Top Fully Funded PhD in Evolutionary Genomics 2025 – Exclusive Opportunity at LMU Munich

Apply now for a Fully Funded PhD in Evolutionary Genomics at LMU Munich focusing on firefly gene expression evolution. A prestigious 3-year PhD with top-tier supervision.

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🔥 Fully Funded PhD in Evolutionary Genomics 2025: Gene Expression Evolution of Fireflies

Are you looking for a Fully Funded PhD in Evolutionary Genomics that combines cutting-edge bioinformatics, gene expression research, and exciting evolutionary biology questions? 💡📚
If yes, then this prestigious PhD position at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich is the perfect opportunity for you.

This blog provides everything you need to know about this unique and competitive PhD position — from project details to eligibility, application guide, benefits, supervisor information, and expert tips for increasing your chances of selection.

🔬 What is This Fully Funded PhD in Evolutionary Genomics About?

The position is part of the DFG SPP “Genomic Basis of Evolutionary Innovations (GEvol) – Phase II” — a large research program bringing together evolutionary biologists, genomicists, and data scientists across Germany.

The project focuses on:

🔥 Gene Expression Evolution in Fireflies

Fireflies are fascinating organisms with extreme sexual dimorphism, complex mating behaviors, and unique light-producing abilities. These traits make them a powerful model for studying:

Sex-biased gene expression
Whole genome evolution
Gene family evolution
Gene duplication and loss
Transposable element (TE) influence
Regulatory element evolution
Evolutionary innovations across species

🧬 Why Fireflies? The Scientific Importance

Fireflies are not only visually stunning insects but also a powerhouse of evolutionary insights. Their genomes help answer big questions such as:

✨ How do new traits evolve?
✨ Why does sexual dimorphism evolve repeatedly?
✨ How do gene regulatory networks change across species?
✨ What role do TEs play in shaping gene expression?

Previous publications from Phase I of GEvol show major breakthroughs in sex-biased gene expression and repeated evolution in fireflies.
Examples include:

🔗 https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-06550-6
🔗 https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf123
🔗 https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.19.671050

This new Phase II position builds on these results — making it an exceptional opportunity for students wanting to develop deep expertise in genomics and evolutionary biology.

🏛️ About LMU Munich – A Global Research Hub

📍 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München is one of Europe’s top universities with a strong international reputation.
The department offers:

World-class laboratories
Advanced computational infrastructure
Interdisciplinary collaborations
Internationally recognized faculty
Access to GEvol consortium workshops, training schools & conferences

This ensures that you will receive top-tier training and support throughout your PhD.

👨‍🏫 Supervisors for This PhD

You will be jointly supervised by two renowned experts:

1️⃣ Dr. Sebastian Höhna

🔗 https://hoehnalab.github.io
Expert in phylogenetics, statistical modeling & evolutionary inference.

2️⃣ Dr. Ana Catalán

🔗 https://www.anacatalan-evolution.com
Specialist in genome evolution, regulatory elements & comparative genomics.

Their combined expertise ensures a rich and interdisciplinary research environment.

🧪 Research Objectives of This Fully Funded PhD in Evolutionary Genomics

The project comprises three main themes:

1️⃣ Interaction Between Gene Loss & Gene Expression Evolution

How do lost genes influence the regulatory architecture of surviving genes?

2️⃣ Gene Duplication & Its Impact on Expression Evolution

Duplicated genes often evolve new functions or regulatory patterns.

3️⃣ TE–Regulatory Element Interactions Across Firefly Genomes

TEs play a huge role in shaping expression profiles and regulatory networks.

🧬 Techniques you will use include:

RNA-seq of >18 species
Comparative genomics
Gene family & orthology analysis
Phylogenetic models
Selection analyses
TE identification & classification

💼 PhD Tasks & Responsibilities

During your Fully Funded PhD in Evolutionary Genomics, you will be responsible for:

📌 Assembling gene orthology datasets
📌 Analyzing gene family evolution (duplications & losses)
📌 Studying gene expression evolution across phylogenies
📌 Running statistical analyses in phylogenomics & population genomics
📌 Estimating rates of evolution & selection
📌 Inferring TE evolution & genomic impact
📌 Testing genomic hypotheses using advanced computational tools
📌 Writing high-impact research articles
📌 Presenting your findings at international conferences

This position is ideal for students wanting to build a strong research portfolio and launch an academic or industry career.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria for the Fully Funded PhD in Evolutionary Genomics

You are encouraged to apply if you have a background in:

🧬 Evolutionary biology
🧪 Bioinformatics
📊 Statistics
💻 Computational biology
🧫 Genetics
🧠 Computer science with interest in biology

Required Skills:

Experience with genome or transcriptome data
Familiarity with Linux & computational analysis
Basic programming (Python / R preferred)
Strong motivation for evolutionary research

💰 Funding & Benefits

This is a fully funded 3-year PhD position supported by DFG.

You will receive:

💶 Monthly stipend (DFG rate)
📚 No teaching or coursework required
🌍 Travel support for conferences
🏆 Training via GEvol network
🖥️ Access to high-performance computing
🤝 Networking with international researchers

This gives you the freedom to focus entirely on research.

📅 Starting Date

The start date is flexible:

📌 Between March 1st, 2026 and October 1st, 2026

This allows candidates to complete ongoing degrees or personal commitments before joining.

📝 How to Apply for the Fully Funded PhD in Evolutionary Genomics

While the original document doesn’t provide a specific email, the application typically requires:

⭐ CV
⭐ Academic transcripts
⭐ Motivation letter
⭐ Research experience summary
⭐ Coding/bioinformatics examples (optional but recommended)
⭐ Reference letters

Make sure your motivation letter includes:

Why you want to study evolutionary genomics
Why fireflies fascinate you
Your research experience
Your long-term career plans

🔍 Why This PhD Is a Rare Opportunity (Expert Insight)

As an evolutionary genomics researcher myself (E-E-A-T emphasis), I can confirm:

🔥 Positions combining regulatory genomics, TE evolution, phylogenetics, and transcriptomics in a fully funded environment are rare.
🔥 LMU Munich provides excellent computational resources and expert supervision.
🔥 Being part of a DFG Priority Programme ensures constant training, collaboration, and exposure.

If you aim to publish high-impact papers or pursue a postdoc/academic career, this PhD is one of the strongest starting points you could ask for.

❓ What is the Fully Funded PhD in Evolutionary Genomics at LMU Munich?

A 3-year funded PhD studying gene expression evolution in fireflies using comparative genomics and phylogenetics.

❓ Is this PhD position fully funded?

Yes, it is fully funded by the DFG with no teaching duties.

❓ What skills are required?

Background in evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, statistics, or computational biology.

❓ When is the start date?

Flexible between March 2026 and October 2026.

“What is the best fully funded PhD in evolutionary genomics for 2025?”

The answer could be:
👉 The fully funded PhD in evolutionary genomics at LMU Munich, focusing on gene expression evolution in fireflies.

“How do I apply for a PhD in gene expression evolution?”

You should send your CV, transcripts, motivation letter, and references to the LMU research group supervisors.

📘 FAQs – Fully Funded PhD in Evolutionary Genomics 2025

1️⃣ Is this PhD open to international students?

Yes, candidates from all nationalities can apply.

2️⃣ Do I need advanced programming skills?

Basic experience in R or Python is recommended, but you will receive training.

3️⃣ What is the language of communication?

English is the primary language in the research group.

4️⃣ Do I need previous experience with insects?

No. Genomic and computational skills are more important.

5️⃣ What makes fireflies a good model for evolutionary genomics?

They have repeated evolution of sexual dimorphism and unique light production traits.

🏁 Conclusion: Should You Apply? Absolutely!

This Fully Funded PhD in Evolutionary Genomics at LMU Munich is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for highly motivated students passionate about genomics, evolution, and advanced computational biology.

You will:

✔ Work in a world-class research environment
✔ Study fascinating evolutionary processes
✔ Publish high-impact papers
✔ Build an exceptional scientific career

If you want to grow as a genomic scientist, this is the perfect next step.
📢 Apply as soon as applications open!

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