Biomolecular Structure and Mechanism

Students of the PhD program Biomolecular Structure and Mechanism carry out their PhD studies either at the ETH or the UZH under the specific institutional regulations. The core of the PhD studies is the completion of a research project in one of the participating groups and the writing of a scientific dissertation. The PhD studies usually take four years and also include a curricular part of at least 12 ECTS credits. The composition of the curricular part is decided jointly with the supervisor of the dissertation but it includes a mandatory course on biophysical methods organized by the PhD program. PhD students attend a yearly retreat organized by the PhD program and usually also at least one relevant scientific conference within the course of their dissertation. Besides their research activities PhD students are also involved in the institution specific teaching of undergraduates. 

Required Degree

Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent from a university in the field of Natural Sciences before starting the Ph.D. program in Biomolecular Structure and Mechanism. Applicants accepted for the program will have to register with either the University of Zurich or ETH Zurich, depending on the affiliation of their future research group. 

Online Application

Applications to this program can be accepted for further evaluation only if submitted online through the homepage of the Zurich Life Science Graduate School. Please use this link, and follow the instructions given: proceed to online application 

A few hints on how to make a good application:

• The scientific interest part is of high importance for the selection committee (write at least ¾ of a page).
• A good match between the groups in the program and your scientific interest is important.
• Explain how your previous experiences led you to be interested in structural biology.

Interviews

Online applications are evaluated by an admissions committee. Short-listed candidates are invited for an interview taking place in Zurich in early February and in early September, for the application deadlines of December 1st and July 1st, respectively. Candidates will have the opportunity to meet with group leaders of their choice to discuss possible areas of research. Accommodation and travel expenses are reimbursed by the program committee. Accepted candidates are informed shortly after the interviews and should start their work within six months of acceptance to the program.

Expenses

Living expenses depend very much on the individual student. These figures should therefore be regarded as a guideline only (in CHF): 

The expected minimum cost of living for students therefore comes to a total of CHF 1,750 per month.