collaborative PhD projects conducted in cooperation with commercial or other non-academic partners. These projects offer students direct experience of research and development outside academia and strengthen their understanding of applied research, innovation, and technology transfer. Contact with external experts is also facilitated through the Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC), an advisory body established for each doctoral student, which provides independent feedback on the progress and direction of the doctoral project and may include experts from outside the student’s immediate research environment.

Together, these activities ensure that practical training extends beyond the experimental work directly associated with the doctoral dissertation. Students acquire broad methodological, collaborative, organisational, and international experience that prepares them for future careers in both academic and non-academic research environments.