Summary
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) invites applications for its prestigious International PhD Programme. This unique programme offers highly qualified students from all nationalities the opportunity to pursue doctoral research in a world-leading life sciences laboratory. EMBL is an intergovernmental organization with over 80 independent research groups spanning the full spectrum of molecular biology. The programme emphasizes scientific potential and qualification, providing a supportive environment for the next generation of life scientists.
Designation
PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher
Important Dates for 2027 Winter Recruitment
| Event | Date/Time |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | 01 September 2026 |
| Application Submission Deadline | 12 October 2026, 23:59 CET |
| Reference Deadline | 14 October 2026, 23:59 CET |
| Written Application Results | Second half of October 2026 |
| Screening Interviews (online) | 27 October – 13 November 2026 |
| Virtual Panel Assessment (online) | 01 December 2026 |
| In-person Interviews (onsite) | 25 – 29 January 2027 (EMBL-EBI, Barcelona, Hamburg, Grenoble, Rome) |
| In-person Interviews (onsite) | 01 – 04 February 2027 (EMBL Heidelberg) |
| Expected Start Date | Flexible; by October 2027 at the latest |
Research Areas
EMBL covers the full spectrum of molecular biology research. Applicants can explore specific research groups actively looking for PhD students in the current recruitment round. EMBL’s research mission includes:
- Missions Research
- Scientific services
- Training
- Innovation and Translation
- Integration of Life Sciences
More information about research at EMBL can be found on their website.
Location
EMBL has sites across Europe, including:
- Heidelberg, Germany (main laboratory)
- EMBL-EBI (European Bioinformatics Institute), Hinxton, UK
- Barcelona, Spain
- Hamburg, Germany
- Grenoble, France
- Rome, Italy
Eligibility/Qualification
- Applicants must hold, or anticipate receiving before starting at EMBL (by October 2027), a university degree that formally qualifies them to enter a PhD or equivalent programme in the country where the degree was obtained.
- Applications are welcome from highly qualified students of all nationalities.
- A minimum of two academic reference letters are required to support the application.
- Applications are evaluated solely on the basis of qualification and scientific potential.
- Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is a prerequisite.
- No GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL scores are required.
- Candidates with prior EMBL association are welcome to apply, but will be specifically reviewed by the Graduate Committee under certain conditions (e.g., association within 12 months before the deadline or during the recruitment procedure).
Scholarship Description
The EMBL International PhD Programme is a fully funded doctoral programme. EMBL does not charge any application, interview, processing, training, or other fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Financial details are typically provided to successful candidates, covering living expenses and research costs during the PhD tenure.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the online portal only; email applications will not be considered. The application process involves:
- Create an account: Access the online application form by first creating an account.
- Complete the application form: Fill in all requested information. Do not upload CVs, recommendation letters, or course certificates as separate documents unless specifically requested for specific sections; instead, input information into the provided fields.
- Submit the completed application form: Ensure submission by the application deadline. You can amend information until the deadline, but remember to save and resubmit.
- Reference letters: Ensure your referees submit their online references by the deadline. It is your responsibility to contact your referees in advance and ensure they complete the form. References must be provided through institutional email accounts. In exceptional cases where an institutional email is unavailable, specific instructions for PDF submission apply (contact the Graduate Office for details).
EMBL adheres to DORA principles in research assessment, focusing on qualification and scientific potential.
Last Date for Apply
12 October 2026, 23:59 CET
