PhD Positions in Cancer Research at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) German Cancer Research Center in Germany

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) offers fully funded PhD positions through its International PhD Program, a structured doctoral training initiative within the DKFZ Cancer Research Academy. With over 600 PhD students, the program provides tailored mentoring, interdisciplinary research opportunities, and comprehensive career development support at the forefront of cancer research.

Doctoral research projects are conducted at the DKFZ core site in Heidelberg, DKFZ Dresden, or partner sites across Germany, including the National Centers for Tumor Disease (NCT), the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), the Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology (HI-TRON) Mainz, and the DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at University Medicine Mannheim. The program is conducted in English and offers full funding for the duration of the PhD, covering both living expenses and tuition, with support from DKFZ or third-party sources.

PhD students benefit from a Thesis Advisory Committee, participation in scientific and professional skills courses, attendance at international conferences, and a vibrant PhD community. Research areas span cell biology, tumor biology, genomics, epidemiology, public health, immunology, infection, cancer, imaging, and radiooncology, with many interdisciplinary projects available. The DKFZ PhD council organizes regular networking and social events, and the Career Service & Alumni Relations office provides guidance for academic and industry career paths.

Applicants should hold or expect to soon hold a Master's degree (MSc or equivalent) with a written research thesis. Suitable backgrounds include molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, computational biology, computer science, epidemiology, public health, biomedical engineering, chemistry, mathematics, pharmacological sciences, neuroscience, medical sciences, or physics. Proficiency in English is required.

The next application deadline is 21 April 2026. For more information and to apply online, visit the DKFZ International PhD Program website. For inquiries, contact [email protected].