PhD Positions
Candidate requirements
- You have a truly excellent academic record.
- You have previous research experience.
- You are highly committed to scientific research, and you have the potential and eagerness to conduct demanding research projects.
- You have a distinctive proficiency in textbook knowledge of the relevant scientific disciplines.
- You are proficient in the English language. Provision of TOEFL or IELTS results and GRE examination results is recommended but not mandatory.
- You hold (or anticipate to receive before taking up the PhD thesis work) a Master’s degree in one of the life sciences (e.g. Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Biomedicine – incl. Medicine – Physics/Biophysics, Bioengineering, Biomaterials, Biotechnology) Mathematics, or Computer Science. For more detailed information on accepted degrees, please check our FAQ.
- Your degree course ended/ends with a thesis.
Previously affiliated applicants
Candidates who have previously been affiliated with a DIGS-ILS research group for more than 3 months are considered as internal candidates. In general, they are eligible for admission. Like all successful applicants, internal candidates must fulfil the above-mentioned requirements and demonstrate high potential and outstanding performance in order to be invited for interviews. To avoid any favoritism or bias, group leaders well acquainted with an internal candidate will not be involved in judging the candidate’s qualification for admission.
PhD Summer Selection 2026
call is closed
interview week:
18–21 August 2026
PhD Winter Selection 2027
call opens 17 August 2026
call closes 15 October 2026
video interviews with admission committee:
30 Nov – 4 Dec 2026
interview week:
2 – 5 February 2027
Contact
Once a year, for our Winter Selection, we open a joint call with our partner program
This means even more opportunities for you – with just one application!