International Fully Funded PhD Positions in the Life Sciences in Switzerland Life Science Zurich Graduate School in Switzerland

The Life Science Zurich Graduate School (LSZGS) offers over 100 fully funded PhD positions in the life sciences, making it one of the largest and most prestigious graduate schools in Europe. Jointly operated by ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, LSZGS encompasses 17 highly competitive PhD programs, providing outstanding research and educational opportunities for ambitious students from around the world. With approximately 500 research groups and more than 1,600 PhD students, the school fosters a dynamic and international environment ideal for doctoral training.

PhD students at LSZGS can choose from a wide range of research fields, including biomedicine, biomedical engineering, cancer biology, ecology, epidemiology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, immunology, molecular life sciences, neuroscience, plant science, RNA biology, systems biology, and more. The program is conducted entirely in English and typically spans four years, offering advanced courses and training tailored to support academic and professional development.

LSZGS aims to attract the most promising young scientists by providing a challenging training environment, a clear mentoring system, and opportunities to perform cutting-edge research. Students become part of a vibrant scientific and social community, collaborating with leading experts and contributing to impactful discoveries. Upon admission, students carry out their research project within one of the participating research groups, aligned with their scientific interests.

All PhD positions are fully funded, with financial support provided in accordance with the Ph.D. student salary set by the Swiss National Science Foundation. This ensures that students can focus on their research and training without financial concerns. The school offers two open calls per year, with application deadlines on May 1 and November 1.

To be eligible, applicants must hold or expect to soon obtain a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field from a recognized university. Upon arrival in Zurich, students will register with either the University of Zurich or ETH Zurich, depending on the affiliation of their research group. English proficiency is expected, as the program is conducted in English.

For more information and to apply, visit the Life Science Zurich Graduate School website. Applications are only considered if submitted in the required format through the official portal. The next application deadline is May 1, 2026.