Biozentrum PhD Fellowships Program in Switzerland

Share your passion for life sciences. If you are talented, highly motivated, and interested in a wide range of research topics, the Biozentrum PhD Fellowships Program could be your next big opportunity. It offers a unique rotation based choice of research group, along with several other valuable incentives.

The Biozentrum encourages talented, ambitious, and highly motivated young scientists from all over the world to apply for this prestigious fellowship, offered through the Biozentrum International PhD Program. Unlike many PhD programs that recruit broadly, the Biozentrum PhD Fellowships are awarded competitively to a maximum of 10 successful candidates each year.You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

About Biozentrum Research:

Research at the Biozentrum focuses on understanding how molecules and cells create life. Scientists here study the physical and biochemical mechanisms of cells and explore the behavior and dynamics of multicellular communities.

The work is highly interdisciplinary, spanning molecular and biomedical fundamental research. There are 31 international research teams investigating life from the atomic level all the way up to the whole organism, addressing questions such as:

• How do proteins form complex machines?
• How is the genome folded and read?
• How are cells organized to transport molecules and transmit signals?
• How do cells become specialized or cancerous?
• How does the body defend itself against pathogens?
• How do animals move, sleep, and form memories?
• How do organisms develop and age?
• What computational models help explain biological processes?
• What new strategies could treat diseases such as muscular dystrophies, Alzheimer’s, or cancer?

These research areas often overlap, leading to new questions and collaborations. Combined with generous funding and excellent infrastructure, this interdisciplinary spirit supports research at the highest level.

Research Fields:

• Computational and Theoretical Biology: Development and application of computational approaches to study complex biological systems
• Developmental, Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology: Developmental biology, regenerative processes, and the role of stem cells
• Evolution and Ecology: Origins of organisms and the influence of the environment
• Genetics and Genomics: Study of genes and their functions
• Microbiology, Infection Biology and Immunology: Investigation of microorganisms, infections, and immune responses
• Molecular and Cellular Biology: Molecular aspects of cell structures and functions
• Molecular Medicine, Physiology, Metabolism and Aging: Molecular processes in health, disease, metabolism, and aging
• Multicellular Dynamics: Research on the dynamics of multicellular organisms and communities
• Neuroscience: Structure and function of the nervous system
• Physics of Life: Physical principles of biological processes
• Signaling and Gene Regulation: Signal transduction and regulation of gene expression
• Structural Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics: Structure and function of molecules, molecular machines, and organelles
• Systems and Synthetic Biology: Quantitative and engineering approaches to study complex biological systems

Also Check: SSP 3-Year Doctoral Program at Kochi University of Technology (KUT)

Fellowship Perks:

Fellows receive a range of incentives to support their scientific excellence, personal growth, and career opportunities. Currently, the following benefits are provided, though annual changes may apply:

• A personal, annual allowance to attend meetings, acquire books, or purchase a computer
• An annual study trip to a city with ties to Siemens
• Scientific meetings and networking opportunities with current students and alumni of the program
• Support for preparing a personal CV and postdoctoral applications, provided by Biozentrum faculty members on the Program Committee
• Financial support for travel to postdoctoral interviews at the end of the PhD thesis

The PhD thesis follows the general rules and guidelines of the University of Basel, and all fellows automatically become part of the Biozentrum International PhD Program. The fellowship provides full funding for the entire PhD.

Also Check: PhD, Research & Postdoc positions at ELLIS Institute and Tampere University

Program Background:

The Biozentrum PhD Fellowships Program was established in 2007 by Biozentrum professors Joachim Seelig and Gottfried Schatz, with generous support from the Werner Siemens Foundation, which recognized the value of an international excellence program. After the foundation’s initial financial support, the University of Basel took over funding the salaries of new fellows in 2010 to ensure the program’s continuation, as it proved to be both a great opportunity for graduates and an enrichment for the Biozentrum’s international community.,

Also Check: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027 – 2028

Eligibility Conditions:

• You must hold, or expect to soon receive, a university degree that qualifies you for a PhD program at the University of Basel, such as an MSc or equivalent
• In exceptional cases, outstanding students with a 4 year Bachelor’s degree, typically from outside the Bologna System, may also be eligible. These candidates can complete a fast track Master’s program at the University of Basel as part of their fellowship
• Candidates cannot be enrolled as a PhD student at the University of Basel, nor have signed a PhD working contract there, at the decision date of the respective fellowship call

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Application and Selection Procedure:

The fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis. Shortlisted candidates are invited to the Biozentrum for a week of interviews with group leaders, along with other opportunities to interact with and get to know the institution.

How the Selection Works

After the closing date, applications are evaluated by Biozentrum group leaders. Based on peer feedback, the Program Committee shortlists 20 to 30 candidates, who are invited for an interview week, with travel and accommodation covered by the Fellowship Program.

During the interview week, candidates will:

• Indicate 8 to 10 group leaders to organize individual interviews and lab visits
• Present their research in a 10 minute presentation, followed by a 20 minute question and answer session with the Program Committee and other interested group leaders
• Be guided by a chaperone, a current PhD Fellow who acts as a personal guide throughout the week and answers questions about life as a Biozentrum PhD student
• Attend two dinners with group leaders and chaperones, an informal meeting with the PhD Club, and a cultural visit to Basel

After the interview week, candidates are informed whether they have been offered a fellowship. Successful applicants can begin their PhD within the following six months.

Also Check: InteRussia Fellowship for PhD Students, Russia (Fully Funded)

Important Dates for the Next Calls

Winter Call 2026_27

• Start of online applications: August 10, 2026
• Closing date for applications: October 18, 2026
• Notification of shortlisted candidates: November 20, 2026
• Interview days: January 2027
• Decision of acceptance: January 15, 2027
• Possible start of rotations or thesis: March to September 2027

You will receive further information about the application procedure as soon as you have submitted your application.

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How to Apply:

• Submit your online application before the closing date of the relevant call
• Once submitted, you will receive further information about the next steps in the application process
• Shortlisted candidates, usually between 20 and 30, will be invited to the Biozentrum for an interview week, with travel and accommodation covered by the program
• During the interview week, candidates present their research in a short presentation and take part in individual interviews with 8 to 10 group leaders of their choice
• After the interview week, candidates are informed whether they have been offered a fellowship

Also Check: FPI-ICIQ Fellowships for PhD Researchers 2026 in Spain