The international PhD program of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg invites you to conduct research at the forefront of basic, epidemiological and translational cancer research. As part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest research organization in Germany, the DKFZ has an international and dynamic work environment, providing you with access to state-of-the-art research facilities and exceptional resources.
The language of the PhD program is English. PhD students are supported by a Thesis Advisory Committee and offered lecture series on the current state of cancer research, professional skills courses and career events. Furthermore, the 550 PhD students broaden their horizons at PhD retreats, poster presentations and international conferences. The doctoral degree is typically awarded by the prestigious Heidelberg University, the oldest university in Germany.
The DKFZ is Germany’s largest biomedical research institute. The long-term goal of the DKFZ is to unravel the causes and mechanisms of cancer development and to identify novel tools for diagnosis, treatment and prevention. With Harald zur Hausen (2008) and Stefan Hell (2014), two researchers of the DKFZ have been awarded the Nobel Prize.