Fully‑Funded PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences at the Max Delbrück Center (MDC), Berlin

The Max Delbrück Center (MDC) in Berlin stands as one of Europe’s leading research institutions in biomedical sciences, offering an exceptional, fully‑funded PhD program designed for ambitious young scientists who want to explore the foundations of human health and disease. With cutting‑edge facilities, world‑class mentors, and a deeply collaborative research culture, the MDC PhD Program provides an outstanding environment for scientific growth and career development.

Program Overview

The MDC PhD Program is a structured, research‑intensive doctoral training pathway that supports students in conducting innovative biomedical research across multiple disciplines. The program focuses on three major scientific themes:

1. Genes, Cells and Cell‑based Medicine
2. Molecular Processes and Therapies
3. Integrative Biomedicine

These themes reflect MDC’s mission to advance tomorrow’s medicine through discovery, translational science, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

What the Program Offers

Doctoral researchers at MDC benefit from a comprehensive training ecosystem designed to support both scientific excellence and personal development. Key features include:

• International Research Environment — Work alongside scientists from more than 70 countries.
• Individualized Supervision & Mentoring — Each student receives guidance from a dedicated thesis committee.
• Advanced Scientific Training — Access to workshops, lectures, journal clubs, and specialized courses.
• State‑of‑the‑Art Infrastructure — Cutting‑edge laboratories, core facilities, and technology platforms.
• Participation in Specialized Research Programs — Including MDC‑BIMSB, ECRC, and HI‑TAC.
• Career Development Support — Structured programs for leadership, communication, and scientific growth.
• Travel Grants — Funding for external conferences, workshops, and courses.
• Active Alumni Network — Long‑term professional connections worldwide.
• Optional Enrollment in HEIBRiDS Data Science School — For students interested in computational biology and AI.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must hold (or expect to obtain within four months after the interview week) a Master’s degree or equivalent in one of the following fields:

• Biology
• Biotechnology
• Medicine
• Molecular Medicine
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Or a closely related discipline

Applicants should demonstrate strong motivation for biomedical research and readiness to engage in interdisciplinary scientific work.

Application Process

The MDC conducts central recruitment once every Fall, and applications are accepted exclusively through the online portal.

Application Steps

1. Register on the Application Portal
2. Submit required documents (CV, transcripts, motivation letter, references).
3. Select preferred research topics and group leaders.
4. Participate in online interviews (October).
5. Successful candidates begin their PhD in January, with flexibility up to four months after interviews.

Deadline: The next call opens June 29, 2026, and remains open through August 2026.

Funding & Employment

Doctoral researchers receive:

• A fully‑funded 3‑year employment contract (often extended to 4 years).
• Salary according to 65% TVöD 13, approximately 1800 EUR net per month.
• Full health and social insurance coverage.
• Access to university enrollment with semester fees of 300–320 EUR.

Available Projects

A complete list of participating group leaders and project descriptions becomes accessible upon registration in the application portal. Projects span molecular biology, genomics, computational biology, cardiovascular research, regenerative medicine, and more.

Timeline (Approximate)

• Call Open: June – August
• Online Interviews: October
• Start Date: January (or up to 4 months after interviews)