PhD Program in Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention and Implementation Science
The Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS in Bremen, Germany, invites applications for its three-year PhD program starting October 1, 2026. BIPS is a leading center for population-based research, dedicated to developing effective strategies for chronic disease prevention and supporting a healthy life course. The institute’s research spans lifestyle and environmental factors, biological and social determinants, early detection, and drug safety, with a strong emphasis on methods development, causal inference, and artificial intelligence in epidemiology and biostatistics.
PhD students will join an active research environment, benefiting from extensive resources such as large cohort studies, a biobank, a unique claims database, and a cancer and mortality registry. The program is closely affiliated with the University of Bremen and is part of the U Bremen Research Alliance, which provides support for international scholars. BIPS is committed to training the next generation of researchers through structured master’s and PhD programs, and fosters a diverse, international academic community.
The PhD program focuses on research areas including pharmacoepidemiology, cancer screening, prevention and implementation science, biostatistics, machine learning, data science, research data management, causal inference, and etiologic and molecular epidemiology. Each student is matched with a senior faculty member as their primary supervisor and becomes part of a research group. Projects are co-developed between student and supervisor, leveraging BIPS’s data resources or new data collections. Students receive close mentoring, participate in an interdisciplinary thesis advisory committee, and are expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences. The working language is English.
The educational component includes a doctoral-level seminar covering epidemiology, prevention research, biostatistics, project planning, ethics, and good scientific practice. Advanced courses in epidemiologic and statistical methods, as well as training in scientific writing and literature management, are provided. Participation in external courses is supported, and all coursework is in English. PhD students register as doctoral students at the University of Bremen and may earn a Dr. rer. nat. or DrPH degree, depending on their research focus. Graduation requires the equivalent of three first-author manuscripts in international peer-reviewed journals, following a cumulative thesis model.
PhD students are salaried employees at BIPS, receiving 70% of a TV-L E13 position (approx. €3,240 gross/€2,100 net per month), with no tuition fees and full employee benefits. Funding is secured for three years. The Welcome Center of the U Bremen Research Alliance assists international students with relocation. Career prospects for graduates include postdoctoral and faculty positions, as well as roles in the public sector and industry.
Applicants must have a master’s degree (or equivalent) in epidemiology, statistics, prevention and implementation science/public health, or expect to complete such a program by October 1, 2026. Prior research experience is advantageous. English proficiency is required, demonstrated by a standardized test unless exempt. Degrees from outside Germany must be recognized by the University of Bremen or KMK. There are no citizenship requirements, but non-EU students must obtain a visa and work authorization. BIPS is an equal opportunity employer and supports work-life balance.
The application deadline is March 31, 2026. Application packages (cover letter, CV, transcripts, English test results, references) should be submitted as a single PDF to [email protected], quoting reference number A 25-37. Letters of recommendation should be sent directly by referees. Interviews will be held via Zoom in April 2026. For further questions, contact Professor Vanessa Didelez ([email protected]) or Professor Konrad H. Stopsack ([email protected]).
