15 PhD programs open @ The Life Science Zurich Graduate School, Zurich
The Life Science Zurich Graduate School consists of sixteen highly competitive Ph.D. programs, run jointly by the ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich. They aim to attract to Zurich the most promising young scientists from across the world. Their programs offer a comprehensive and challenging Ph.D. education that allows our students to develop into tomorrow’s leaders in life science research.
Admissions are open for PhD education that will allow students to develop into tomorrow’s leaders in biological research.
The Faculty of Science (MNF) offers programs of international renown for doctoral students in the areas of life sciences, chemistry, geography, mathematics and physics.
In addition to a superior education, these graduate schools offer their graduates closed seminars on specific topics, opportunities to take part in international conventions and additional seminars with prestigious speakers. International networking and the acquisition of skills which extend beyond mere research work are also key aspects of the program.
About the program:
The doctorate is comprised of a PhD thesis as well as coursework. It serves as a qualification for an academic career or other demanding professions.
Typically doctoral studies are completed in the Life
Science Zurich Graduate School, exceptions are possible however.Before submitting his/her thesis, the PhD student must obtain 12 credit points (CP). How, when and where credit points can be acquired depends on the regulations of the individual PhD programs. Most programs require some of the credit points to be acquired in compulsory modules and some in transferable skills such as scientific writing and presentations. Please refer to the home page of your individual PhD program for details.
Teaching Activities:
Additionally, the Faculty of Science’s PhD regulations require that all PhD students contribute to teaching. The regulations set a minimum (100 hours) and maximum (420 hours) for this activity.
In the Division of Biology, rules and procedures regarding teaching activities of PhD students have recently been revised. If you are a PhD student at the Faculty of Science UZH, Division of Biology (i.e. your professor is either a faculty member or has the right of promotion at the Faculty of Science) and are planning your teaching activities, discuss your contributions with your supervisor and send the “Form Planned Teaching” to the Academic Support Office of Biology ASO ([email protected]).
Eligibility:
Applicants must hold a university Master’s degree or equivalent in the field of natural sciences, computer sciences or engineering. Applicants admitted to the Life Science Zurich Graduate School will have to register for their PhD studies either at the University of Zurich or ETH Zurich, depending on the affiliation of their future supervisor.This means that acceptance is also subject to fulfilling the admission requirements of the respective institution.
Required Qualification:
The applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent from a university in the field of Natural Sciences. It is also possible to apply when the master’s degree is received within six month after the application deadline. In this case please upload a copy of your Bachelor’s degree or an academic transcript.
Age Limit:
Although we do not have a strict age limit, we think that PhD students should not be older than 30 years when they start their dissertation. This limit may be disregarded if special circumstances (to be explained in the curriculum) give a convincing reason for a delay.
How to Apply:
Part 1: Step 1 and Step 2
Application form STEP 1 requires:
- Personal information
- Selection of program preference
- Names and addresses of at least two referees
Please fill out this brief STEP 1 form early enough to give your referees enough time to transmit the letter of recommendation! You will then receive an e-mail with a URL address. Please keep this address safe.
You will need it to complete the STEP 2 form during the application process. Furthermore, you will be able to follow the current status of your application on your personal dashboard. In order to invite your referees to submit their recommendations, please activate the invitation links on your dashboard.
Application form STEP 2 requires:
File upload of Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, academic transcript etc.
Only .pdf files are allowed!
Please note that there is no ‘submit’ button, your application will be submitted automatically.
Part 2: Registration
Applicants admitted to the programs will have to register with either the University of Zurich or the ETH Zurich, depending on the affiliation of their future mentor.
Assessment and selection procedure:
Applicants will be assessed on the basis of their application and the letters of recommendation. Short-listed candidates will be invited for a three-day interview in Zurich. We will reimburse travel expenses and provide free accommodation in Zurich.
Important Dates:
Submission of completed application forms: 1st July 2016 and 1st December 2016
Interview dates for July 1st deadline: 7 – 9 September 2016
Interview dates for December 1st deadline: 8 – 10 February 2017
