PhD and MD Doctoral Programmes in Biomedical Science at University of Duisburg-Essen University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany

The Graduate School of Biomedical Science at the University of Duisburg-Essen offers an interdisciplinary doctoral programme for both PhD and MD candidates, located in Essen, Germany. The programme is designed to integrate graduates from the Faculties of Biology and Medicine into a dynamic academic environment, providing access to state-of-the-art research facilities and fostering collaboration at the interface of basic and clinical science.

Research foci include Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Clinical Studies (for MD graduates), Computational Biomedicine, Infectious Diseases, Ischaemia, Reperfusion and Angiogenesis, Radiation Sciences, Sex and Gender-Sensitive Medicine, Transplantation Medicine (for MD graduates), Tumour and Signalling, and several collaborative research groups (RTGs and CRCs) such as WisPerMed, Therapeutic Radiation in Cancer, TCI repAMI, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Treatment Expectation, Local Thyroid Hormone Action, and Cell State Transitions.

The working language is English, with some additional courses and events in German. The thesis may be written in either English or German. The programme duration is six semesters, and students may begin at any time. There are no tuition fees, and the semester contribution includes a German student ticket for unlimited local public transport.

Doctoral students benefit from a structured curriculum, including a lecture series, graduate presentations, annual meetings, and career-oriented seminars. International elements such as guest lecturers, projects with partners in Germany and abroad, and integrated internships are available. The university provides support for international students, including specialist counselling, visa assistance, and help with registration procedures.

Applicants must have a MSc degree in natural sciences or an equivalent qualification with excellent results. Academic experience in biomedical science is advantageous. Exceptional Bachelor's graduates may be considered for direct entry to the PhD programme. Complete fluency in English is required; German is helpful but not mandatory.

There are no internal funding opportunities, but graduates may work part-time as scientific assistants. Accommodation is available in university-managed halls of residence or on the private market. The university also offers career advisory services and support for early career researchers through the Graduate Center Plus and Career Service.

Applications are accepted year-round. Prospective students should submit their application digitally to their chosen doctoral supervisor, including all relevant documents as PDF attachments. For further details and application instructions, visit the DAAD programme page.