EMBL International PhD Programme: Established in 1983, the EMBL International PhD Programme (EIPP) offers an exceptional interdisciplinary training platform for aspiring scientists in molecular life sciences. With a strong emphasis on early independence, collaborative research, and scientific excellence, the programme prepares talented researchers to become future leaders in academia, industry, and beyond. Applications for the 2026 Summer Recruitment are now open, with the deadline set for 9 March 2026.
EMBL International PhD Programme 2026 – Summer Recruitment Now Open
🎓 Designation
PhD Research Fellow / Doctoral Candidate
(EMBL International PhD Programme – EIPP)
🧪 Research Area
Molecular Life Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research, including:
- Molecular Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Molecular Medicine
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Systems Biology
- Bioinformatics
- Structural Biology
The programme strongly promotes interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex biological research questions.
📍 Location
Multiple EMBL sites across Europe, including:
- Heidelberg (Headquarters)
- Barcelona
- Hamburg
- Grenoble
- Rome
- EMBL-EBI – Hinxton
✅ Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must:
- Hold or expect to receive a university degree that formally qualifies them to enter a PhD programme in their country.
- Be highly qualified students of any nationality.
- Submit at least two academic reference letters.
- Demonstrate strong scientific potential and academic excellence.
Candidates with previous EMBL association (within 12 months prior to application deadline or during recruitment) are eligible but will be reviewed separately by the Graduate Committee.
EMBL is a signatory of DORA, ensuring fair and transparent research assessment practices.
📝 Job Description / Programme Features
Selected PhD candidates will:
- Conduct cutting-edge research in molecular life sciences.
- Receive comprehensive interdisciplinary training balancing theory and hands-on practice.
- Benefit from close mentoring combined with creative scientific independence.
- Collaborate with international researchers from over 48 nationalities.
- Participate in the annual EMBL International PhD Symposium, organized by first-year PhD students.
The upcoming symposium:
“Shaping Tomorrow – Science with Long-Term Impact”
📅 25–27 November 2025
📍 Heidelberg
The programme currently hosts around 250 PhD students, with approximately 85% from biology backgrounds, while strongly encouraging candidates from diverse scientific disciplines.
Expected start date: Flexible, no later than October 2026
🖥️ How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the online application portal during the official recruitment window.
📅 2026 Summer Recruitment Timeline:
- Application Opens: 23 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 9 March 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Reference Deadline: 11 March 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Screening Interviews (Online): 24 March – 10 April 2026
- Virtual Panel Assessment: 29 April 2026
- In-Person Interviews:
- 8–12 June 2026 (Barcelona, Hamburg, Grenoble, Rome, EMBL-EBI)
- 15–18 June 2026 (Heidelberg)
Late applications will not be considered.
⏳ Last Date to Apply
9 March 2026 (23:59 CET)
📞 Contact Information
EMBL Graduate Office
European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Meyerhofstraße 1
69117 Heidelberg, Germany
Tel: +49 6221 387-8612/8896
Email: graduate-office@embl.org
If you aspire to pursue world-class interdisciplinary research in molecular life sciences within a dynamic international environment, the EMBL International PhD Programme 2026 is a prestigious opportunity to launch your scientific career.
