Taught vs Research Master’s: Funding, PhD Entry & an 8-Question Checklist
ApplyKite Editorial 3 Nov 2026
Master’s Opportunities in Synthetic Biology in Switzerland
No perfect match, but here’s what’s close
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International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life
Germany
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4 days ago
Max Planck School Matter to Life in Germany is offering a fully funded, integrated five-year MSc/PhD programme for students interested in chemistry and interdisciplinary molecular sciences. The two-year Master’s phase takes place at Heidelberg University or the University of Göttingen and covers chemistry, molecular systems, synthetic chemistry, biophysics, biomaterials, synthetic biology, complex systems, and the chemistry of living systems. Students then progress to a three-year PhD research p...
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Chemistry
+9 more
4 days ago
University of Edinburgh
Top university
United Kingdom
.
1 week ago
Top university
Bioengineering MScR at the University of Edinburgh is a postgraduate research degree for students interested in interdisciplinary work across engineering, biology, medicine, and physical sciences. The programme is based in the Institute for Bioengineering within the School of Engineering , and the research environment focuses on synthetic biology , tissue engineering , biomedical modelling and measurement , and biomedical devices and sensors . Research interests include assistive technologies fo...
Biomedical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
+8 more
1 week ago
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Popular positions
University of Basel
Switzerland
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1 month ago
The Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI) at the University of Basel is inviting applications for 6 fully funded PhD positions in the SNI Nanoscience PhD program. These projects span a broad nanoscience portfolio, including quantum physics , chemistry , materials science , nanotechnology , biochemistry , cell biology , and nanomedicine . Example topics include circuit quantum electrodynamics in atomically thin nanoelectronic devices, nano photonics with fibre cavities, nanopore detection of nanoclus...
Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Chemistry
+10 more
1 month ago
Martin Fussenegger
ETH Zurich
Switzerland
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1 month ago
Doctoral Position in Advanced Bioelectronic & Electrical Conversion Research at ETH Zurich (Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Basel, Switzerland). The Biotechnology and Bioengineering group led by Prof. Dr. Martin Fussenegger invites applications for a PhD position focused on the intersection of synthetic biology , nanotechnology , bioelectronics , electrical engineering , and bioelectronic medicine . The project aims to engineer programmable human cells that respond to electrica...
Computer Science
Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
+8 more
1 month ago
ETH Zurich
Switzerland
.
1 month ago
Doctoral Position for Synthetic Biology-Inspired Therapies at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland. The Biotechnology and Bioengineering group led by Prof. Dr. Martin Fussenegger invites exceptional candidates to apply for a PhD position in pioneering projects developing synthetic biology-inspired human therapies. The research sits at the intersection of synthetic biology, biology, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, and medical ...
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
+7 more
1 month ago
Living costs in Switzerland
Estimated costs in Switzerland.
MonthlyYearly | Switzerland |
|---|---|
 Visa & Immigration Fees Student visa and residence permit fees per year | CHF132 $150/yr |
 Utilities & Connectivity Electricity, water, internet, and mobile per year | CHF845 $960/yr |
 Personal Care Toiletries, haircuts, and personal items per year | CHF845 $960/yr |
 Housing Shared flats and off-campus rentals per year | CHF9.5k $10,800/yr |
Estimates based on university averages and Numbeo
Popular professors
Professor
The University of British Columbia
Canada
Research Interests
Biochemical Engineering
Environmental Chemistry
Anaerobic Digestion
Liquefaction
Water Treatment
Has grant
Associate Professor
Iowa State University
United States
Research Interests
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Computational Biology
Bacterial Genetics
Protein Chemistry
Professor
Aalto University
Finland
Research Interests
Polymer Physics
Polymer Chemistry
Thin Film Deposition
Organic Electronics
Self-assembly
Professors you could contact
Associate Professor
University of Lausanne
Switzerland
Research Interests
Microbiology
Cell Biology
Genome Engineering
Synthetic Biology
Quorum Sensing
Professor of Microbiology
Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich
Switzerland
Research Interests
Microbiology
Immunology
Mucosal Biology
Bacterial Physiology
Host-pathogen Interaction
Full Professor
University of Basel
Switzerland
Research Interests
Biochemical Engineering
Biochemistry
Biocatalysis
Metalloenzyme
Chemical Biology
Scholarships relevant to you
EPFL Excellence Fellowships
Partially Funded
École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)SwitzerlandAnnual
SwitzerlandAnnualEPFL Excellence Fellowships are merit-based awards for outstanding students applying to selected master's programmes at EPFL in Switzerland.
Master
ETH Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme
Fully Funded
ETH ZurichSwitzerlandCloses Usually in December
SwitzerlandCloses Usually in DecemberThe ETH Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme supports outstanding students applying for a Master's degree at ETH Zurich with funding and mentoring.
Master
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
Fully Funded
Swiss ConfederationSwitzerlandCloses Usually between autumn and early winter, depending on country
SwitzerlandCloses Usually between autumn and early winter, depending on countryFully funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support international researchers and some arts students for research, PhD, postdoctoral, and selected arts master's study in Switzerland.
Master
PhD
PostDoc
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Quick
Questions
Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying for a PhD position?
In many European and Asian universities yes; in some US programs applications are centralized but supervisor contact still helps.
Is GRE required for master’s or PhD applications abroad?
It depends on the country and university — many programs have made GRE optional, especially outside the US.
Do funded PhD positions usually cover tuition and living expenses?
Yes. Most funded PhD roles include tuition coverage plus a monthly stipend, but details vary by country and lab.
Are publications required to apply for PhD or postdoc positions?
Not always required for PhD, but strongly recommended. For postdoc roles, publications are usually expected.
Will I need to pay a tuition deposit for master’s admission?
In many countries yes — especially for taught master’s programs — but funded PhD positions typically do not require deposits.