PhD Programme in Epidemiology
A fully funded interdisciplinary PhD programme in epidemiology and public health at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research.
Best for:Best for graduates with a master’s in medicine, public health, epidemiology, or related biomedical sciences seeking to specialise in evidence-based research and public health policy.
Overview
This PhD programme at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig prepares students to conduct independent research in epidemiology and public health. Over three years, fellows engage in both research and structured training, including lectures, seminars, and fieldwork, all conducted in English. The programme supports diverse career paths in academia, national health institutions, international organisations, and NGOs. Applicants must secure their own funding, as the programme itself does not provide stipends or salaries. The curriculum emphasises methodological expertise, evidence-based research, and practical field experience, with opportunities for international collaboration and career development workshops.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent epidemiological research projects aligned with the Department of Epidemiology’s research areas.
- Develop and implement research methodologies, including statistical analysis and fieldwork, to address evidence gaps in health research.
- Present research findings at academic conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Participate in structured training programmes, including lectures, seminars, and field modules, to acquire comprehensive epidemiological knowledge.
- Collaborate with international partners and contribute to interdisciplinary research networks.
- Engage in career development workshops and mentorship sessions to prepare for academic or non-academic career paths.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, natural sciences, or a related biomedical/health-relevant field. Applicants must be eligible to pursue PhD studies in Germany (verified by an official authority).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; B2 level required (proof not mandatory).
Instruction: English (thesis may be written in German with supervisor approval).
- Proven knowledge and prior experience in epidemiological methods and statistics (equivalent to an MSc in Epidemiology, MPH, or similar).
- Strong analytical and research skills to design, manage, and evaluate epidemiological projects.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
- Proficiency in English (B2 level or equivalent) for academic communication and thesis writing.
- Applicants must secure their own funding for living expenses and project costs (no institutional funding provided).
- Eligibility to pursue PhD studies in Germany (verified by official authority).
- No nationality restrictions, but visa regulations apply (foreign students typically cannot work outside academia).
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Application instructions
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- Tuition
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- Funding
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How to apply
Applicants must submit their application via email to phdapplications-epidemiology@helmholtz-hzi.de. Include a PhD project outline aligned with the Department of Epidemiology’s research areas, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), and a CV. Funding confirmation must also be provided.
- CV
- PhD project outline (aligned with HZI research areas)
- Academic transcripts (BSc + MSc)
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Funding confirmation letter (scholarship or third-party funding)
Contact
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