phd program in switzerland

Degree Programs & Courses Doctorate

Doctoral degree, doctoral study at the university of bern.

You can either take the doctorate within a graduate school or as part of a doctoral degree program, or you can even take a traditional individual doctorate. Graduate schools and doctoral degree programs are arranged on an interdisciplinary and/or interuniversity basis in many cases. In addition to research-related training and intensive support, these also offer excellent opportunities for networking within the academic community.

An A-Z of doctoral subjects

• Archaeology
• Business Administration
• Cellular and Biomedical Sciences Med./Nat./Vet.
• Central Asian Studies
• Chemistry and Molecular Sciences
• Classical Philology (special qualification in Greek or Latin)
• Old Catholic Theology
• Climate Sciences
• Cognition, Learning and Memory
• Communication and Media Studies
• Dental Medicine
• German Language
• German Language and Literature
• German Literature
• Digital Humanities
• Eastern European Studies
• Ecology and Evolution
• Economic Globalisation and Integration
• Earth Sciences
• Protestant Theology
• Gender Studies
• Geography and Sustainable Development
• Global Studies
• Health Sciences hum/med
• Human Medicine
• Computer Sciences
• Interdiciplinary Cultural Studies ICS
• Islamic Studies and Oriental Literature
• Italian Linguistics and Literature
• Social Sciences
• Art History
• Language and Society
• Languages and Literatures in English
• Linguistics
• Linguistique/Littérature françaises
• Mathematics
• Molecular Life Sciences
• Physics/Astronomy
• Political Science
• Public Administration
• Religious Studies theol.
• Science of Religion Human.
• Slavic Languages and Literatures
• Social Anthropology
• Spanish Linguistics and Literature
• Sport Science
• Criminal Justice
• Theater and Dance Studies
• Administrative Science
• Veterinary Medicine

Further information

Transferable Skills - Key Qualifications for your academic and non-academic Career

Transferable skills program for doctoral students and postdocs of every discipline.

Funding program «UniBE Short Travel Grants for (Post)Docs»

The University of Bern, with its funding program «UniBE Short Travel Grants for (Post)Docs», supports doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers in attending short research stays abroad, to advance their own research projects and to gain more international experience. Next application deadline: March 1, 2023

Open calls for ENLIGHT initiatives

The University of Bern and ENLIGHT support bottom-up initiatives by lecturers for challenge-based education projects in the six focus areas of ENLIGHT. Especially for early career academics, this is an opportunity to build an international network and gain interdisciplinary teaching experience.

UniBE Doc.Mobility

UniBE Doc.Mobility is granted for stays abroad which usually last twelve months. Support takes place in the form of an employment as a doctoral student, but with a place of research abroad. Application deadline: March 1/ September 1

Promotion Fund

In cooperation with the Intermediate Staff Association of the University of Bern, the Vice-Rectorate Research calls for proposals to the Fund for the Promotion of Young Researchers twice a year.

MVUB - Lunchtalks

Lunchtime events concerning academic career, working conditions and intermediate staff politics.

Innovative higher education teaching

The University of Bern's Department of 'Hochschuldidaktik & Lehrentwicklung' supports you in your teaching activities with coaching and around 50 events a year.

COMET – Coaching, Mentoring und Training

The COMET Career Programme supports female researchers in successfully pursuing their academic careers.

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Taking a doctorate at ETH Zurich is an excellent investment for your future scientific career.

With 4500 doctoral students out of a total of over 25'000 students, ETH Zurich is one of the universities in Europe which focuses most intensively on research. Doctorates make a significant, fundamental contribution to that research work. They are based on research projects that are carried out independently, with the support of a professor.

Apart from a few exceptional cases, all doctoral students at ETH Zurich are employed as scientific assistants. However, they are not only employees but also students, and they are obliged in the course of their doctoral study to continue their education, inside and outside their specialist area. Another important component of a doctorate is learning how to educate others. That is why every doctoral student plays an active part in the teaching work of their department.

At the end of their research project, the results are compiled in a thesis that is defended in an oral examination. On successful completion of their doctorate, students are awarded the title “Doctor of Sciences (Dr. sc. ETH Zurich)”.

FAQ Doctorate

Frequently asked questions about doctoral studies

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ETH Zurich Academic Services Rämistrasse 101 HG FO 23.4 8092 Zurich Switzerland

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Consultations by appointment only in urgent cases and preferably via Zoom. For all other matters, you can contact us by e-​mail or by telephone.

Please send documents and forms by e-​mail and doctoral theses (deposit copies) by (internal) mail or hand them in at Campus Info .

All communication during your doctorate will be sent exclusively to your ETH e-mail address. Therefore, please check your ETH e-mail inbox regularly.

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PhD Programme in Management (PMA)

• Graduate Programme in Economics and Finance (GPEF)
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• Ph.D. Research at HSG Faculty Research units Ph.D. Research in Focus Alexandria
• PhD Programme in Management (PMA) PhD Programme in Management (PMA) Graduate Programme in Economics and Finance (GPEF) Computer Science (DCS) Law (DLS) Organization Studies and Cultural Theory (DOK) International Affairs and Political Economy (DIA) Early Career Programme

The PhD Programme in Management (PMA) organised by the School of Management is the largest PhD programme in management in Europe with 293 PhD students (as of Spring 2023) and one of the first EFMD accredited PhD programmes worldwide. One of the PMA's success factors is the lively combination of science and practice: doctoral students find an attractive, international learning environment here that is relevant for their future research-based careers in science and industry.

The PhD Programme in Management (PMA) is the largest PhD programme at the University of St.Gallen and provides preparation for a research-based career in academia and industry. Thanks to the broad orientation of the School of Management (SoM), PhD students can choose from among five specialisations: Accounting, Behavioral Science, Business Innovation, General Management, and Marketing. 

The PMA is divided into a coursework phase and a research phase, each of which can be individually designed. Each specialisation offers a unique course curriculum providing both the necessary methodological background and in-depth subject knowledge concerning the chosen field of specialisation. In particular, there is an openness in the choice of methodological courses: doctoral students are free to choose from a variety of empirical, i.e. qualitative and quantitative, methodological courses. This conceptual orientation of the PMA is intended to support doctoral students as best as possible in their research projects and to take into account that the respective research question should be the guiding principle for the choice of methodological approach and not the research area alone.

Courses and seminars in Accounting, Behavioral Science, and General Management are offered in English only. Courses and seminars in Business Innovation and Marketing are offered in German and English.

“Doing my PhD in St. Gallen allowed me to follow my passion - understanding the role of business in the fight against climate change. I still benefit from the incredible international network that I built here, including leaders in academia and industry.”

“The PMA Ph.D. was a journey of deep learning and self-discovery, blending academic rigor with personal growth. It's where curiosity meets impact, and challenges turn into opportunities. An invaluable roller coaster ride I'd gladly take again.”

“During my PMA PhD, I was able to grow personally and as a researcher because I had the freedom to delve into topics that are relevant to me personally, but also to practice, society and the academic discourse. And that's what makes research fun!”

Facts & Figures

Specialist/Methodology courses

Focus in accounting, focus in behavioral science, focus in business innovation, focus in general management, focus in marketing.

Maria Tittel

Executive Director Ph.D. Program in Management (PMA)

Anna Schlegel

Programme Manager

Fiorella Schmucki

Head PhD-Office

Please send your programme specific questions about the PMA by email to pma @ unisg.ch .

For any questions regarding enrolment, dates and deadlines or your PMA studies, please contact the PhD Office by phone or  email.

Related Links

General information phd, phd in a nutshell, admission to a phd programme.

Best PhD Programs in Switzerland [2022]

If you want to get your Ph.D. in Switzerland, bear in mind that it is known for its top-ranking universities around the world. Switzerland is home to many state universities and institutes of technology that score high on quality and are often referred to as world leaders. Furthermore, the cantonal universities and institutes of technology are the only ones that award recognized Ph.D. titles, despite not being the only accredited universities in Switzerland.

Apart from the world-acclaimed fame, Swiss universities offer various scholarships for international students , and the language of instruction for doctorate programs is mainly English. Additionally, there will be opportunities for academic jobs in Switzerland, and they tend to have high salaries.

We’ve already discussed what there is to know about getting a Ph.D. in Switzerland , so let’s dive into the programs. From mathematics to neuroscience, here are some of the best doctorate programs in Switzerland.

Disclaim: The following list of higher education does not represent a ranking.

Food Science, Ph.D., ETH Zurich

The food science Ph.D. program at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich focuses on using food research for improving food nutrition needs for the consumer. Their goal is to provide proper nutrition to humanity on a global level. The program also concentrates on the production and development of food, including the macroscopic and molecular structure of the food and the relationship between them. The program also studies how the food structure transforms under controlled biochemical or physical factors.

*Degrees that do not qualify a student to apply for this program are degrees from universities of applied sciences, bachelor’s degree, and any MBA degree.

Social Psychology, Ph.D., University of Lausanne

The social psychology doctorate program at the University of Lausanne primarily focuses on stimulating thesis work. The syllabus contains interlaboratory meetings, dissertation work,  internal seminars, and modular courses. This way, students listen to thematic modules presented to them mainly by visiting professors, presenting their research with established researchers, and discussing their research with local teachers.

International Law, Ph.D., University of Geneva

While this international law program at the University of Geneva— which is one of Switzerland’s best law schools —offers an intellectually stimulating environment. It also requires students to have the ability to go on with independent research and have a strong commitment to the field. In addition, doctorate students will receive intellectual support in the form of supervision during their research. Some of the courses offered are Climate Change and International Law, International Trade Law, Law Without the State, Political Justice and Human Rights, etc.

Mathematics, Ph.D., ETH Zurich

In the mathematics program at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, doctorate students get employed for up to six years, and they work as scientific assistants at the university. The Swiss National Science Foundation funds the research. Students who chose to follow studies in this program can benefit from internationally honored professors and gain access to the mathematics library, ETH library, and online access to most recent publications. Of the 12 credit units, graduates are required to have, four must come from outside their research area.

Biozentrum Fellowship Program, Ph.D., University of Basel

Students selected for the biozentrum fellowship program at the University of Basel start in a rotation program that lasts one to three weeks. This allows them to participate in the research group of their choice. The Biozentrum, a leading life science institute globally, embraces a wide range of topics in their program. However, they are mainly focused on the organization of molecules that form living organisms and life. The program offers full and independent funding to their students for their Ph.D. and additional travel funds.

Architecture and Sciences of the City, Ph.D., Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

This program at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne is focused on theory and practice equally, allowing doctoral students to view the project as both a research challenge and an object of study. They offer a multidimensional program to all students, including in its curriculum, urban sciences, and architecture. Although it is primarily aimed at students of social sciences, it is also suitable for architects and engineers. The elementary cause of the program is an understanding of the contemporary urban world and social life.

Business Administration, Ph.D., University of Zurich

Source: the University of Zurich on FacebookThe goal of the business administration program at the University of Zurich is to help students gain a systematic understanding of the field and master skills and methods to help them in their research. Doctoral students should be able to apply their research to practical programs, in addition to the ability to present and discuss their research to an international scientific community. The program also focuses on equipping doctoral students with analytical and problem-solving skills on relevant issues. If you’ve already obtained your MBA credentials in Switzerland , this program is an excellent way to extend your education.

Finance, Ph.D., Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

The first phase of this doctorate program at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne starts with a module of Ph.D. courses. This coursework aims to equip doctorate students with a broad education on fundamental concepts of finance. The program accepts 10 to 15 students per year. After students have completed the first module, they are then asked to select a thesis topic and a thesis advisor from one of the participating universities.

Computational Science and Engineering, Ph.D., ETH Zurich

This is a program that comes from the joint forces of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and the University of Zurich and is focused on attracting talents in computer science to join. In addition, they put in the effort to improve the collaboration between the industry, the society, and the university. They offer interdisciplinary education for doctorate students through block courses and seminars, laboratory exchanges, retreats, journal clubs, and academia-industry modeling (AIM) weeks.

Neuroscience, Ph. D., University of Lausanne

Economics, Ph.D., University of Zurich

The Economics Ph.D. program at the University of Zurich is concentrated on preparing students to conceive and implement a research procedure with scientific integrity. Doctoral students should be able to conduct original research, which will contribute to existing knowledge. The curriculum consists of core courses in microeconomic, macroeconomics, mathematics, and econometrics. Meanwhile, these core courses provide the foundation; a compulsory curriculum would require an independent research proposal.

Physics, Ph.D., University of Bern

The physics program at the University of Bern contributes to teaching by combining four physics-related institutes. The physics institutes are in charge of guiding doctoral students through introductory physics classes in the first year. These classes are not merely for physics majors. They also include physics lectures for medical science students, biologists, veterinary students, etc. The research is delegated to these divisions of the physics institute Climate and Environmental Physics division (KUP), The Space Research and Planetology division (WP), and Laboratory for High Energy Physics (LHEP).

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University of Central Florida

Founded as a public institution in 1785, UGA boasts an illustrious history in higher education. Today, Georgia's flagship university offers online programs to make a UGA degree more accessible. The online courses limit class sizes and use the same high academic standards as on-campus classes. UGA offers an online bachelor's degree in special education and multiple online graduate programs in education. Degree-seekers can also earn master's degrees in community nutrition, international biomedical regulatory sciences, emerging media, and avian health and medicine. Other available online master's programs include business, technology, and social work.

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University of Georgia is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

10% your international health insurance for life!

Scorestudies includes higher benefits than the Swiss compulsory health insurance, it is very often on a full refund basis and no co-​payment of 10% is required. In case of emergency, hospitalisation or prescribed medication, you are fully reimbursed by Allianz Care.

Doctoral programs

Prospective doctoral students

The Doctoral School supervises 22 doctoral programs covering together all EPFL fields of research. Each programs is responsible for recruiting doctoral students, organizing their supervision and monitoring their progress. The doctoral programs also organize an offer of advanced level courses and create a community based in their scientific domain.

Advanced Manufacturing

Architecture and Sciences of the City

Biotechnology and Bioengineering

Computational and Quantitative Biology

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Digital Humanities

Electrical Engineering

Computer and Communication Sciences

Mathematics

Microsystems and Microelectronics

Molecular Life Sciences

Management of Technology

Materials Science and Engineering

Neuroscience

Robotics, Control and Intelligent Systems

Learning Sciences

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Life Science Zurich Graduate School

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Welcome to apply for a PhD Program at the Life Science Zurich Graduate School!

Doing your PhD at the LSZ Graduate School of the ETH and the University of Zurich means that you will belong to a large and ambitious life science research community. You will receive a comprehensive and challenging education that will allow you to take further career steps within academia as well as in industry – in Switzerland or worldwide.

We are searching for highly motivated students with a Master’s degree in the field of Life Sciences. You are looking for a PhD position at a renowned institution? That could be a good match! You are welcome to apply now!

Can I apply?

As a rule you must hold or anticipate receiving a university Master’s degree or equivalent in the field of natural sciences, computer sciences or engineering. With an excellent track record and good skills in spoken and written English you are welcome to apply to our PhD programs. Our funded positions are open for national and international (also non-EU) students. PhD studies at our programs usually last around 4 years.

When can I apply?

Our deadlines are 1 November (23:59 CET) and 1 May (23:59 CEST).

Please note that PhD Programs: Drug Discovery, Biomedical Ethics and Law - Medical Track, MD-PhD Program are not recruiting via track 1 ! 

Ready to apply?

Weiterführende informationen, application process, registration form, frequently asked questions, admission requirements, admission to doctoral studies at uzh, admission requirements at ethz, what is it like to do a phd in zurich.

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PhD Doctorate of Philosophy in Management

Programme overview.

The PhD programme is a research-based programme, with a practical approach, designed for professionals who have already completed an MBA or an equivalent qualification and are looking to expand their knowledge in the field.

The duration of the PhD programme is 3 academic years but it can be completed in less time, depending on the student’s motivation to deliver the final project.

Online delivery

Practical learning, projects, and learning through research.

Flexible programme

All programs are totally flexible and can be started at any time. Work at your own pace.

Support 24/7

Our support team is available every day to make sure that your education runs smoothly.  

Course Fees

Application fee : € 100 (non-refundable) and Administrative fees: € 100 (paid on acceptance) Tuition Fees : € 6,490 per year.

Discounts available for payments made in full prior to commencing the programme.

Teaching methodologies

The main teaching and learning methods at SSBR includes virtual classroom lectures, webinars and tutorials, practical learning, projects, and learning through research.

Assessment and verification

All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.

Flexible courses to fit around your busy schedule

Highly qualified and experienced professors available to help you get the qualification you deserve.

WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE PHD?

The PhD programme is a fast track program that takes place entirely  ONLINE . Students can complete the program within 2 academic years, giving them a Swiss quality doctorate degree. The programme has 240 ECTS (European Transfer Credit System).

Our PhD students are guided throughout the entire programme, from commencement through the defense of the final research project (PhD viva).

Research Methodology I Research Methodology II Publish or Perish – Preparing for the Journal Review Process Paper Clinic in General Management Taxonomies and Typologies in Research

Second Year

Publishing in Management Technology and Innovation Final Thesis of your programme

The Ph.D. dissertation should include: (1) title page, (2) dedication page (optional), (3) table of contents, including List of Tables and List of Figures pages, (4) abstract, (5) acknowledgments page (optional), (6) list of abbreviations, (7) dissertation body (Introduction, methods, results and discussion and a final chapter/conclusion) (8) reference list and (9) appendices (optional). Word count: 70,000-80,000 words EXCLUDING appendices.

Completion Option

If you have achieved all-but-dissertation (ABD) status in another institution of higher education’s Ph.D. in Management programme, there’s no need to start from scratch. Our programme offers a completion option that allows you to pick up where you left off. You’ll benefit from integrated dissertation support to help ensure you reach the finish line..

WHY A POST DOCTORATE IN MANAGEMENT?

Pursuing a Post Doctorate Diploma provides a unique opportunity to deepen your expertise and broaden your academic and professional horizons. This advanced program allows you to engage in high-level research, contribute to cutting-edge developments in your field, and collaborate with esteemed faculty and peers. It also enhances your career prospects by demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and excellence.

By refining your research skills and expanding your professional network, a Post Doctorate Diploma positions you as a leader in academia and industry, opening doors to prestigious roles and impactful opportunities.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Initial proposal.

Please provide a short academic description of your ideas regarding the topic you would like to explore during the programme.

This will be an initial proposal to show the school that you are clear about your plans for the programme and to help us support you in your work. Your project will be expected to change and evolve once you begin the course.

Outline the topic, question or issue you intend to explore Explain why this is worthy of exploration. Provide an overview of the current ideas surrounding this issue. You should refer to the latest academic or practitioner research in this filed.

Which methods do you intend to use during your research? How might your study contribute to the theoretical understanding of this issue and/or solving real-world management problems in your own context?

ADMISSIONS 2024

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Our organization is classed as a Business School, distinguishing its status from that of a standard university. As such, Swiss School of Business Research is not beholden to regulations imposed by the Swiss Higher Education Act (HEdA) and not listed on Swissuniversities’ list of accredited higher education institutions therefore the School is free to provide higher education and confer private degrees, from bachelor’s to doctorate levels.

Validity of degrees issued by private institutions in Switzerland

“Validity of degrees issued by private institutions in Switzerland While higher education in Switzerland is primarily dispensed by public institutions, there are also many private ones. In Switzerland no prior authorisation is required in order to offer higher education courses, organise examinations or issue private degrees. In certain cases, however, the federal or cantonal authorities, depending on their respective area of authority, will supervise private institutions and/or authorise them to offer courses and issue degrees. Private institutions based in Switzerland that are not accredited under the HEdA may only issue private degrees. Such degrees: – may be used by the holder to carry out an unregulated profession; appreciation of the value of private degrees is left up to employers. Generally speaking, there are no international agreements protecting the value of private degrees; in all cases, it is up to the national authorities in the host country to decide whether to recognise foreign qualifications. Private institutions are able to legitimately carry out their activities in Switzerland by virtue of the principle of economic freedom.* SSBR is authorised by the Canton of Zurich for the provision of quality standards in adult education so the lessons comply with the cantonal regulations. The Canton of Zurich authorizes SSBR to issue bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees.

* From the State Secretariat for Education and Research SER Directorate Page 1: http://www.sbfi.admin.ch/dam/sbfi/en/dokumente/2017/12/titel-privater-institutionen.pdf

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PhD Programmes at the Graduate Institute, Geneva

PhD programmes at the Institute require a four-year commitment, with the first three semesters in residence. During the first two semesters, you will take theoretical and methodological doctoral seminars before presenting a preliminary thesis at the end of the third semester, with the defence of your thesis taking place at the end of the eighth semester. Our PhD programmes meet the established requirements for accreditation in Switzerland. The courses are taught in English, however the thesis could be written either in English or French.

We offer six disciplinary PhDs:  PhD in Anthropology and Sociology ,  PhD in International Economics ,  PhD in Development Economics ,  PhD in International History ,  PhD in International Law  and  PhD in International Relations/Political Science .  

how to apply

PHD IN ANTHROPOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY  

• Four-year programme
• Provides students with theoretical perspectives and methodological tools to explore the social and cultural systems that influence policy interventions
• Involves a year of coursework and preparation followed by extensive fieldwork and a dissertation

PHD IN DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS  

• Four-year programme centered around a research dissertation
• A crucial field at the heart of policy debates
• Fieldwork opportunities in developing countries

PHD IN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS  

• Stimulating collegiate work atmosphere
• Trains students to undertake innovative research 

PHD IN INTERNATIONAL HISTORY & POLITICS  

• Combines coursework, seminars, preliminary thesis and doctoral thesis
• Equips students with the analytical, conceptual and methodological tools to successfully complete original book-length research

PHD IN INTERNATIONAL LAW  

• Designed for outstanding students with a strong commitment to international law
• Research supervision available for a wide range of topics
• Learn more ​​​​​​​

PHD IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS / POLITICAL SCIENCE  

• Stand-alone four-year PhD programme or Fast-track master’s/doctoral program allowing students to complete a master’s and PhD within five years
• Designed to prepare students for a research-focused career in international relations

The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva is pleased to announce the opening of 30 fully funded 4-year PhD positions in our 5 departmental programmes in Anthropology and Sociology, International Economics or Economics of Development, International History and Politics, International Law, International Relations and Political Science.  The d eadline  for application  is 15 January 2022 . Each of the six 4-year PhD packages distributed by each department will combine 2 years of full scholarship followed by 2 years of teaching assistantship.  

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PhD in Health Sciences

For doctoral studies, the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine offers a flexible and intensively supervised doctoral program.

Registration

Before you can register for the PhD Program, you need the approval of a supervisor from among the professors of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine . Please contact a potential supervisor first.

For students to the University of Lucerne, it is necessary to use the online registration . If you are starting a PhD in Health Sciences at the University of Lucerne directly after completing your Master's degree at the University of Lucerne, please register by e-mail to the student services team .  If you are not starting your PhD in the following semester, you must register online.

The following deadlines apply to doctoral registrations: August 31 for the coming fall semester January 31 for the coming spring semester

The admission to the PhD Program is regulated by the study and examination committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine. The admission requirements can be found in the PhD Regulations . The admission decision will be communicated by email.

Language skills: You should have a very good knowledge of English; knowledge of German is not required.

Supervision

The first supervisor is responsible for the academic supervision. This person must be chosen from among the professors of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine . Without a written supervision agreement , which is co-authored and signed by a first supervisor, the admission to the PhD Program is not possible. The second supervisor  must be a person with a doctorate degree or higher from another faculty or different university.

Study requirements

The doctoral performance to be achieved consists of the academic performance (at least 18 ECTS credits), the thesis, the defense and the publication of the thesis.

Course selection All courses (see Course program ) offer ECTS credits and contribute to the 18 ECTS credit requirement. External courses can also be attended after consultation with the supervisor.

Course program

Courses University Lucerne

External Course program Swiss Learning Health System (SLHS) Course program SGGÖ Course program Campus Luzern Course program SSPH+ Course program Graduate Academy Meet to Write (Uni Basel) ​​​​​​​

Evaluation report

The supervisor meets with the PhD student at least once a year to evaluate the progress of the dissertation. In particular, the development of the research work and the earned course credits are evaluated based on the goals set for current year. Goals for the following year are also established.

Leave of absence

A leave of absence from the doctoral study is generally possible. Applications must be submitted in written form to the Study Center ( phd_health remove-this. @ remove-this. unilu.ch ) by September 15 (for the fall semester) and February 15 (for the spring semester).

Please note the following: - A leave of absence is granted for a maximum of two semesters. - During this time there are no matriculation fees. - No academic achievements can be earned. - It is not possible to participate in courses. - No applications for financial support from the faculty can be made. - No applications for the opening of the doctoral procedure can be made.

ECTS credits For all courses with earned ECTS credits, written documentation is required to ensure that the requirements according to § 4, number 1 of the Guide to PhD Regulations are fulfilled. The minimum number of credits to be earned during the doctoral studies is 18 ECTS credits (according to § 7, number 1 of the Guide to PhD Regulations). Usually these credits consist of participation in elective modules (in the amount of at least 6 ECTS) and in elective modules, which are announced at the beginning of each semester.

Application for the opening of the doctoral procedure The doctoral procedure is opened at the candidate's request. The application must be submitted in writing to the head of the faculty and submitted to the Study Center by email to phd_health remove-this. @ remove-this. unilu.ch .

The following documents (as pdf-files) must be enclosed with the application:

• a declaration by the candidate that he or she has independently written the submitted dissertation, that he or she has only used the specified aids when writing the dissertation and that he or she has marked passages that have been adopted either literally or in content as such a statement as to whether the dissertation has already been submitted to a university in the current or another version
• proof of academic achievements of at least 18 ECTS credits
• proof of matriculation for the duration of the doctoral studies (can be requested from Study Services )

Title After the successfully contested defense, a temporary certificate is issued. After publication of the dissertation, the PhD Student is awarded as Doctor of Science (Dr. sc.). A certificate and diploma will be issued for the doctoral work.

• PhD regulations (in German)
• Guide to the PhD regulations (in German)
• Supervision Agreement

FAQ for the PhD Program

Questions about the doctoral program.

I am interested in the PhD Program in Health Sciences. From the admission guidelines it can be seen that with a Master of Science degree from a university of applied sciences (90 ECTS) additional ECTS must be shown. How and at what time can these be acquired?

The doctoral regulations distinguish between admission with conditions (achievements to be made before entry) and admission with conditions (achievements to be made during the doctorate) - see also § 5, para. 5:

For a Master's degree with 90 ECTS, an additional 30 ECTS must be completed. If ECTS have already been acquired at a Swiss or foreign university, the study center will check this and, if necessary, also count these ECTS.

What costs can I expect during the doctoral program?

The Study Services of the University of Lucerne have prepared an overview: Application and Admission - University of Lucerne (unilu.ch)

And the Student Advisory Service of the University of Lucerne provides more info on general financial questions at the following link: Financial and Budgeting Advice - University of Lucerne (unilu.ch)

Dr. med. Christian Schirlo, MME Director Study Center

Colette Lenherr Administrative Coordinator PhD in Health Sciences

phd_health remove-this. @ remove-this. unilu.ch

Liaison PhD Students:

• Céline Bolliger - [email protected]
• Clara Lussi - [email protected]
• Jasmin Mahler - [email protected]
• Anna Romanova - [email protected]

The PhD Liaisons represent doctoral researchers, ensuring their concerns and needs are communicated to the faculty administration. We gather and respond to student feedback and provide networking and capacity-building opportunities for doctoral candidates. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email any of us.

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We have 12 PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Switzerland

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PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Switzerland

Phd student to study the effect of air composition on respiratory virus transmission (airtrac), phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

FMI International PhD Program Autumn Call 2024

Funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Switzerland PhD Programme

A Swiss PhD usually takes 3-5 years. Traditional doctorates focus on independent research; more structured programmes include additional training and sometimes involve two or more universities working in partnership. Both types of PhD require you to produce an original thesis and present it for a public examination. Some programmes are delivered in English, with others offered in German, French or Italian.

Biozentrum PhD Fellowships in life sciences - Winter Call 2024/25

Phd student position in molecular physiology, phd positions in computational biophysics of protein-membrane interactions and lipid metabolism - fribourg, switzerland, evolution of chemosensory behaviours in drosophilids, phd in quantitative biology of development and aging, fully funded phd position - programming group, univ. of st.gallen, switzerland, physics of biological morphogenesis: phd position for a theoretical physicist at the university of geneva (switzerland), self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

6 new positions in the SNI Nanoscience PhD program

Phd position in machine learning and computer vision, international ph.d. programs in the life sciences.

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Filtering Results

PhD & MD-PhD Programs

• PhD Program
• MD-PhD Program
• Application
• Student Life

Why choose the FMI?

Science : The FMI is an international leader in biomedical research in the fields of Neurobiology, Genome Regulation and Multicellular Systems. It provides interdisciplinary training and access to state-of-the-art technology platforms. Our affiliations with the University of Basel and with Novartis, as well as our location at the center of the greatest European Life Sciences hub, provide numerous opportunities for scientific collaborations.

Training : A wide range of theoretical and practical courses are available at both the FMI and the University of Basel. FMI provides an annual PhD orientation afternoon and a Scientific Inquiry Course for first year PhD students, as well as a PhD retreat outside the FMI. Most students participate in “progress reports” to discuss science and practice their presentation skills. Many labs provide journal clubs. In addition, students participate in the FMI Annual Meeting and are encouraged to attend international conferences to present projects and develop their networks.

Mentoring : PhD students are mentored throughout their PhD by their supervisor (group leader) and by their thesis advisory committee members. There may also be initial supervision/collaboration by/with more senior students or postdocs in their labs.

Support : PhD students are supported by the PhD program coordinator (for administrative management), the PhD representatives (to bring forward ideas and concerns of students) and the Dean of students (liaison with the University of Basel and confidential advice). In addition, PhD students can consult our dedicated Guidance Counsellor for confidential support on any issues concerning projects, mentors, lab environment, work/life balance or career planning.

Career development : Group leader supervisors, the Head of Human Resources, and the Guidance Counsellor are key people supporting students’ career development. PhD and Postdoc representatives organize career events and professional development workshops with external trainers. In addition, many workshops on career development are offered through the Basel University Graduate Center. FMI PhD students are also able to join an employee program at Novartis, matching them with an industry mentor.

Life at the institute : With staff of more than 40 different nationalities, the FMI offers a truly international, open and welcoming environment. All FMI students are encouraged to organize and participate in activities outside the lab (e.g. sport groups, movie nights...). Happy Hours are held once a month on Friday afternoon, sometimes including barbecues on the rooftop terrace. The annual PhD retreat provides a relaxed opportunity to connect with fellow students in a beautiful setting.

Life in Basel : Basel – the third largest city in Switzerland, with a rich cultural heritage – is a great place to live. It has a lot to offer in terms of culture, entertainment, dining, etc., while being easy to navigate thanks to its relatively small size. Located right on the border with France and Germany, and home to several multinational companies, Basel is highly international. As well as providing easy access to neighboring countries, it is close to the many beautiful places in Switzerland. Switzerland is an expensive country, but the FMI offers a generous stipend for living expenses.

Learn more about our PhD and MD-PhD programs in the various sub-sections (tabs at the top of the page).

Important Dates

We have two application rounds per year, with an application period of 2.5 months.

• Opening Autumn round: September 1, 2024
• Closing: November 15, 2024
• Interviews: January 2025
• Next round: May 1, 2025
• PhD Program: [email protected]
• MD-PhD Program: [email protected]

Spotlight on FMIers

See all interviews: Spotlight on FMIers

Applicants must hold, or anticipate receiving before enrollment, a university degree that would formally qualify them to enter a PhD or equivalent program in their home country (MSc., Diploma, DEA etc.) Admission is competitive, involving a selection procedure that takes place twice a year (in January and June). The deadline for applications is 1.5-2 months prior to the selection procedure (in November and May).

A course of study at the FMI leading to a PhD degree of the University of Basel typically lasts four to five years. Thesis defenses take place at the FMI and are public.

Program highlights

• Welcome meeting for first year PhD students & Dean of Students, Guidance Counsellor and PhD student representatives
• Scientific Inquiry course for first year PhD students
• Annual check-ins with Guidance Counsellor
• Annual thesis committee meetings

Mentoring & support

The main supervisor and mentor of the PhD student is the leader of the research group. Students are also supported by their thesis advisory committee composed of internal and external experts whom the students choose together with their supervisor. The FMI put in place mentoring guidelines and conducts lab surveys on a regular basis to maintain excellence in mentoring.

Additional academic advice, professional development support and advocacy on behalf of the students is also available through the FMI Dean of Students and the Guidance Counsellor.

As Dean of Students, Marc Bühler acts as an academic liaison with the University of Basel. He offers confidential, impartial advice, and can help resolve problems by acting as a neutral intermediary between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University and the FMI.

As Guidance Counsellor, Piera Cicchetti offers individual counselling to promote the academic and professional development of students and resolve difficulties. She attends thesis committee meetings to support best practices, develops the training curriculum, and organizes professional development activities with students and postdocs.

Graduate courses

• neurobiology
• cell biology
• developmental biology
• biophysical chemistry
• structural biology
• systems biology
• bioinformatics
• infection biology

PhD students are required to complete 18 credit points (CPs) during their PhD thesis. A minimum of 6 CPs must come from the University of Basel approved graduate teaching program . A maximum of 12 CPs can be collected by active participation in meetings, practical courses, progress reports, group meetings, and the University of Basel transferable skills courses etc.

Compensation

The FMI provides financial support to graduate students in accordance with the scale of the Swiss National Science Foundation . Salary is generous relative to international standards for PhD students.

The FMI MD-PhD Program was launched in summer 2016 to provide the opportunity to research-oriented medical students and physicians to carry out cutting-edge biomedical research and do a PhD thesis. Students can benefit from the excellence of the well-established PhD program, the reputation of the Basel Medical School and a privileged relationship with the researchers of the major pharmaceutical company Novartis.

The FMI MD-PhD program is intended for individuals who have studied medicine and who wish to gain a deep knowledge in fundamental biological research by performing a PhD thesis. Students applying to the program must hold, or anticipate to receive before their enrollment, a university degree that would qualify them to enter formal clinical training / residency (e.g., a diploma in medicine or an approbation). They also should have some laboratory research experience and have done an experimental Master/Diploma thesis, which must be approved by the University of Basel. Admission is competitive, involving a selection procedure that takes place twice a year (in January and June). The deadline for applications is 1.5-2 months prior to the selection procedure (in November and May).

A course of study at the FMI leading to a PhD degree of the University of Basel typically lasts four years. It is the responsibility of the thesis advisory committee, together with the student and supervisor, to assess the project status and recommend when the thesis should be written/submitted. Thesis defenses take place at the FMI and are public.

The main supervisor and mentor of the MD-PhD student is the leader of the research group. Students are also supported by their thesis advisory committee composed of internal and external experts whom the students choose together with their supervisor. The FMI put in place mentoring guidelines and conducts lab surveys on a regular basis to maintain excellence in mentoring.

As Dean of Students, Marc Bühler acts as an academic liaison with the University of Basel. He offers confidential, impartial advice, and can help resolve problems by acting as a neutral intermediary between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University and the FMI.

Clinical work

Interested students can devote up to 20% of their PhD study time to clinical work - in agreement with their PhD supervisor at the FMI. The clinical work is done in conjunction with a Professor at the Medical Faculty of the University of Basel and will often be part of a collaboration between the FMI Group Leader and the Medical Faculty Professor.

General requirements

The application procedure is the same for the PhD and the MD-PhD Program. For the PhD Program, applicants must hold a university degree that would formally qualify them to enter a PhD or equivalent program in their home country (MSc., Diploma, DEA, etc). Please note that a Bachelor's degree does not qualify for entry into our PhD Program.

For the MD-PhD Program, applicants must have studied medicine and must hold a university degree that would formally qualify them to enter clinical training in their home country (Medical Diploma, Approbation, etc). Having documented research laboratory experience is strongly recommended.

There are two rounds of applications per year, with application deadlines in May and November. All applications are reviewed by group leaders who have openings within their teams. A group of shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in June and January, respectively.

The application

Please fill in the online application form. Note that this information and relevant documents will be shared among various people within the FMI for assessment.

» Online application form (PhD Program) » Online application form (MD-PhD Program)

You should provide contact details of at least one referee familiar with your training and research experience. Multiple letters (up to three) are preferred. Referees will receive an individualized link to upload their letter (not visible to you) once you have submitted their contact information. We suggest to submit a first version of your application, containing contact information of referees early, in order to give referees sufficient time to provide their letters. You will be able to revise your application up to the deadline. Please ask your referee(s) to use this reference letter template:

» Reference letter template

• The application period for the spring/autumn round normally starts on February 15/September 1 respectively.
• Applications are open for a period of 2.5 months, with closing dates on May 1/November 15 respectively.
• The interviews take place approximately 7 to 8 weeks after each deadline, in person at the FMI in Basel.

For more information about the application process, please check out our Q&A section (FAQ tab above)

If you still have questions about the PhD Program, please contact Elida Keller at the FMI PhD Program office: [email protected] .

If you still have questions about the MD-PhD Program, please contact the FMI MD-PhD Program office: [email protected]

The FMI has an active student body of about 80 PhD students (and a few Master’s students) – coming from all over the world. Our students are supported by a PhD student representative committee that is elected every year. The main reason why students join the FMI is to conduct a successful PhD in an environment of scientific excellence. However, there are plenty of other reasons that make student life at the FMI appealing.

Our students have many training opportunities, and they organize and participate in various seminars and career events.

We have many sports fans at the FMI; associates can join several sports team, including a running team.

Our FMI football team always fights hard in our annual tournament against the Biozentrum and the ETH!

The yearly PhD retreat is a great opportunity to learn, and connect to fellow students in a relaxed setting in a beautiful location.

Everyone at the FMI can join the Monthly Happy Hours. Cheers!

We have by-weekly Happy Hours at the FMI. Cheers!

And life in Basel is great… especially in the summer!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Please refer to the frequently asked questions and answers below if you have any concerns regarding your application to the FMI International PhD Program or the FMI International MD-PhD Program (open to all countries).

Q: What are the required degrees / pre-requisites to be eligible to the FMI PhD Program and the FMI MD-PhD Programs, respectively? A: For the PhD Program , applicants must hold a university degree that would formally qualify them to enter a PhD or equivalent program in their home country (MSc., Diploma, DEA, etc.). For the MD-PhD Program , applicants must have studied medicine and must hold a university degree that would formally qualify them to enter clinical training in their home country (Medical Diploma, Approbation, etc.). Having documented research laboratory experience is strongly recommended.

Q: Is there an age limit to apply to the programs? A: No, there is no age limit to apply. The only formal requirement for application is a university degree as detailed above.

Q: Do I need an English certificate to apply to the program? A: No this is not required. Even though English is the business language used at FMI there is no requirement for you to have an English certificate.

Q: When should I submit my application? A: The PhD Program and the MD-PhD Program both offer two rounds of selection every year, with application deadlines usually in May and November and interviews in June and January respectively. The application portal is open approximately three months before each deadline and you can submit your application during this time when ever your feel is appropriate. You will be able to edit it up to the deadline.

Q: How many openings are offered in each round of selection? A: The number of openings varies and is only known at the application deadlines. All candidates who are invited to the interviews will be informed of groups with openings when receiving the invitation letter. This number is not communicated to the candidates who are not invited for an interview.

Q: Why is there no list of groups that will have positions available? A: Positions frequently become available only after the application deadlines. You may consider contacting a group leader directly if you wish to enquire about the availability of a position in a particular group. However, because we have observed in the past that students become excited about groups and research topics they had not initially considered, we encourage you to apply for and join the interviews with an open mind.

Q: In the application form, I am asked to indicate research groups at FMI that are of particularly interest to me and to write an essay on my specific research interests. Does this have an influence on the group I may join? A: No. Although we use this information to channel the application review, it is the quality, not the topic of the essay that matters most. Candidates that are invited to the interviews can freely explore all available openings, irrespective of previously expressed interests.

Q: Can I apply more than once? A: Although there is no formal limit on the number of times you can apply, we discourage re-applications because of their low success rates. Hence, you should only consider reapplying if you can update and revise your original application to strengthen it substantially. Please note that due to the volume of applications we are not able to provide feedback on the reasons that specific applicants were not invited.

Q: Can I submit my CV for review before I apply, so you can check that I fulfill all the requirements? A: Due to the very high number of applications we receive every session, this is unfortunately not possible. Please note that if you have the required degrees then you are allowed to apply.

Q: Do you offer PhD positions in Bioinformatics? A: Many group leaders at the FMI are involved in bioinformatics projects and FMI has a dedicated Bioinformatics platform composed of five permanent members. Thus, we encourage you to apply if you are interested in this field of study.

Q: Can I update my application once it has been submitted? A: Yes. Once you have submitted your application you will receive a confirmation email with a personalized link to update the content of the application. You will be able to modify your application until the submission deadline.

Q: Can I add/remove referees once I have submitted my application? A: Before the submission deadline, you may add referee(s) to the originally submitted list, but not remove them. Contact details for a total of up to three referees can be provided, and we prefer to receive more than one letter for a balanced assessment.

Q: Where is the link for my referee to upload the reference letter? A: Once your application has been submitted, an automated email will be sent to the referee(s) you have entered in the form. The email contains a personalized link for the referee to submit the reference letter.

Q: Once the reference letter has been uploaded by my referee, do I get informed? A: Yes. Once the referee has submitted the reference letter through our online tool, an automated email is sent to the referee and you to confirm that the upload has been successful. However, you will not see the content of the letter submitted. If you have not received a confirmation email close to the application deadline, we highly recommend that you contact your referee to ask for a status.

Q: I made a mistake in the email address of my referee, how can I correct it? A: If you realize that there is a typo in the email address of your referee we ask you to contact your referee and ask him/her to send an email to [email protected] for the PhD program, [email protected] for the MD-PhD program, in order to change the email address. You are not allowed to modify the email address yourself.

Q: Is the deadline for the referees to upload the reference letters the same as the deadline for the candidates to submit their applications? A: No, referees have one more week after the application deadline to submit the reference letters. However, we strongly encourage you to contact your referees few days before the application deadline to ensure that they send the reference letters on time.

Q: If I am accepted for an interview, will I be reimbursed for the trip and stay in Basel? A: Yes, the FMI will reimburse you for your travel expenses. You are required to book and pay your travel tickets (plane, train, etc.) ahead of your interview and the FMI will reimburse you based on the invoices provided. Your stay in the hotel will also be covered. The invitation letter you receive after having been selected contains more information and guidelines about the travel expenses. Please do not book your travel until you have confirmed your visit to the FMI.

Q: If I am accepted for a PhD position, will I receive compensation during my time at the FMI? A: Yes. The FMI provides financial support to graduate students in accordance with the scale of the Swiss National Science Foundation . . Income is generous relative to international standards for PhD students (see document in German - English).

Q: Are there any additional steps when applying for the MD-PhD Program? A: The application and first interview process are the same for both Programs. If you are accepted as an MD-PhD candidate by the FMI you will be invited for an additional interview with the Medical Faculty of the University of Basel. Whenever logistically possible, this second interview will take place shortly after the FMI interview. If not possible, the second interview will take place a few weeks later.

If your question is not listed above, please contact [email protected] (PhD Program) or [email protected] (MD-PhD Program) for information.

FellowshipBard

18 fully funded phd programs at university of zurich, switzerland.

Are you holding Master’s degree and looking for fully funded PhD positions? University of Zurich, Switzerland invites online application for multiple funded PhD Programs / fully funded PhD positions in various research areas.

Candidates interested in fully funded PhD positions can check the details and may apply as soon as possible. Interested and eligible applicants may submit their online application for PhD programs via the University’s Online Application Portal. 

1. Fully Funded PhD Position in AI (including chat-bots and large language models) and Democracy

Summary of phd program:.

The Dynamic and Distributed Information Systems Group at the University of Zurich is looking for motivated applicants who are interested in investigating how AIs can interact with users to help large-scale participation in democratic processes. You will work the context of a new SNSF interdisciplinary project that will investigate how to use AI in direct democracy. The project includes user experiments of AI support in the context of real-world democratic processes. The project includes 8 PhD students – three of which in CS/CSCW/AI, two in political science, and two in law – as well as a post-doc and faculty members form these disciplines.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

2. fully funded phd position in bioinorganic chemistry.

Your research will span the entire area from identifying new and exciting protein sequences, cloning and recombinant protein production, purification and initial spectroscopic and spectrometric characterisation (UV, CD, AAS, ESI-MS, MALDI, etc), followed by structural studies with NMR and X-ray or functional analyses in collaboration with groups from the biological field.

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3. Fully Funded PhD Position in structural biology of Fe-S proteins

A PhD student position, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, is available in the research group headed by Prof. Susanne Kassube at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. Highly-motivated, goal-driven and team-oriented candidates with an interest in biochemistry and structural biology, particularly cryo-electron microscopy, are encouraged to apply. The selected candidate will become part of the PhD program in Biomolecular Structure and Mechanism and the Life Science Zurich Graduate School.

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4. fully funded phd position in information systems.

We are seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals for a PhD position in the field of Information Systems, as part of the DIZH-funded research project “Government as a Platform: Orchestrating Stakeholders in Crisis Situations through Digital Platforms” (short description). In the project, we take advantage of digital platforms and their principles to improve the coordination and orchestration of relevant actors in the Canton of Zurich on the example of the Ukraine refugee crisis. As a PhD student, you will be supervised by Dr. Liudmila Zavolokina (Digital Society Initiative, University of Zurich) and Prof. Dr. Gerhard Schwabe (Department of Informatics, University of Zurich.

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5. fully funded phd position in plant evolutionary biology.

This position involves expert level bioinformatic work including genome assembly (long-reads, Hi-C) and genome annotation. Furthermore, the project uses comparative transcriptomics (spatial transcriptomics) including gene regulatory network analyses in a phylogenetic context, and high-throughput reverse genetic work. Therefore, this position requires advanced skills in handling, analyzing and interpreting high-throughput next-generation sequencing and RNA-seq data. Good skills in assembling vectors, carrying out genetic transformations and microscopy are also required.

6. Fully Funded PhD Position in Clinical Science Program

We are interested in pulmonary hypertension, dyspnea, exercise and hypoxia and are performing several clinical and physiological studies in this field. Our trials involve exercise testing, echocardiographies, sleep studies, near infrared spectroscopies and many more, mostly in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases, but also in healthy people living at different altitudes. We often perform field studies in different areas of the world, including Switzerland, but also Central Asia or South America. We have long-lasting collaborations with different labs and research groups.

Looking For More Funded PhD Programs? Click Here

7. fully funded phd position in ultrafast spectroscopy and photochemistry.

The project deals with the advancement of solution-phase and surface-sensitive ultrafast spectroscopy and photochemistry techniques, surface preparation and characterization, investigation of ultrafast photoinduced phenomena with time-resolved IR and multidimensional spectroscopy methods. We are experimentally investigating the real-time molecular dynamics of the novel classes of organic molecules and aiming towards the unconventional methods of catalysis.

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8. fully funded phd position in business.

The Chair of Quantitative Business Administration focuses on the development of quantitative methods for improved decision making. From the methodological perspective our main interests are in mathematical optimization, in particular, integer programming, combinatorial optimization, bilevel optimization and optimization under uncertainty.

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9. fully funded phd position in psychology.

The research focus of the chair is on social-cognitive development in infancy and childhood. The project focuses on multilingual language development in early childhood. Previous research shows that monolingual and multilingual children differ in the repertoire and flexibility of their communicative behavior. In the planned research project, the characteristics of these differences in early childhood (0 – 6 years) as well as the underlying mechanisms will be investigated in more detail. For this purpose, behavioral methods but also eye tracking or electroencephalography (EEG) can be applied.

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10. fully funded phd position in epidemiology / digital & mobile health.

You will analyze fitness tracker and patient-reported data from ongoing studies in collaboration with our project partners, including the University Hospital Zurich, the Rehabilitation Clinic Valens, and the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Registry. In collaboration with team members and staff from the Rehabilitation Clinic Valens you will also design and conduct your own study to evaluate an existing intervention for physical activity improvement in persons with chronic illnesses. You will further contribute to the development and maintenance of our own mobile health data collection platform, which is programmed in Python.

Application Deadline: 01.07.2023

Looking for funded scholarships programs click here, 11. fully funded phd position in immunology.

You will work on a project investigating the immune response against the skin commensal yeast Malassezia in the normal and diseased skin and identify fungal secreted products that activate and modulate the Th17 and γδT17 antifungal response. The project relies on mouse models of skin fungal commensalism and of atopic dermatitis in combination with cell culture experiments. The project will involve immunological, microbiological, genetic, transcriptomic, and biochemical approaches.

Application Deadline: 30.06.2023

12. fully funded phd position in political science.

The Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich invites applications for a PhD position in the research group of Professor Jonathan Slapin, Professor of Political Institutions and European Politics.

Your responsibilities

• Development and conduct of own PhD project in the field of comparative political institutions, broadly defined. Applicants should have a focus on parliaments, parties, legislative behavior, representation, European politics, or European integration.
• Participation in the Department’s doctoral program, which offers advanced methodological and substantive training as well as professional development.

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13. fully funded phd position in educational and family sociology.

The University Research Priority Program (URPP) “Human Reproduction Reloaded | H2R” explores the societal impacts and legal implications of human reproduction. This interdisciplinary positioned URPP brings together researchers from six faculties as well as from various disciplines from the humanities, social, medical and natural sciences. You will join a working group within this program, consisting of two senior researchers and two PhDs. We focus the on the value-related origins and the economic consequences of reproductive decisions. Both positions are located at Institute of Sociology, which is one of the leading empirically oriented institutes in Switzerland and Europe.

Application Deadline: 12.06.2023

14. fully funded phd position in automatic sign language processing.

The PhD position is part of an innovative research project titled “Fundamental linguistic tools for sign language machine translation – SIGMA” at the Digital Society Initiative and the Department for Computational Linguistics, University of Zurich. SIGMA aims to provide fundamental tools for automatically processing sign languages, with the main goal of improving a higher-level task: sign language machine translation. Improving machine translation for sign languages is relevant for Swiss and international societies. While for hearing persons translation technology is mature and usable in every-day situations, such tools do not exist for Deaf sign language users. Deaf individuals can only be full members of a digital society if translation technology is afforded to them.

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15. fully funded phd position in palliative care within doctoral progam clinical science.

You will work on research projects with focus on questions related to caregiver burden and bereavement-related distress. The death of a spouse is considered one of the most stressful and impactful life events and is associated with increased morbidity and premature mortality. This PhD project studies the impact of lifetime stress exposure and neuro-inflammatory sensitivity to psychobiological adjustment to bereavement among cancer caregivers. We aim to map profiles of individual differences in long-term adjustment to loss based on psychological and biological markers over time and to identify psychological and biological markers of individuals who are most at risk for poor health outcomes following bereavement.

Application Deadline: July 1st, 2023

16. fully funded phd position in multimodal behavioral pattern recognition using machine learning.

The PhD position is part of an innovative research project titled “Computational analysis of personal identity in interaction: Recognition and ethics – CAPIRE” at the Digital Society Initiative and Department for Computational Linguistics, University of Zurich. This interdisciplinary project aims to develop advanced computational models for person identification analysis using multimodal communication signals such as speech, gestures, and facial expressions. The research will involve analyzing large datasets of human interaction data and applying state-of-the-art machine learning methods to identify unique patterns indicative of personal identity.

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17. fully funded phd position in chemistry.

We are looking for candidates who would be interested in either of these topics. Depending on the selected focus, the PhD Student will be given an opportunity to gain experience in the design of catalysts and ligands, multistep organic synthesis, coordination chemistry (including synthesis of highly sensitive molecules), transition metal catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, and the chemistry of organic materials.

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PhD in Switzerland Pursuing a doctorate in Switzerland as a foreigner

In Switzerland, doctorates can be obtained under excellent conditions © gorodenkoff / iStock.com

Astonishingly, over 50 percent of PhD candidates at Swiss universities are international students. World-renowned institutes, a growing emphasis on doctoral education, multilingual education, funding for early career researchers and travel opportunities are just a few of the attractions.

Published: 2024-04-08

By: Claire Wenngren, Dacha Media

Swiss PhD programmes

Switzerland’s universities have experienced considerable growth in recent decades and have ambitious plans to increase the number of doctoral researchers in the country. The Swiss are rightfully proud to be home to universities that are regularly ranked among the best in the world, including the renowned ETH Zurich (which has produced over 20 Nobel laureates, including Albert Einstein), the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EFPL ) and the University of Zurich . The country's academic history stretches back to the 15th century, when the first university was founded in Basel in 1460 , an institution that remains top-notch today.

The universities’ offerings have been so successful in recent decades that SwissInfo ran the headline in February 2024: “Are Swiss universities victims of their success?” The online news outlet, part of the public broadcaster SRG SSR, also reported in the same story that EPFL is considering capping slots for international students to ensure it can maintain its high quality of education. The university reported that fully 85.7 percent of its doctoral candidates are from abroad. Still, with universities booming, it is unlikely we will see the alpine nation shut its doors to international doctoral students anytime soon.

Currently, students seeking to study in Switzerland have four types of universities to choose from:

• 10 cantonal universities ( Universitäten ), which are run by individual Swiss cantons
• 2 federal institutes of technology ( Eidgenössische Technische Hochschulen )
• 9 universities of applied sciences and arts ( Fachhochschulen ), including eight public institutions and one private university
• 20 universities of teacher education ( Pädagogische Hochschulen )

PhD students are most likely be based at a Swiss cantonal university or a federal institute of technology, since they are the only institutions of higher learning in the country [CH3] allowed to award recognised PhD titles. While universities of applied sciences and arts are not entitled to award doctorates, they may offer doctoral studies in collaboration with other universities that provide the primary PhD supervision and award the degree.

With four national languages, multilingualism is an inherent part of Swiss identity , and that linguistic diversity is also present in academia. Universities normally teach in the language of their canton (German, French or Italian) or in English. And although Romansh is spoken in some areas, it is not a language of instruction at universities.

As in other countries, the Swiss PhD is research-based and entails independent work towards an original thesis that contributes significant new knowledge to the field of study. There are two typical routes towards a PhD in Switzerland:

•   Traditional or general PhDs  at a single university with one or more advisors: Students spend most of their time working on their doctoral thesis, but opportunities for additional training and development may also be offered.
•   Structured PhDs , a relatively new development, come more formal training, which may include coursework, and often entail collaboration between different institutions, including partnerships between different types of institution.

Current jobs and vacancies in Switzerland

ETH Zürich - Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich

Zurich University of the Arts

ETH Zürich - Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich Hauptgebäude

How long does a doctorate in Switzerland take?

There is no standard length of study for PhDs in Switzerland . Candidates can expect to spend between two and seven years , depending on their field and programme, though traditional programmes tend to be on the shorter end of that spectrum. Doctoral candidates are assigned at least one academic supervisor, who will act as a mentor for their project in addition to providing guidance and support for the research. Some Swiss PhD programmes, especially structured ones, involve two or more supervisors.

The main product of the PhD is the doctoral thesis, which will be assessed by an oral examination or defence after submission. In Switzerland, this process takes place in a public setting. Candidates present their PhD thesis in front of a panel of experts, including at least one external examiner from outside the university.

Applying for a PhD in Switzerland

PhD opportunities in Switzerland can be found by searching for advertised projects and programmes or by browsing information on university websites. In most cases, a master’s degree in a relevant subject is a prerequisite for applying . Other requirements depend on the type of PhD being applied for. If responding to an advertised project or position, applicants will need to submit a personal statement, an academic CV and references ( more information here ).

Candidates devising their own PhD topic generally must submit a research proposal outlining their project , its objectives, methodology and outcome . Applicants should also submit supporting material, such as references. Applications for structured PhD programmes may not require an initial research proposal because students often develop their project during the first year of the doctorate. Applicants may also be required to take a test to prove their competence in the language of instruction .

Application procedures may vary between individual doctorates and PhD programmes. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the requirements for the program to which they are applying prior to submission. Most applications are submitted digitally through an online form. It is also important to contact the university regarding any additional documents, such as language certificates, that may be required as well as the specifications regarding the translation of supporting application documents.

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PhD salaries in Switzerland

Sometimes Swiss universities advertise PhD opportunities as paid research positions or assistantships . In this case, they normally hire PhD candidates as research assistants or PhD candidates. If awarded one of these positions, students do not have to pay fees while pursuing their PhD and receive a regular salary . Those hired may also be entitled to additional benefits, including sick pay and holiday leave.

In return, PhD candidates hired in these positions are normally expected to assist with undergraduate teaching and other administrative responsibilities . Job portals like academics.com publish positions for PhD students, but it is a good idea to check whether the prospective university offers these positions and what conditions they stipulate. Additionally, it is common practice to contact a professor or research group directly and ask about opportunities.There are also research positions at companies and universities of applied sciences, but they are less common.

PhD candidates at the ETH Zurich can expect to earn a salary of between 50,700 CHF and 83,200 CHF gross per year . PhD candidates in exact sciences and medicine are usually paid better than PhD candidates in life sciences, chemistry, arts and humanities.

However, a candidate’s salary and working conditions depend on specific contracts and workload, city of residency, marital status and number of children. The personnel consultants from human resources are responsible for determining salaries and are generally happy to provide that information if asked.

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Scholarships for PhDs in Switzerland

Universities and institutes offer scholarships for specific programmes, and some universities provide additional support to their PhD students in the form of financial loans, but the main source of funding for international PhD students in Switzerland is the  Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) . It awards Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, which are divided into research scholarships and art scholarships . These scholarships are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree and at foreign artists holding a bachelor’s degree, respectively. They normally cover fees and living costs.

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