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DKFZ International ­PhD Program

The DKFZ International PhD Program lays the foundation for a career path as a world-class researcher for the Center’s over 500 PhD students.

The DKFZ International PhD Program is a fully funded, structured program providing its doctoral researchers (PhD students) with tailored mentoring and training in cancer research. The doctoral research projects are conducted at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg or Dresden, or its partner sites across Germany within the German Cancer Consortium, National Centers for Tumor Disease, the Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology and the DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim.

Reflecting the breadth of scientific topics represented within the Program, our doctoral researchers are enrolled in top universities across Germany, pursuing doctoral titles that best suit their scientific expertise. These range from Dr. rer. nat. (natural sciences), Dr. sc. hum. and Dr. med. (human sciences and medicine) to Dr.-Ing. (engineering sciences).

The DKFZ International PhD Program has a lively network of active members, who organize regular scientific networking activities and social events. In collaboration with the DKFZ Career Service & Alumni Relations, the Program offers comprehensive guidance and career development resources, providing a strong foundation upon which our members take their next career step. Our alumni pursue a diverse range of career opportunities in academia and industry.

We warmly invite you to apply to join the DKFZ and our many distinguished scientists in cancer research!

The next application deadline is 24 April 2025. Find out more by following the links below!

Further Information

Program Overview
Admission Requirements & How to Apply
Joint Training Programs & Collaborations
Life as a DKFZ PhD Student

Curious about life as a PhD Student at the DKFZ?

International PhD Program at the DKFZ in Heidelberg

Watch our video to hear firsthand from current PhD students and discover the unique opportunities our international PhD program offers!
At the DKFZ, Germany’s largest biomedical research institute, over 500 PhD students in 100+ research groups are dedicated to unravel the causes and mechanisms of cancer development and to identify groundbreaking tools for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
 

Christy Varghese, India – Research Program Infection, Inflammation and Cancer

Christy wearing a lab coat.

"The complexity of life has always fascinated me, and my desire to unravel these secrets drove me to biological research. I chose a PhD in Cancer Research as I believe that as scientists, we can decrease the cancer burden in future and increase the survival rate of cancer patients.

I work in the Division of Molecular Diagnostics of Oncogenic Infections on a Human Papillomavirus 16 protein and its potential as a disease biomarker in cervical cancer. During my PhD studies, I’m able to combine my love for biology with my wish to give something back to society. After finishing my PhD I hope to continue my academic research career in the field of HPV and cervical cancer.

I chose the DKFZ as it is the largest biomedical research institute in Germany and offers tremendous opportunities of learning, maturing and evolving in cancer research. Here I can collaborate with lots of scientists both within the center but also internationally, which is an essential approach for cancer research."

Contact DKFZ International PhD Program

If you cannot find the information on our website, please contact us by email!