PhD Scholarship at Life Science Zurich Graduate School

Overview

The Life Science Zurich Graduate School consists of thirteen highly competitive Ph.D. programs, run jointly by the ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich. We aim to attract to Zurich the most promising young scientists from across the world. Our programs offer a comprehensive and challenging Ph.D. education that allows our students to develop into tomorrow's leaders in life science research.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Ph.D. programs of the Life Science Zurich Graduate School, applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent from a university in the field of natural sciences, medical sciences, computer sciences or engineering. Applicants admitted to the programs will have to register with either the University of Zurich or the ETH Zurich, depending on the affiliation of their future mentor.

Scholarships

Research groups within the Life Science Zurich Graduate School provide financial support in accordance with the Ph.D. student salary set by the Swiss National Science Foundation (at present CHF 40’800.- in the 1st year; 43’800.- in the 2nd year; 46’800.- in the 3rd and 4th year). Please note that these are gross amounts from which approx. 15 % will be deducted for social security, taxes, etc., not including the private health insurance which is compulsory (approx. 250.- to 300.-/month depending on the scheme you choose). The income is generous compared to international standards and sufficient to make a decent living in Zurich. Living costs (including accommodation, health insurance, transport, meals) sum up to approx. CHF 2’000 per month.

Application process

The Life Science Zurich Graduate School application process is divided into two parts. Only online applications will be accepted.

Part 1: Online application STEP 1 and STEP 2

Application form STEP 1 requires:

Personal information
Selection of program preference
Names and addresses of at least two referees

Please fill out this brief STEP 1 form early enough to give your referees enough time to transmit the letter of recommendation! LSZGS will invite them as soon it receives your completed STEP 1 form. You will then receive an e-mail with a URL address. Please keep this address safe. You can use it to complete the STEP 2 form during the application process. Furthermore, you will be able to follow the current status of your application.

Application form STEP 2 requires:

File upload (Master's degree, Bachelor's degree, academic transcript etc.)
PDF-format! (free online PDF converter)
Education specifications

Required qualifications:
The applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent from a university in the field of Natural Sciences. It is also possible to apply when the master's degree is received within six month after the application deadline. In this case please upload a copy of your Bachelor's degree or an academic transcript.

Only .pdf files are allowed! (free online PDF converter)

Assessment and selection procedure

Applicants will be assessed on the basis of their application and the letters of recommendation. Short-listed candidates will be invited for a three-day interview in Zurich. We will reimburse travel expenses and provide free accommodation in Zurich.

Interview dates for July 1st deadline: 7-9 September 2011

Interview dates for December 1st deadline: 8-10 February 2012

Part 2: Registration

Applicants admitted to the programs will have to register with either the University of Zurich or the ETH Zurich, depending on the affiliation of their future mentor.

For further information please contact the LSZGS administrator:

Life Science Zurich Graduate School
Dr. Susanna Bachmann
University of Zurich
Institute of Molecular Life Sciences
Winterthurerstrasse 190
8057 Zürich

Fax: ++41 44 635 68 61
Email: gradschool@lifescience.uzh.ch
http://www.lifescience-graduateschool.ch/

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