PhD Monitor
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Biomedical Sciences● OpenPreview

International PhD Programme in Cancer Research

Join Germany's largest biomedical research institute for an interdisciplinary PhD in cancer research.

Best for:Best for highly motivated graduates in life sciences, computational biology, or related fields seeking a structured, interdisciplinary doctoral training.

German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg · Heidelberg, Germany · R1 · First-stage researcher
More professors at German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg
cancer-biologymolecular-oncologytranslational-medicinecancer-genomicstumor-microenvironmentcancer-epidemiology
Deadline
Winter selection: 19 October 2026 Summer selection: mid/end April 2027
Funding
Salaried
Fully funded
Start date
flexible
Full-time
Location
Heidelberg
Germany

Overview

The DKFZ International PhD Programme offers comprehensive research training at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg. Students engage in fundamental, computational, epidemiological, and translational cancer research within a highly interdisciplinary environment. The programme provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, personal Thesis Advisory Committees, and professional development courses. Candidates will work alongside world-class scientists to unravel the mechanisms of cancer development and improve clinical outcomes.

cancer researchbiomedicinedoctoral programmeHeidelbergHelmholtz Associationtranslational research

What you'll do

  • Conduct independent research on cancer-related projects under the guidance of a research group leader.
  • Participate in regular meetings with a personal Thesis Advisory Committee to monitor research progress.
  • Attend scientific lecture series, professional skills courses, and career development workshops.
  • Present research findings at internal retreats and international scientific conferences.
  • Contribute to the scientific and social community of the DKFZ PhD programme.

Requirements

Degree required: Master's degree in a field related to cancer research (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, epidemiology).

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English; C1 level required.

Instruction: English

Required skills
  • Academic background in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, mathematics, computational biology, or related fields.
  • Proven research interest in cancer-related topics.
  • English proficiency at C1 level (e.g., IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, or Cambridge C1 Advanced).
  • Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international team environment.
Nice to have
Prior research experience in a laboratory or computational setting.Experience with interdisciplinary research projects.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Eligibility
  • Applicants from all nationalities are eligible to apply.
  • Must hold a Master's degree or equivalent.

Funding & terms

Type
Salaried
Amount
Fully funded
Duration
6 semesters
Programme
Helmholtz Graduate Schools
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)

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
Not confirmed by the source
Teaching language
Not confirmed by the source
Taught / research mode
Not confirmed by the source
Study mode
Not confirmed by the source
Campus
Not confirmed by the source
Prerequisites
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Application instructions
Not confirmed by the source
Tuition
Not confirmed by the source
Funding
Not confirmed by the source

How to apply

Deadline: 2027-04-30

Applications must be submitted through the official DKFZ online portal. Candidates should follow the instructions provided on the programme website regarding required documentation and selection periods.

Documents required
  • CV
  • Academic transcripts
  • English language certificate
  • Letters of recommendation
↗Check programme and admissions

Contact

Lab
International PhD Programme
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg
Helmholtz Graduate SchoolsGermany
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Check admissions, intake and funding with the official source; a listing does not mean applications are open.