About the opportunity
The Biozentrum PhD Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis through regular calls. Shortlisted candidates are invited to the Biozentrum for a week of interviews with group leaders, giving them opportunities to interact, tour labs, and understand the research environment. Successful candidates receive a fellowship allowing them to try out different labs through rotations before deciding where to do their PhD. Travel and accommodation for the interview week are provided by the Fellowship Program.
Funding and benefits
- Opportunity to try out different labs through rotations before choosing a PhD thesis group
- Travel and accommodation provided for the interview week
- Funding and support as part of the International PhD Program
Who can apply?
- Hold or expect to soon receive a university degree that qualifies you for a PhD program at the University of Basel (MSc or equivalent)
- In exceptional cases, outstanding students with a 4-year Bachelor's degree, typically from outside the Bologna System, are eligible to apply and complete a Master's program on a fast-track at the University of Basel
- Candidates cannot be enrolled as a PhD student at the University of Basel nor have signed a PhD working contract at the University of Basel at the decision date of the respective fellowships call
When to apply
- Summer Call 2026 – Start of online applications: March 2, 2026
- Summer Call 2026 – Closing date for applications: May 8, 2026
- Summer Call 2026 – Notification of shortlisted candidates: End of June 2026
- Summer Call 2026 – Interview days: August 17 – 21, 2026
- Summer Call 2026 – Decision of acceptance: September 4, 2026
- Summer Call 2026 – Possible start of rotations/thesis: September 2026 until March 2027
- Winter Call 2026-27 – Start of online applications: August 10, 2026
- Winter Call 2026-27 – Closing date for applications: October 18, 2026
- Winter Call 2026-27 – Notification of shortlisted candidates: November 20, 2026
- Winter Call 2026-27 – Interview days: January 2027
- Winter Call 2026-27 – Decision of acceptance: January 15, 2027
- Winter Call 2026-27 – Possible start of rotations/thesis: March to September 2027
How to apply
- Submit an online application during an open call period
- Further information about the application procedure is provided upon submitting the application
- If shortlisted, indicate 8 to 10 group leaders to organize individual interviews and lab visits during the interview week
- Deliver a 10-minute presentation and a 20-minute question and answer seminar during the interview week
Additional information
- The Program Head is Prof. Marek Basler.
- The Program Committee includes Prof. Flavio Donato, Prof. Roderick Lim, Prof. Knut Drescher, Prof. Richard Neher, Prof. Ben Engel, Prof. Anne Spang, Prof. Maria Hondele, Prof. Erik van Nimwegen, and Prof. Anissa Kempf.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Outstanding students with an MSc or equivalent degree in a relevant field
- Researchers who value the opportunity to rotate through labs before committing
- Candidates seeking a highly competitive and prestigious international PhD program
What should you think carefully about?
- The selection process is rigorous and includes a mandatory interview week
- Candidates must not already be enrolled as PhD students at the University of Basel
- The program is on-site, requiring relocation to Switzerland
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is perfect for aspiring scientists who want to ensure a perfect match between their research interests and their PhD lab. The rotation system minimizes the risk of a poor fit and provides a structured, well-funded environment for high-level doctoral research.
Our take
Ambitious researchers who meet the academic criteria and are prepared for a competitive, on-site selection process should apply; those seeking remote research opportunities will not find this program suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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