The EMBL International PhD Programme (EIPP) provides state-of-the-art training to its students, featuring a good balance between theory and practice, individual mentoring and creative freedom as well as teamwork and early independence. The average duration of a PhD thesis at EMBL is around 4 years. EMBL predoctoral fellowships are initially awarded for 3.5 years, with the possibility of a half-year extension. During their time at EMBL, fellows profit from outstanding laboratory and research facilities and enjoy close mentoring by highly qualified scientists.

In addition to the direct supervision by the respective Group/Team Leader, each EMBL PhD student has a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC), consisting of the primary EMBL supervisor, two other EMBL advisors and a chosen university advisor. They jointly guide the student during the thesis work. Students meet with their TAC members annually as outlined below.

After the first TAC meeting, students enrol with their chosen university according to the respective procedures. Thesis submission and thesis defense are also regulated by the university.

We welcome applications from highly qualified students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold, or anticipate receiving before starting at EMBL, a university degree that would formally qualify them to enter a PhD or equivalent programme in the country where the degree was obtained. All applications need to be supported by a minimum of two academic reference letters, and are evaluated solely on the basis of qualification and scientific potential.