PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

Dr

Teaching language

• English

Languages

The programme is in English only. Participants have to write their doctoral theses in English.

Programme duration

6 semesters

Beginning

Other

Application deadline

Application track I (joint call): updated information for the next call will be announced here in due time.

Application track II (open positions): the deadline depends on the respective advertised open positions.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

The Graduate School Life Science Engineering provides an exceptional interdisciplinary educational programme for highly qualified international scientists and students.

Our programme is specifically tailored to the needs of our members and provides a comprehensive education that extends beyond the latest developments in life science engineering.

In addition to staying current with the latest advancements in the field, our programme also emphasises the development of essential skills such as leadership, project management, communication, and other valuable skills.

Research questions and applications range from

• Equipping cells with new functionality through synthetic biology
• Targeted modulation of cells and organisms using engineered biomolecules and chemical compounds
• Constructing bottom-up life-like systems as intelligent biomaterials and biosensors
• Assembling cells into multicellular structures and tissues (e.g. 3D printing of cells)
• Interfacing biomolecular systems with solid-state technology
• Mathematical and computational methods to design and analyse biological systems
• Engineering biology to address current challenges in sustainability
• Creating new technology for the interrogation of cells, biomolecules and tissues

The Graduate School Life Science Engineering strives to foster a supportive and inclusive community that values diversity, collaboration, and innovation. We believe that the unique perspectives and experiences of our members enrich our programme and contribute to the advancement of our field.

Course organisation

Interdisciplinary Supervision

The Graduate School Life Science Engineering provides a Thesis Advisory Committee to monitor your progress and help you design an individual career development plan. This interdisciplinary supervision can provide valuable feedback and guidance for your PhD programme.

Mobility Allowance

PhD students in the Graduate School Life Science Engineering receive a mobility allowance to support their research stays abroad or their participation in national and international conferences. This can provide opportunities for networking and learning from other researchers in your field.

Extracurricular Seminars and Trainings

The in-house umbrella organisation INGENIUM offers a range of extracurricular seminars and trainings in transferable skills to help PhD students develop skills outside of their specific research area. These skills can include communication, project management, and entrepreneurship.

Annual Retreat

The Graduate School Life Science Engineering hosts an annual retreat in Kleinwalsertal, Austria, where students can present their progress, network with other researchers, and engage in interdisciplinary discussions. Additionally, the retreat provides opportunities for skiing and other outdoor activities.

Laboratory Rotation

PhD students in the Graduate School Life Science Engineering have the opportunity to learn a broad spectrum of methods through laboratory rotation. This can help students gain experience in different research areas and develop new skills that may be applicable to their research.

International elements

• International guest lecturers
• Integrated study abroad unit(s)

Integrated study abroad unit(s)

PhD students in the Graduate School Life Science Engineering receive a mobility allowance to support their research stays abroad for up to three months or their participation in national and international conferences. This can provide opportunities for networking and learning from other researchers in your field.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

No

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

Optional, see: registration fees

Costs of living

Estimated living expenses are about 700 EUR to 900 EUR per month. Please note that these costs are just a rough estimation and can vary greatly depending on your way of life, your accommodation, etc.

Costs and budget

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

You will be employed as a PhD student by the corresponding department. Open positions will be advertised on our website.

Academic admission requirements

The prerequisite for the successful application is a Master's degree in a life science discipline (e.g. molecular biology, chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, synthetic biology, material science, computer science, micro- and nanotechnology) from a recognised academic institution and the acceptance as a PhD student by one of the research groups associated to the programme. All admission requirements are listed in detail here .

Language requirements

A proof of adequate written and spoken English skills is required for your application if your native language is not English. You can provide proof by:

• a TOEFL certificate (minimum score requirements: paper based 570 (PBT), computer based 230 (CBT), internet based 88 (iBT))
• an IELTS certificate (minimum band score requirements: 6.5) 
• UNIcert III certificate  
• a Cambridge Advanced English certificate (CAE, Grade C1)  
• a test of English for international communication certificate (TOEIC, minimum score requirements: 792) 
• a suitable certificate from your faculty or supervisor if you participated in a Master's programme in which all lectures were in English or German
• If you received a MSc degree from a university of an EU member state or an EU affiliated member state, you are exempted from providing an English language certificate. Your English skills will be evaluated during the interview process, but you have to add a statement that you will provide proof of your language proficiency during the interview.

Application deadline

Application track I (joint call): updated information for the next call will be announced here in due time.

Application track II (open positions): the deadline depends on the respective advertised open positions.

Submit application to

Online portal

For further details on the application process and open positions, visit our website.

Accommodation

TU Darmstadt's International Affairs Department assists international students in their search for accommodation through its Housing Assistance Office. A major science hub, Darmstadt is home to multiple research institutions, three universities, and many high-technology companies, all of which attract people from around the world. A wide variety of accommodations that vary in size, furnishing, and rent are available in Darmstadt and its vicinity. As the university does not own or manage student housing, we support students in finding housing in private and public student dormitories or on the private market. In order to improve your chances in finding the optimal place to live, we recommend that you start your search early. We are happy to assist you in this process. Please make sure to register online on the housing assistance website for international students.

Our services include the distribution of an “Accommodation Guide” that includes links to private and public student dormitories, hotels and youth hostels, and a “Housing Guide” that provides tips on how to search for accommodation in Darmstadt.

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory service

Ingenium – Young Researchers at TU Darmstadt is the umbrella organisation for promoting early career researchers. Together with the departments, graduate schools, and research training groups, Ingenium promotes and qualifies early career researchers at TU Darmstadt for both academic and non-academic careers.

INGENIUM

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Accompanying programme
• Visa matters

General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The International Student Services (ISS) support international students, exchange students and prospective students with a refugee background in all non-academic areas.

TU Darmstadt International
International Student Service

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