The typical duration of a PhD thesis at EMBL is 3.5 to 4 years. EMBL predoctoral fellowships are initially awarded for 3.5 years, with the possibility of a half-year extension. The stipend is competitive by international standards and includes broad health care benefits and pension.
Thesis Supervision
In addition to the day-to-day supervision by the group leader, each EMBL PhD student has a thesis advisory committee, consisting of the group leader and ordinarily 3 other advisors (typically 2 additional EMBL group leaders from the same unit and another one from a different unit and a non-EMBL scientist where possible from a university of one of the member states), who guide the student during thesis work. After the first 6 months, students prepare a written outline of their thesis project and discuss it with their thesis committee. At the end of the first, second and third years of the thesis, students write an annual report on their work, give a seminar, and discuss the report and seminar with their thesis advisory committee.
Predoctoral Courses
At the beginning of the first year (i.e. in October/November), a special PhD student course ('Core Course in Molecular Biology') is taught by the EMBL faculty. The course is organized by the Graduate Committee, covers all scientific areas represented at the EMBL and includes lectures, practicals and student seminars.