PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

Dr rer nat (PhD equivalent) / Dr med (MD equivalent) / Dr rer medic

Teaching language

• English

Languages

Courses are held in English, and the thesis can be written in either English or German. Some additional courses may be in German. Some events, such as internal lab meetings, etc., may also be in German.

Programme duration

6 semesters

Beginning

Only for doctoral programmes: any time

Application deadline

No application deadline

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

Situated advantageously at the heart of Western Europe in Germany's largest metropolis, the Graduate School of Biomedical Science at the University of Duisburg-Essen integrates all PhD and MD graduates within the Faculties of Biology and Medicine into a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary study programme offering doctoral students an outstanding, globally focused academic education. Our current research foci are as follows:

• Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience
• Cellular and Molecular Immunology
• Clinical Studies (a one-year programme specifically aimed at MD graduates)
• Computational Biomedicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Ischaemia, Reperfusion and Angiogenesis
• Radiation Sciences
• Transplantation Medicine (a one-year programme specifically aimed at MD graduates)
• Tumour and Signalling
• Innate and Adaptive Immunity (RTG 1949)
• WisPerMed (RTG 2535)
• Therapeutic Radiation in Cancer (RTG 2762)
• PhD Epidemiology and Clinical Research
• Treatment Expectation (CRC 289)
• Local Thyroid Hormone Action (CRC 296)
• Cell State Transitions (CRC 1430)

In addition, our rapidly expanding biomedical campus offers young scientists access to state-of-the-art research facilities and the opportunity to work at the interface of basic and clinical science.
Within the ever-growing range of graduate school activities, doctoral students are frequently given the opportunity for close international interaction and cross-cultural networking with fellow graduates, visiting researchers, and keynote speakers.
The working language of the graduate school is English. A dual rationale lies behind this decision. Firstly, German-speaking participants are offered a platform for intensive development of their English skills within a familiar working environment. Secondly, international graduates are in no way put at a disadvantage by a foreign language barrier when participating in the BIOME programme.
A guiding mission of the graduate school is its focus on the principles of fair play and the practice of scientific integrity. Awareness of and adherence to good scientific conduct is central to the rigorous training of young researchers for the protection of their intellectual property and rights as well as the ethical development of successful careers. The university's drive to provide structures promoting soft skills, gender equality, and family-oriented support further contributes to an excellent, all-round tertiary environment.
Join us now to be part of the new Ruhr research renaissance.

Course organisation

Each graduate core programme consists of a lecture series of about 20 lectures per year with regularly invited keynote speakers. These are followed by graduate presentations of original work in progress and/or literature seminars. In addition, each core has an annual meeting, often together with one or two other BIOME cores, at which participants can find out about each other's work and exchange views. Career-oriented seminars are offered to graduates throughout the year. Close interaction with both fellow graduates and keynote speakers in the field of biomedical science and other disciplines further contributes to a lively and intellectually stimulating doctoral environment.

International elements

• International guest lecturers
• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad

Integrated internships

Internships are possible; they are project-dependent.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

No

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

346 EUR (includes student ticket for use of public transport in the whole of NRW)

Funding opportunities within the university

No

Academic admission requirements

Requirements include a MSc degree in natural sciences (biology, biochemistry, medical biology, or equivalent study courses) or equivalent tertiary degree (e.g. German "Diplom") in biology or related fields with excellent results. Academic experience in biomedical science is advantageous.
Candidates with excellent Bachelor's results may be considered for the PhD programme without being obliged to do Master's studies. The decision rests with the supervisor.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills (university level). Complete written and spoken fluency in the English language is essential. Fluency in German is an advantage, but not necessary.

Application deadline

No application deadline

Submit application to

University of Duisburg-Essen
Universitätsklinikum Essen
Graduate School of Biomedical Science
Robert-Koch-Haus
Virchowstr. 179
45147 Essen
Germany

Please submit your application in digital form directly to your chosen doctoral supervisor with scans of all relevant documents as PDF attachments.

Possibility of finding part-time employment

A number of graduates supplement their income by working as part-time scientific assistants (eight hours a week) for a maximum of two semesters. Students from non-EU countries are permitted to work 240 half days or 120 full days per calendar year without a work permit.

Accommodation

The university has a number of halls of residence where graduates can live. These are managed by the Student Residence Service in Essen and Duisburg. Rooms or apartments can also be found on the private market.

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory service

Graduate Center Plus (GC Plus) supports the faculties of the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) in optimally promoting early career researchers at all career levels. Furthermore, the university's Career Service can be contacted for everything related to application, recruiting and career entry and they offer a wide range of additional advice and services.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Specialist counselling
• Visa matters
• Support with registration procedures

General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The International Office offers support and guidance for international students, post-graduates and other applicants who are interested in our courses of studies. We especially advise them on matters of application and enrolment, and we are in charge of all matters concerning the admission of international students. The International Office also counsels UDE students who are interested in studying abroad or who are looking for international scholarships. We are happy to help foreign scholars and the inviting UDE institutes to deal with bureaucratic obstacles and everyday problems. We offer counselling and support to individual UDE professors, research groups and departments by taking care of collaborations between universities, by establishing contacts with partner universities and with international projects.

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