TIMO - PhD Program in Translational Immunology and Metabolism in Oncology for Medical Doctors and MSc Graduates The Medical University of Graz in Austria

The Medical University of Graz is offering 15 paid PhD positions through the TIMO (Translational Immunology and Metabolism in Oncology) program, designed for medical doctors and students holding a master’s degree in science. This innovative, cancer-specific training program leverages the university’s longstanding tradition in cancer research and aims to advance the frontiers of translational medicine. TIMO projects focus on two critical hallmarks of cancer: cancer cell metabolism and anti-tumour immunity, both of which hold significant promise for novel therapeutic strategies and clinical applications.

A unique feature of the TIMO program is the mutual co-supervision of PhD candidates by pairs of preclinical and clinical principal investigators, selected for their synergistic expertise in solid and blood cancer entities. This collaborative approach, combined with an extended cancer-centered curriculum, ensures a comprehensive translational PhD education for both MDs and MSc graduates. The program offers a four-year PhD education, running from October 2026 to September 2030, and includes research time abroad, high-end research labs, top-notch methods, and extracurricular clinical trial manager courses.

Successful candidates will join a vibrant academic environment, working alongside clinicians and cancer researchers to develop novel therapies and biomarkers. The TIMO curriculum is designed to prepare students for academic and scientific careers, providing exposure to cutting-edge cancer research projects and opportunities to learn from leading experts in the field. The program is fully funded, with 15 paid positions available, and offers a clear path toward professional development in translational oncology.

Applicants must be medical doctors or hold a master’s degree in science, with a strong interest in cancer research, immunology, metabolism, and translational medicine. The application deadline is March 22, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the official TIMO program website at https://www.medunigraz.at/timo.