Overview

The Biozentrum is dedicated to excellence in research and education. With its longstanding tradition in research and teaching at the forefront of molecular biology, the Biozentrum has trained hundreds of young scientists at the postgraduate level by providing in-depth practical experience and theoretical knowledge in a wide range of disciplines of molecular Life Sciences.

Excellent technical resources, a broad and highly interdisciplinary research program, and an exceptional concentration of molecular biology expertise provide an opportunity for motivated students to use and acquire state-of-the-art methods and technology in various fields of modern-day molecular biology research. The PhD program builds on a Master’s degree in biology or related disciplines and requires the student to engage in an independent research project within a period of three to four years.

Students admitted to the program receive theoretical and practical training, and conduct a research project under the supervision of a Biozentrum faculty member, monitored by a Thesis Advisory Committee. A rich program of courses, lectures, workshops and conferences organized at the Biozentrum are offered to the students. PhD fellows attend yearly scientific meetings and have the opportunity to organize seminar series and career guidance events.

Together with the Werner Siemens-Foundation (WSF) the Biozentrum offers the international PhD program "Fellowships for Excellence" to ambitious and talented young scientists. WSF fellowships provide direct access to the Biozentrum PhD program and offer a rotation-based selection of any of the research groups of the Biozentrum.

Applicants for the PhD program must hold a University qualification equivalent to a Master’s degree (Diploma, DEA, etc.). Applications can be made directly to the head of a research group at the Biozentrum at any time during the year (track 1). Applications for the WSF-sponsored program "Fellowships for Excellence" can be placed online (track 2). The deadline for WSF applications is June 30th.

Basel is an international center for biology research, with major academic institutions and research departments of leading Life Science and Biotech companies. Basel is rich in culture and, being located in north-western Switzerland directly bordering to France and Germany, is an excellent starting point to explore Switzerland and the neighboring countries.