EMBL Fully Funded PhD Programme Scholarship 2027

Established in 1983, the EMBL International PhD Programme (EIPP) provides PhD students with an excellent starting platform for a successful career in science by fostering early independence and interdisciplinary research.

EMBL is dedicated to promoting excellence in the molecular life sciences throughout Europe. To achieve this goal, we inspire and train talented young scientists to become skilled and creative future leaders in academia, industry and other sectors.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineOctober 12, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Fully funded PhD position.
• Interdisciplinary PhD training.
• Dedicated mentorship and scientific guidance.
• Access to advanced life sciences research.
• International collaboration and networking opportunities.
• International research environment.
• Extensive scientific and professional training.
• Exposure to diverse research fields and methods.
• Participation in the annual EMBL International PhD Symposium.
• Career development and support.
• Opportunities to develop scientific independence and leadership skills.

Requirements

We welcome applications from highly qualified students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold, or anticipate receiving before starting at EMBL, a university degree that would formally qualify them to enter a PhD or equivalent programme in the country where the degree was obtained. All applications need to be supported by a minimum of two academic reference letters, and are evaluated solely on the basis of qualification and scientific potential.

PhD candidates with prior EMBL association

EMBL welcomes visitors, interns, trainees, master rotation/thesis students and other scientists who are associated with EMBL for training purposes.

Candidates who have previously been associated with EMBL are welcome to apply. To ensure equal treatment of all applicants to the EIPP, candidates with prior EMBL association will be specifically reviewed by the Graduate Committee.

Candidates are considered to have prior EMBL association if:

• they have been associated with EMBL within the 12 months before the application deadline.
• they have been associated with EMBL during any time of the predoctoral recruitment procedure (from the application deadline until the date of the Initial Admission Assessment)

Selection Process

• EVALUATION OF WRITTEN APPLICATIONS AND SCREENING INTERVIEWS
  • The evaluation of written applications is done by EMBL Faculty. During this stage, applicants may be contacted by recruiting Group Leaders or other senior members of their teams for an informal pre-screening interview. At this stage, your application is still considered, even if you have not been contacted for such a pre-screening interview. You could still be shortlisted and receive an invitation for VPA (see stage below). Based on these evaluations, the Units will put forward a shortlist of candidates for the VPA to the Graduate Committee for approval.
• VIRTUAL PANEL ASSESSMENT (VPA)
  • The VPA is a formal 30-minute panel interview conducted by EMBL Group Leaders (both recruiting and non-recruiting). During the VPA, candidates are assessed according to a set of defined criteria. Based on the outcome of the VPA, recruiting Group Leaders will select up to two candidates (per open position) for the on-site interviews. Candidates that are not invited further at this stage are welcome to re-apply in the future.
    Nota bene: Please note that candidates will not be asked to give a presentation during the VPAs.
• IN-PERSON 1-ON-1 INTERVIEWS
  • The interview week will take place in-person at one (or more) of EMBL sites where Group Leaders that have invited the candidates are located. It will be filled with 1-on-1 interviews and detailed discussions with the recruiting Group Leaders, as well as interactions with group members and current EMBL students. The aim of the interview week is to find the right matches between candidates and Group Leaders. After the interviews, the candidates will be asked to submit their preference of the research group(s) they would like to conduct their PhD in.
    Nota bene: We recommend having a short presentation prepared and being ready to discuss your educational background, scientific interests and (if applicable) research projects you have previously worked on. 
• INTERVIEW RESULTS
  • The interview results will be communicated to the candidates by the EMBL Graduate Office shortly after the in-person 1-on-1 interviews. 

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Eutopia PhD Co-tutelle Call

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications are made via the Application Portal.

For more information, kindly visit the EMBL webpage.