PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

PhD-equivalent academic degree (Dr rer nat, Dr med, Dr sc hum, or Dr-Ing depending on background and project)

Doctoral degree or degree awarded by

University of Heidelberg

Teaching language

• English

Languages

Working language: English

Full-time / part-time

• full-time

Programme duration

6 semesters

Beginning

Only for doctoral programmes: any time

Additional information on beginning, duration and mode of study

Doctoral researchers can join the programme anytime.

Application deadline

Summer selection: 15 May
Winter selection: 15 December

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

The DKFZ International PhD Programme in Cancer Research at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg offers state-of-the-art research opportunities at the forefront of basic, computational, epidemiological, and translational cancer research. DKFZ PhD students receive a doctoral degree from the Biosciences, Medical, or Physics Faculty of the prestigious University of Heidelberg, the oldest university in Germany.

The DKFZ is Germany’s largest biomedical research institute. Around 500 PhD students in over 100 divisions and research groups carry out research to unravel the causes and mechanisms of cancer development and to identify novel tools for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. In recent years, researchers at the DKFZ have been responsible for major advances both in basic research and in the development of novel methods for clinical application. Two researchers of the DKFZ have been awarded the Nobel Prize, namely Harald zur Hausen in 2008 and Stefan Hell in 2014. As part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest research organisation in Germany, the DKFZ has an international and dynamic work environment and provides its scientists with access to state-of-the-art research facilities.

Research at the DKFZ is highly interdisciplinary, which is reflected by the fact that PhD students have an academic background in (molecular) biology, (bio-)chemistry, (bio-)physics, mathematics, computational biology, computer science, epidemiology/public health studies, and related fields. Projects frequently cross traditional research boundaries and draw upon expertise from multiple scientific and clinical disciplines.

Based on a long tradition of scientific interaction between the DKFZ and the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS) in Israel, the Graduate School has partnered with the Feinberg Graduate School of the WIS to establish the German-Israeli Helmholtz Research School in Cancer Biology.

For more information, have a look at our website .

Course organisation

The language of the PhD programme is English. Besides receiving supervision from a research group leader, each student has a personal Thesis Advisory Committee. This provides students with further support and advice during the entire duration of the PhD. In addition, PhD students are offered scientific and professional skills courses, lecture series on the current state of cancer research, and career events. Furthermore, they broaden their horizons at PhD retreats and international conferences.

The DKFZ Career Service supports PhD students in planning for a professional future and provides information on different career opportunities. PhD students themselves play a vital role in shaping the programme. They organise many different initiatives and events and are the driving force behind the scientific and social community.

The career prospects after obtaining a PhD from the DKFZ are outstanding. You will find alumni in top positions in academia, industry, and related fields.

International elements

• International guest lecturers
• Language training provided
• Training in intercultural skills
• Study trips
• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad

Special promotion / funding of the programme

• Helmholtz Graduate Schools
• DAAD

Name of DAAD funding programme

Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP)

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

No

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

There is no tuition fee at the DKFZ, you will however be required to pay university fees of approx. 190 EUR per semester.

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

PhD students are fully funded for the duration of the PhD programme.

Academic admission requirements

Applicants from all countries who hold a Master’s degree in a field related to cancer research are invited to apply.

Visit our website for more details on admission requirements .

Language requirements

A language test for English is requested for all applicants except those coming from German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), as well as native English speakers from Australia, Canada, Ireland, UK, and USA. If your studies were in English, then please upload a PDF document from your university (or Director of Studies) in which this is stated. The following proof of English is accepted:

• TOEFL test with a score of 95+ (internet-based), 240+ (computer-based) or 587+ (paper-based)
• IELTS certificate with a band score 7.0+
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)

Application deadline

Summer selection: 15 May
Winter selection: 15 December

Submit application to

Please apply via our online application system. The annual application deadlines are 15 May and 15 December.
https://www.dkfz.de/en/phd-program/index.html?campaign=phd/daadprog

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory service

The DKFZ has a dedicated career service team, which aims to support all PhD students at the DKFZ in planning their professional future. The career service provides:

career-related workshops and conferences;

personal career guidance and advise; and

a career network with DKFZ alumni in academia, industry, and beyond.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Welcome event
• Buddy programme
• Accompanying programme
• Visa matters
• Specialist counselling

General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The International Office of the DKFZ provides support for international employees before and after their arrival.

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg is Germany’s largest biomedical research institute. As part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest research organisation in Germany, the DKFZ has an international and dynamic work environment, providing scientists with access to state-of-the-art research facilities and exceptional resources. More than 3,000 employees in over 100 divisions and research groups carry out research to unravel the causes and mechanisms of cancer development and to identify novel tools for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Harald zur Hausen (2008) and Stefan Hell (2014) are two researchers of the DKFZ who have been awarded the Nobel Prize. The DKFZ offers attractive prospects and training opportunities for international researchers at all stages of their career.

Heidelberg combines the best of many worlds. With its narrow lanes and ancient buildings, the historic old town immediately transports visitors back into the Middle Ages. Flanked by hills and lush forests, there is plenty to tempt nature-lovers. The gateway to Heidelberg's medieval core is the unmistakable Old Bridge with its two towers. This landmark's nine sandstone arches straddle the Neckar river, whose banks, or Neckarwiese, invite both locals and tourists alike to while away the time.

The city has much to offer the modern-day visitor, including an enviable cultural palette, ranging from theatre and music to film festivals, and even its own beers. Thanks to the presence of many international companies in the region and quality research faculties belonging to the University of Heidelberg, the city is a magnet for cosmopolitan individuals from multicultural backgrounds.

Heidelberg is very much a modern city that prides itself on being at the cutting edge of scientific research. The DKFZ is located in the Neuenheimer Feld, one of the largest biomedical campuses in Germany. This site also hosts the science faculties of Heidelberg University as well as the university hospital and other research departments. DKFZ PhD students may participate in the sports programmes at Heidelberg University.

To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.