Apply to the International Ph.D. Programs in Life Sciences ETH Zurich and University of Zurich

In the following fields

Biomedical Ethics and Law – Medical Track
Biomedicine
Biomolecular Structure and Mechanism
Cancer Biology
Clinical Science
Drug Discovery
Ecology
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Evolutionary Biology
MD-PhD Program
Microbiology & Immunology
Molecular Life Sciences
Neuroscience
Plant Sciences
RNA Biology
Science and Policy
Systems Biology

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.

Application Process

If you want to apply to the Life Science Zurich Graduate School you are welcome to do so via our online application tool.

Applications sent by e-mail are not accepted.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent from a university in the field of Natural Sciences. You can also apply if you receive your master’s degree within 6 – 9 months after the application deadline. In this case, please upload a copy of your Bachelor’s degree or an academic transcript.

The Life Science Zurich Graduate School can offer 80-100 PhD projects for each recruitment round. These are visible to all short-listed candidates.

Assessment and selection procedure

Applicants will be assessed on the basis of their application and the letters of recommendation. Short-listed candidates will participate in a round of online interviews and may thereafter be invited for an in-person visit in Zurich. Travel expenses will be reimbursed and free accommodation in Zurich is provided.

Next interview dates

1 May 2025 deadline:

Virtual interviews: Wednesday through Friday of week 24, 2025 (11-13 June 2025)

In-person visits: Wednesday through Friday of week 28, 2025 (9-11 July 2025)

1 November 2025 deadline:

Virtual interviews: Wednesday through Friday of week 50, 2025 (10-12 December 2025)

In-person visits: Wednesday through Friday of week 3, 2026 (14-16 January 2026)

Registration

After having found a position in one of our programs you will have to register with either the University of Zurich or the ETH Zurich, depending on the affiliation of your future mentor.

Application deadlines: 1 November, 1 May

Application forms and detailed information: https://www.lifescience-graduateschool.uzh.ch/en.html

PhD Programs: https://www.lifescience-graduateschool.uzh.ch/en/about-LSZGS/phd-programs.html

Application: https://join.lszgs.uzh.ch/