Project Overview
About the Position
The Life Science Zurich Graduate School (LSZGS) offers over 100 fully funded PhD positions in the life sciences on a regular basis. With approximately 500 research groups and more than 1,600 PhD students, LSZGS is among the largest and most graduate schools in Europe. It encompasses 17 highly competitive PhD programs and is jointly operated by ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich.
LSZGS Programs
- Biomedical Ethics and Law (Med. Track)
- Biomedicine
- Biomolecular Structure and Mechanism
- Cancer Biology
- Clinical Science
- Drug Discovery
- Ecology
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Evolutionary Biology
- MD-PhD Program
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Molecular Life Sciences
- Neuroscience
- Plant Science
- RNA Biology
- Science and Policy
- Systems Biology
Programme Details
PhD programs provide outstanding research and educational opportunities in a dynamic and international environment, ideal for ambitious students aiming to pursue a doctoral degree. If admitted, you will carry out your research project within one of our participating research groups, aligned with your scientific interests.
Throughout your studies, you will benefit from advanced courses and training tailored to support your academic and professional development. The program is conducted entirely in English and typically spans four years.
Research Environment
We aim to attract to Zurich the most promising young scientists from across the world. We offer you a challenging training environment, a clear mentoring system and the opportunity to perform research. As a PhD student, you'll become part of a vibrant scientific and social community, collaborating with leading experts in your field and contributing to impactful discoveries.
Qualification Profile
To be eligible for admission, applicants must hold—or expect to soon obtain—a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field from a recognized university. Upon arrival in Zurich, students will be required to register with either the University of Zurich or ETH Zurich, depending on the affiliation of the research group they join.
Applicants 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.
Funding
All research groups within the Life Science Zurich Graduate School provide financial support in accordance with the PhD student salary set by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).
About Life Science Zurich Graduate School
The Life Science Zurich Graduate School provides doctoral education through a partnership between the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich in Switzerland. Its programmes cover a range of life sciences disciplines. Doctoral researchers undertake supervised projects and specialist training, connecting biological research with an international academic community across both institutions.
Official website: https://www.lifescience-graduateschool.uzh.ch/en.html
Application dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline (Fall call) | 1 November 2026, 23:59 CET |
| Application deadline (Spring call) | 1 May |
| Program duration | Approximately 4 years |
Important Notes
- The following PhD programs are NOT recruiting via Track 1 (General Application Platform): Neuroscience (only for deadlines of 1 November 2026 and 1 May 2027), Drug Discovery, Biomedical Ethics and Law (Medical Track), and the MD-PhD Program.
- Two open calls per year with deadlines on May 1 and November 1.
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Official Link
https://www.lifescience-graduateschool.uzh.ch/en/application.html
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline: 1 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents — early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for International Fully Funded PhD Positions in Life Sciences at Life Science Zurich Graduate School?
The application deadline is 1 November 2026. Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Zurich time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Zurich but gives no clock time.
Is International Fully Funded PhD Positions in Life Sciences at Life Science Zurich Graduate School fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. Salary set by host institution (typically CHF 50,000–70,000/year gross).
Who is eligible to apply for International Fully Funded PhD Positions in Life Sciences at Life Science Zurich Graduate School?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Switzerland. Applications are assessed by Life Science Zurich Graduate School.
How do I apply for International Fully Funded PhD Positions in Life Sciences at Life Science Zurich Graduate School?
Applications for International Fully Funded PhD Positions in Life Sciences at Life Science Zurich Graduate School are submitted directly to Life Science Zurich Graduate School through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for International Fully Funded PhD Positions in Life Sciences at Life Science Zurich Graduate School?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Switzerland are published by the provider.
What study level does International Fully Funded PhD Positions in Life Sciences at Life Science Zurich Graduate School offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.