phd student in germany salary

Master, PhD and Postdoc Scholarships

In Germany, what can you expect to earn as a PhD or Postdoc? Interested in knowing the salary of a PhD or Postdoc in Germany? Did you receive an offer for TV-L E13 (75%)? Are you a Postdoc in TV-L E13 and would like to know deductions? Perhaps, a German University or Research Centre has offered you a PhD or Postdoc contract, but you’re not sure what TV-L E13 (50%), TV-L E13 (75%), or TV-L E13 (100%) mean? In this post, we describe which parameters determine the PhD and Postdoc salary in Germany.

We also make sure to explain so many terms (in German) about this subject. Therefore, this post is helpful for both new or senior PhD students and Postdocs!

Increasing PhD Stipend 2023-2024 in UK

In Germany , similar to other European countries, Universities hire PhD students, and postdocs are on a fixed-term contract. There is no cap on the length of the work contract and can be as short as three months up to three years. In exceptional cases, the employment contract of Postdocs can be five years. German Universities offer TV-L E13 to both PhD students and postdocs. However, the contract level (Stufe) and working hours (Arbeitszeite) are different which we explain in the following section. The typical work contract of PhD students is TV-L E13 (75%) while postdocs are on TV-L E13 (100%). In rare cases, the host institute can offer TV-L E14 to a postdoc.

• Available Fully Funded PhD Positions in Germany
• Available Postdoc Positions in Germany

The PhD and Postdoc salary in Germany is based on “Tarifvertrag für den Öffentlichen Dienst der Länder (TV-L)”. TVL translates to English as “the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the states”. So as a PhD student Postdoc or even professor, your salary will be defined in various Remuneration (Entgelt (E)) of TVL which will be explained in the next section.

What is Entgelt (remuneration/payment)?

Entgelt (remuneration) is the level of payment set by the employer. It reflects the formal duties of the job and the level of competencies that the employee in that group has. For instance, Entgelt 13 to 15 (TV-L E13-15) is for employees with academic higher education. Entgelt 9 to 12 (TV-L E9-12) is for those employees with a completed technical college education. Entgelt 5 to 8 (TV-L E5-8) is for workers who have vocational training. As an alternative to a funded PhD position, you can also apply for DAAD doctoral scholarship. The following video explains the 10 reasons why you should do your PhD in Germany in 2023.

How much is the net salary of PhD students and postdocs in Germany?

It is not an easy question to answer in a few words. In this post, we try to explain the first meaning of each term of the contract and taxing system in Germany. So at the end of this post, you will be able to find out how much your net salary (take-home money) will be.

Arebitszeit (working hours/ hours of work) of PhD students and Postdocs in Germany

The most important factor which determines the take-home money is Arbeitszeit (working hours). For PhD students, this value generally is either 50%, 67%, 75%, or in exceptional cases 100%. The Germans call these terms “halben Stelle” (half-appointment), “dreiviertel Stelle” (three-quarter appointment) and “vollen Stelle” (full-appointment), respectively. This number corresponds to the percentage of the working hours of the employees in comparison to the required working hours of a full-time employee. So, PhD students with a 50% working hours contract are being paid half of the salary of a full employee in the same Engelt group. Note that despite being employed on a half-term contract, the working expectation is similar to the full-time employee’s!

The postdocs are generally on full appointment (vollen Stelle) corresponding to TV-L E13 100%. The common practice is the person with a 50% working contract will have fewer teaching assistant duties than a 100% one. That means, your supervisor (Doktorvater in German) will load you with fewer jobs such as Tutoring, Lab instructor or co-supervision of undergraduate students than other colleagues with 100% contract. 

Lohnsteuerklasse (Wage Tax Class) of PhD students and Postdocs in Germany

The second factor which largely influences your net salary is “Lohnsteuerklasse” which means the level or grade of your tax in English. Lohnsteuerklasse is indeed the category of salary tax which is a number from “I” to “VI”. The taxing authority assigns you to certain Lohnsteuerklasse based on your circumstances.

A married PhD student or Postdoc will be on Lohnsteuerklasse IV, or V provided that his/her partner is on a paid-working contract. However, if your partner is not working, then you can enjoy Lohnsteuerklasse III. In the very last part of this post, you can see some example calculations of net salary for people with different tax grades to understand the differences. 

What is “Stufe” in salary calculation?

Stufe is a German word that means level or grade. In salary calculation, it reflects the experience of the employees. A fresh PhD student will be in Stufe 1, after finishing the first year, you will promote them to Stufe 2. If your PhD takes more than three years, from the start of the fourth year, your Stufe will be 3. The Stufe 4 is for a person with more than 6 years of experience under TVL.

In short, a Postdoc who has lived and worked in German Universities as a PhD student, is generally placed on Stufe 3 at the start. However, Postdocs from abroad (outside of Germany) will be on either Stufe 1 or 2 irrespective of their earlier experiences. If you are an experienced Postdoc, you can discuss that with your employer (HR of the university) before signing your contract. Note that there is a big difference between Stufe 1 and 3. Hence, do not miss this opportunity to get paid better (see the tables at the bottom of the post).

The following video is a MUST-watch if you are planning to do your PhD in Germany. It covers information such as regulations, living expenses, salary and tax, benefits and allowances among others:

Using an online calculator for net salary calculation

Having known the meaning of Lohnsteuerklasse and stufe, you can precisely calculate your net salary. In the following video, you can find step-by-step guidance on how to calculate your take-home money. For doing that, you should visit the following “ Offentlicher Dienst website ” and enter the numbers based on the discussion above (as stands by  September 2020 ). As the website is in only German, watching the video below can make your job easier!

When you enter your data (watch the video above), click “brechnen” (calculate) at the bottom of the page, and then you can see your net salary details. On the page which appears (look at the following picture as an example), at the very bottom there is a table in which you can find “Grundgehalt” (Basic salary), “Brutto gesamt” (totally gross) as well as “Netto gesamt” (total net). Your monthly net salary would be the number that appears in front of “netto gesamt” in green (highlighted). At the same time, you can see how much would be your salary if you were promoted to Stufe 2, 3 and so on in the next columns of the tables.

Example: PhD student with contract TV-L E13 (75%)

Let us go through one calculation. For instance, assume you are a PhD student who starts working at a German University. Your contract is 75% (Arbeitszeit) and you are single. So, you have to fill the Arbeitszeit section with 75 and select Lohnsteurklasse I and choose Stufe 1.

After clicking “brechnen” (calculate), the following page appears.

In this particular case, the monthly gross salary is 3001.70 Euro/month while the net salary is 1893.58 Euro/month (both are highlighted in Green at the bottom of the picture. In the second column from the right, the following information is detailed:

Lohnsteure (Income tax) of Klasse I (class I): 406.50 €

Solidaritätszuschlag (Solidarity surcharge): 22.35 €

Sozialvers. Brutto (Natioanl/Social Insurance pre-tax):

Krankenversicherung (Health Insurance): 241.86 €

Pflegeversicherung (Nursing Care Insurance): 55.39 €

Rentenversicherung (Pension Fund): 290.23 €

Arbeitslosenvers. (Unemployment Insurance): 37.45 €

Z-Vers. VBL:  54.33 €

Z-Vers. stands for “Zusatzversorgung des öffentlichen Dienstes” is compulsory insurance. VBLklassik ensures that you receive a company pension in addition to the statutory pension. The rest of the column is exactly a similar calculation for a year!

However, if you are married and your partner is not on a paid job, you can change your tax grade (Lohnsteuerklasse) to III. Let’s see how does it affect your net income (take-home money).

As you can see in the picture above, your net income becomes 2162.10 Euro per month which is 268.52 Euro per month more than a person in tax-class I!

Example: PhD student with contract TV-L E13 (50%)

In this example, we consider a single PhD student (Lohsteuerklasse I) with TV-L E13 (50%). As explained in the previous section, upon entering the corresponding values to the calculator, you will see a page as shown below.

You can see the meaning of the terms in the previous sub-heading. the monthly gross salary is 2001.13 € while the net salary is 1370.49 €  (both are highlighted in Green at the bottom of the picture.

However, a married student whose/her partner is not on a paid job can take home more as shown in the following picture.

As you can see in the picture above, your net income becomes 1553.26 Euro per month which is 182.77 Euro per month more than a person in tax-class I!

Example: PhD student with contract TV-L E13 (100%)

Let’s look at the example of a PhD student with a TV-L E13 (100%) contract. The results are as follows:

In this case, the gross (before-tax) and net (after-tax) salaries are 4002.26 and 2379.31 Euro per month, respectively.

Again, a married student whose/her partner is not working can take home more by paying less tax (see image below).

So, for a married employee with TV-L E13 (100%) which is on Lohnsteuerklasse III, the gross (before-tax) and net (after-tax) salary are 4002.26 and 2702.31 Euro per month, respectively. Note that you can see the corresponding salary for the same contract when your “stuff” rises to 2, 3, 4 or 5.

Example: Postdoc with contract TV-L E13 (100%)

As explained earlier, if your employee put you on “stufe” 1, your net salary is exactly as the one shown above. However, if you are on “Stufe” 2, 3 or 4, your salary becomes much higher. The picture below shows the salary of a Postdoc with TV-L E13 (100%) on Lohnsteuerklasse I.

Here, the before-tax monthly salary is 4560.37 Euro whereas the after-tax money is 2642.82 Euro. For the same person but on Lohnsteuerklasse III (married postdoc whose partner is not working), the picture below shows the salary details.

In this case, the monthly net salary (after tax) is 3009.34 Euro. This is almost 358 Euro more than the same postdoc but on Lohnsteuerklasse I.

Hope that will help you to understand all you need to know about PhD students and Postdocs’ salaries in Germany in 2023.

Available Fully Funded PhD and Postdocs in Germany

Below are other German universities with academic positions available (PhD and Postdoc:

• Fully Funded Master, PhD and Postdocs at Max Planck Institutes
• Available Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions at University of Stuttgart
• Fully funded PhD and Postdoc Position at the University of Hamburg
• EU Funding of PhD and Academics in Germany
• Fully Funded Master, PhD and Postdocs at Helmholtz Centers
• Fully funded PhD and Postdoc Positions at the Berlin Institute of Technology
• Fully funded PhD and Postdoc Positions at the Aachen University (RWTH)
• Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions at the Technical University of Munich
• Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions at the University of Cologne
• Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions at University Bremen (univ Bremen)
• Fully funded PhD and Postdocs at Tuebingen University
• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) PhD and Research Vacancie
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) PhD Jobs
• Available Fully Funded PhD and Postdocs at Freiburg University
• Available PhD and Postdoc Vacancies at Free University of Berlin

Interested in discovering the salary figures for PhD and postdoctoral positions in Europe?:

• PhD Salary in Denmark
• Postdoc Salary in Denmark
• Salary of a PhD student and Postdoc in Norway
• PhD Salary in Switzerland
• Salary ladder for PhD students in Sweden
• Salary of PhD student and Postdoc in Germany
• Salary of PhD and Postdoc in Ireland
• Salary of Postdocs in France
• Salary of PhD student and Postdoc in the UK
• Professors’ salary in the UK
• Salary of PhD student and Postdoc in the Netherlands
• Salary of PhD student and Postdoc in Finland
• Salary of PhD student and Postdoc in Austria
• Salary of Marie-curie postdoctoral fellowship
• Salary of PhD student in Marie-Curie ITN
• Doctorate Degree Business Administration Salary

Fully Funded PhD Positions with Salary

• Germany – Fully Funded PhD
• Switzerland – Fully Funded PhD
• Denmark – Fully Funded PhD
• UK – Fully Funded PhD
• Sweden – Fully Funded PhD
• Finland – Fully Funded PhD
• Netherlands – Fully Funded PhD
• Norway – Fully Funded PhD
• Belgium – Fully Funded PhD
• Austria – Fully Funded PhD
• Australia – Fully Funded PhD
• France – Fully Funded PhD
• New Zealand – Fully Funded PhD
• Canada – Fully Funded PhD
• USA – Fully Funded PhD
• Luxembourg – Fully Funded PhD
• Spain – Fully Funded PhD
• Italy – Fully Funded PhD
• Iceland -Fully Funded PhD

We will update all different types of academic positions, so if you’re looking for a position, think about checking out our Home Page and our Academic Jobs page . You can also follow us on Facebook to be the first to know when we post any new vacancies. But if you are not a fan of reading text, and instead prefer to watch, join our PhD and Postdoc-related videos on our Youtube Channel .

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Doctorate salaries What does a doctoral candidate earn in Germany?

How important is experience for a doctoral candidate’s salary? © stevanovicigor / istockphoto.com

A doctoral degree will certainly only help you to become rich in an idealistic sense. The first contract for a PhD position should have a term of at least one year – after which, graduates are rewarded with their first salary increase.

Updated: 2024-07-09

By: Anke Wilde, Maike Schade

What determines the salary of doctoral candidates in Germany?

Most doctoral candidates are appointed at a university or non-university research institution through a third-party centre or funding centre. These are all civil service institutions, so the salary for employed doctoral candidates is either based on the collective agreement for civil service (TVoeD) or the collective agreement for the civil service in the individual federal states (TV-L) . The federal state Hesse, which is not a member of the collective agreement community of the federal states, has its own TV-H collective agreement.

Other ways to finance your own PhD as a junior scientist include a PhD scholarship, an industrial PhD programme at a research institute in the private sector or an extra-occupational PhD. Even in the case of an industrial PhD programme, postgraduates are usually paid on the basis of a collective agreement. For example, if you are completing your PhD while working for a car manufacturer, the company collective agreement that IG Metall has concluded with the company will apply.

Which pay band applies to doctoral students in Germany?

In the case of the TVoeD, TV-L and TV-H, employees are paid according to their professional qualifications and the demands of their job . There are 15 pay bands in this area. Postgraduates are paid in accordance with pay band E13 . PhD positions with a classification in pay band 14 are the absolute exception . Advanced postdocs are usually only promoted to a higher pay band if the they take on additional research responsibility. PhD status is no guarantee of promotion to the next pay band.

What is the salary of doctorate students in Germany?

The collective bargaining agreements between employers and unions are regularly renegotiated. These negotiations aim to improve working conditions and increasing the monthly gross salary of all civil servants. This means that even postgraduates can look forward to a slightly higher salary. As postgraduates rarely fill a full-time position, their actual gross salary needs to be adjusted on the basis of their working hours.

Salary doctorate students in all federal states except Hesse: TV-L (gross per month, 2024*)

*) valid until 31.10.2024

Salary doctoral students in Hesse: TV-H ( gross per month, 2024 *)

*) no increase in 2024; inflation compensation through three tax-free one-off payments: €1,000 each in May, July and November 2024

Salary of postgraduates at federal institutions: TVoeD (gross per month, 2024)

What are levels of experience and how do i gain relevant professional experience during my phd degree in germany.

There are newcomers and old hands in every profession. For researchers with a PhD in science, this breadth of experience is taken into account in the experience levels, which each come with a significant salary increase, as is the case for all employees of the civil service.

All three collective agreements for civil servants provide for six levels of experience . The time spent at each stage, the stage duration, increases by one year at each stage . According to this scheme, graduates are entry-level applicants. Accordingly, postgraduates start at experience level 1 with the lowest salary.

Levels of experience in collective agreements

*) including periods as a research assistant during the PhD

Special case: The contractual term of the first postdoc position

Important: In their first postgraduate position , it is essential that PhD graduates ensure that the contractual term is at least 12 months and that they will be employed for a full year with no interruptions . Employment contracts of less than one year do not qualify as relevant professional experience according to civil service regulations.

When starting in a new position, you are therefore allocated back at Experience level 1 – without taking the progress you have already made into account. This applies even if the change of contract is seamless and remains within the same facility. Experience level 1 must be fully completed in a single employment contract to qualify for Experience level 2.

However, once these twelve months have been served, shorter contractual terms then apply as relevant professional experience. Students who are awarded their doctorate within the allocated six years and are employed as a research associate at the same time can therefore also achieve Experience level 4 with a considerable salary when they graduate. It is not important whether you have a full-time position while completing your doctorate or, as is the case for most PhD positions, have a part-time job (50%–75% position).

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Does changing to another research project or institute in Germany have an impact on postgraduates' experience level?

Many doctoral candidates are employed in third-party funded projects are required to move from job to job to secure their income. Graduates who have been employed for at least a year with one single employment contract and has therefore gained the required professional experience is in fact in a secure position in terms of their experience level. After this point, shorter contractual terms then apply as relevant professional experience.

Even switching between different employers, states and collective agreements is no longer a problem , and the duration of each stage remains the same for doctoral candidates and other researchers from now on. However, they must submit an application to their new employer. In the case of a difficult candidate situation, institutions can even accommodate their future employees to some extent, for example by classifying them into the next experience level earlier than usual.

However, in such cases, postgraduate must also have completed their first twelve months without interruption. Employees who change from one collective agreement to another as a postgraduate should inquire in advance whether this will have any detrimental effects on their salary. The collective agreements also stipulate a range of very different salaries within pay band 13.

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If doctoral candidates go abroad, become temporarily unemployed or receive a scholarship, what effect does this have on their experience level?

Many doctoral students want to spend a period of time abroad, as this is required in many scientific professions. Others are awarded a scholarship and finance themselves or take a break from their doctorate if they are offered a good job in the private sector. Some things should be kept in mind with regard to the experience level:

• Employment contracts at foreign universities and research institutions are generally recognised automatically.
• More caution should be taken with scholarships , even if the scholarship is affiliated with an institute and the same work is performed as employed researchers. This time may be included in the duration spent at each stage, but this is not necessarily always the case. After all, this time is considered "beneficial" rather than a "detrimental interruption".
• The latter is the case, for example, when a doctorate student enters the private sector for several years to continue their doctorate studies there. Only professional experience gained with a public employer is considered relevant. If such an interruption lasts more than three years, the employee may even be punished when returning to public service by downgrading them to a lower experience level.
• On the other hand, this does not apply to postgraduates on maternity leave or paid leave .
• This is also true of incapacity for work up to a maximum of 39 weeks . Time spent at the particular stage is still counted in such cases.
• Parental leave , however, is considered to be an interruption and is not counted for transition to the next experience level.

What additional salary benefits are there for postgraduates in Germany?

Postgraduates who hold a PhD position at a research institution receive an annual special payment , like all other employees in the civil service. This varies depending on the collective agreement and tariff area, but ranges between 33 and 60% of the average gross salary.

Postgraduates who already have children and are paid on the basis of the TV-H, which is only valid in Hesse, will also benefit from a child supplement. The collective agreements also allow for additional compensation for services rendered , such as special services associated with the acquisition of third-party funds. However, there is no standard practice among the federal states and the various institutions.

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How to Apply for a PhD in Germany: Programs, Funding, & FAQs

Germany is an excellent destination for both young and experienced researchers. 

The European country is third behind the U.S. and China for research & development expenditure . Plus, it is home to some of the most prestigious (and affordable!) research universities in the world.

If you’re considering doing a PhD in Germany, you will need to follow these steps:

The main steps to doing a PhD in Germany:

• Find a PhD Program and a Supervisor
• Decide Between Individual and Structured PhD Programs
• Meet All Requirements & Prepare Your Application
• Apply for Doctoral Studies
• Secure Funding
• Get a Student Visa or Resident Permit
• Arrive in Germany and Begin Your PhD Program

[Infographic Below]

Why Pursue a PhD in Germany?

If you’re not yet sure if you should choose Germany for your PhD studies, here are some compelling reasons why you should consider it:

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Be one step ahead with a globally recognised college in Germany!

• Top-tier universities. Four German universities are ranked in the top 100 global universities, and many more are in the top 200.
• Large international student community. Germany welcomes a diverse and thriving international student community. Over 458,210 international students are currently studying in the country.
• Quality research institutions. There are over a thousand publicly funded research institutions (universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutes, businesses, and government bodies) that you can choose from in Germany.
• High investment in research and development. Germany’s public expenditure in the research and development sector reached a record high of 112.6 billion euros in 2021.
• Strong economy. Germany is known for its strong and stable economy. After completing your PhD, there are plenty of employment opportunities in the academic, business, and research sectors.

How to Apply for a PhD in Germany

From finding the perfect program for you to submitting your application and starting your PhD, here are all the steps you need to take:

1. Find a PhD Program and a Supervisor

After all the years of studying leading up to this step, you most likely have a few areas of interest you want to do your research in.

This is the first important step: define your research focus by considering your interests and academic background. If you need more help, you can consult online resources from research universities. Or, even better, you can discuss your decision to pursue a PhD with academic communities online or offline and seek advice from current PhD students in Germany who can tell you more about their individual experiences.

If you already know what your research direction is, you can begin searching for suitable programs right ahead. 

• The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has an extensive list of current opportunities, which you can look up at the  DAAD PhD Database . 
• Another option is to research universities in Germany individually to find the newest opportunities and offerings at each institution.

You will also have to find a supervisor. The best way to do this is to go to university websites and find faculty directories with profiles of professors and their research fields/current projects. Contact professors whose work aligns with your interests via email to inquire about supervision opportunities.

> Search PhD programs from 31,000 research institutions listed on the GERiT database .

Types of PhD Programs in Germany

There are two different paths you can take when pursuing a PhD: individual PhD programs and structured PhD programs. Each comes with its own set of advantages and requirements.

2. Verify That You Meet All Requirements & Prepare the Application

Requirements and application documents to apply for a PhD in Germany are specific to the institution and research area you’re applying to. But, as a general guideline, you should prepare the following:

• Academic degree recognized in Germany. You need a master’s degree or a German state examination (Staatsexamen) in a field relevant to the PhD program to qualify.
• Copy of master’s thesis. Submit a copy of your master’s thesis. The work should demonstrate your research skills and the depth of your academic work.
• Research proposal. Craft a clear and detailed research proposal that includes your intended research topic, objectives, methodology, and significance. 
• Statement of purpose. Write a statement of purpose why you want to do a PhD in your chosen field, your academic and career goals, and how this program aligns with them.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV). Prepare a detailed CV highlighting your academic achievements, research experience, relevant coursework, publications, and any other qualifications.
• Proof of language proficiency. Depending on the language of instruction, you may have to provide proof of language proficiency in English and/or German. You can do this with certificates like TestDaF and DSH for German or TOEFL and IELTS for English. Proof of previous studies in the language is also sufficient.
• Academic references. Provide contact information or recommendation letters from professors/ academic advisors who can attest to your academic abilities and potential.
• Predoctoral examination. Some programs ask that you pass a predoctoral examination as part of the application process.

3. Apply for Doctoral Studies

After finding a suitable PhD program and mentor, and making sure your academic qualifications are recognized, you can send in your application.

You can send in your application online or by post, depending on the hosting institution’s preferences. To make sure, check their guidelines and specifications. Admission committees are selective, so you may also have to attend an interview soon in the application process.

4. Secure Funding

You must demonstrate access to a minimum of €992 per month (€11,908 per year) to meet visa requirements and live comfortably while you’re in Germany. You can prove this through an admission agreement or relevant PhD contract, or you can open a blocked account with individual funds.

There are many ways to support yourself financially while pursuing a PhD in Germany:

• PhD scholarships. DAAD offers the highest number of doctoral scholarships. PhD students get an average monthly stipend of €1,139. 
• Paid PhD positions. Many universities and research institutions offer paid PhD positions in Germany. You will work on specific research projects on a contract and receive a salary.
• Research associate positions. You can also work as a research associate in a university, research institution, or company and receive a salary as compensation.
• Part-time jobs. Some PhD students/researchers work part-time jobs that are not related to their studies for extra income.

> Read more about the costs of studying in Germany.

> Discover PhD scholarships in Germany.

5. Get a Student Visa or Resident Permit

If the institution confirms your place in the PhD program, next in line is applying for a student visa or residence permit. The requirements for a German PhD visa or permit can vary depending on your nationality and circumstances: 

Visa Requirements

If you’re a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you don’t need a special permit or visa for a PhD in Germany. You can enter the country for research and work purposes with a valid passport or ID card.

Otherwise, you will need a visa and/or a residence permit to do your PhD in Germany. Nationals of some countries, including the United States, Australia, Israel, Japan, and Korea, don’t need a visa but must apply for a residence permit.

Depending on the circumstances, you need one of the following visas:

• Study visa. If you’re pursuing a full-time doctoral program.
• Research visa. If your focus is on research and you have a formal affiliation with a research institution in Germany.
• EU Blue Card. If your PhD contract pays a gross annual salary of at least €45,300 (or €41,041.80 in certain professions), you can apply for an EU Blue Card . This is a special residence title for international academics and other professionals.

Residence Permit Requirements

If you come to Germany on a visa, you will need to apply for a residence permit within three months of arrival. This also applies to nationals of countries outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland who are exempt from the visa requirement.

You can apply for one of the following residence permits:

• Study permit. If you’re accepted into a PhD program at a German university, apply for a study-based residence permit. It lasts up to two years, extendable.
• Research permit. If you’re a researcher with the right qualifications for doctoral programs, apply for a research permit. This requires a contract with a research institution for your project.
• EU Blue Card. With a PhD offer that has a minimum salary of €45,300 per year, or €41,041.80 for some bottleneck professions , you may be eligible for the EU Blue Card. Apply for this permit if you meet the criteria.

> For more specific information tailored to your situation, we recommend contacting the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You can also use this visa navigator.

6. Arrive in Germany and Begin Your PhD Program

The most exciting step of all is near—time to unpack your bags and begin your life as a PhD student or researcher in Germany. Once you’re settled in, there are some formalities you need to take care of.

The international office at the university or another representative can guide you best on this. However, here are some of the main things you need to do once you arrive in Germany:

Register Your Residence

Shortly after your arrival, you must register your residence at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt). This is mandatory, and you typically have a window of two weeks to complete this process. 

Get Health Insurance

Everyone in Germany is required by law to have health insurance coverage. This includes international PhD students. Depending on the source of your funding, you are eligible for one of the following health insurance coverages: 

• Doctoral candidates with an employment contract are automatically insured with a state-regulated health insurance provider (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung-GKV) in most cases.
• Doctoral candidates without an employment contract (with a fellowship or private funding) can choose between:
• Voluntary health insurance coverage with a state-regulated provider.
• Coverage with a private health insurance company.

There are some exceptions in which you can use your insurance from your home country. These apply to students from a European Union (EU) country or other countries with social security agreements with Germany.

Open a Bank Account 

You should open a German bank account as soon as possible. Most financial transactions in Germany, including receiving your stipend or salary, are done through a German bank account.

Enroll at the University

If your PhD program is part of a university degree, you need to enroll as a student at the university. Follow your university’s instructions to submit the necessary documents to the enrollment office. These usually include your admission letter, passport, proof of health insurance, and semester fee.

After you complete this process, you will receive an Enrollment Certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung). This is a very important document that you most likely need in the future.

How to Apply for a PhD in Germany [Infographic]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There’s a lot of planning involved if you’re considering doing a PhD, especially if it’s in a foreign country. We’re sure you’ve got more questions, and we’re here to help.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Germany?

A PhD in Germany usually takes between three to six years to complete. Just like in other countries, it can take longer or shorter than expected, depending on several factors. The type of PhD you choose (structured programs can be more rigid), your subject area, and individual progress can all make a difference in the time it takes to get a PhD in Germany.

Are PhD Programs in Germany Tuition-Free?

The majority of PhD programs in Germany are tuition-free, at least for the first six semesters. However, if need to enroll at a university for your PhD, there is a small semester fee you need to cover. The fee can be higher or lower depending on the university, but it usually falls within the range of €100 to €350.

Is German Mandatory to Pursue a PhD in Germany?

You don’t necessarily have to know German to do a PhD in Germany. In fact, most PhD programs in Germany are in English, especially in fields such as science, engineering, and humanities. In these programs, you can both write your thesis and communicate with your advisor and peers in English.

There is of course the chance that the program you’ve chosen is in German or requires knowledge of German (in most cases, in addition to English). In this case, you have to prove your proficiency through a recognized language certificate or proof of previous studies in German.

Even if German isn’t mandatory, we strongly encourage you to learn the basics. They will be super helpful in daily interactions and getting accustomed to life in Germany.

How Much Does a PhD Student Earn in Germany?

Most PhD candidates in Germany receive financial support in the form of a salary or grant. This includes candidates affiliated with universities, research institutes, or company collaborations.

The majority of doctoral positions are structured under either the Collective Agreement for Civil Service TVöD (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst or the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service of Individual Federal States TV-L (Tarifvertrag der Länder). Since universities are funded by their respective federal government, if your PhD is affiliated with one, your salary will be structured under the TV-L.

Doctoral positions fall within the TV-L 13 category, with a salary range spanning from €4,188 (Tier 1) to €6,037 (Tier 6). The difference between the tiers (Stufe) depends on prior experience in the field. If you don’t have any research experience, you will fall under Tier 1 and progress to the other tiers throughout your PhD.

Your salary will ultimately be determined based on a wage agreement that specifies the contract tier (Stufe) and working hours (percentage-based). Many entry-level PhD students start with tier 1 contracts that are not full-time. For example, if your contract places you in Pay Group E-13 Tier 1 of the TV-L and you work at 75% capacity, your monthly gross salary will be €3,141.

> Learn more about pay ranges for PhD students using this convenient calculator .

Can I Work While Pursuing a PhD in Germany?

Part-time work is an option in most cases unless it’s strictly stated otherwise in your contract. Whether or not you are allowed to work on the side as a PhD in Germany depends on the working hours stated in your PhD contract, supervisor, and other specific circumstances. 

However, since the PhD is considered a job in itself, it’s usually frowned upon to have a side hustle. Even if you have a 50% contract, a PhD is demanding and requires long hours of work and research. If you choose to work on the side, make sure to find the right balance between work and your PhD commitments. To be on the safe side, it’s best to talk to your supervisor and go over all the legal and contractual obligations related to your PhD.

What Is the Process for Defending a PhD Thesis in Germany?

Here are the main steps to defending your PhD thesis in Germany:

• Submit your thesis. The first step is submitting submit your thesis and supporting documents in adherence to all the formal requirements. A commission will be formed, and in some cases, you can suggest reviewers.
• Oral defense. The next step is preparing and undergoing an oral defense, which can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours. During this time, you will present your research and discuss it with the committee. The defense can be either public or private.
• Receive the title and publish your work. The outcome of the discussion determines your final grade, to be received after the defense. If everything goes well, you’re granted the Ph.D. title and have about two years to publish your dissertation.

What Are the Career Prospects Like After Doing a PhD in Germany?

Career prospects after a PhD in Germany are quite promising. 

The most common paths for PhD holders in Germany are either in academia as professors or post-doctorate researchers or in industry positions. 

Technology, healthcare, and finance, in particular, are some of the most in-demand industries in Germany. The country’s strong economy and research-oriented environment make it an attractive place to develop your career.

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• Study for a PhD in Germany: Programs, Funding & Opportunities
• International

When considering a  PhD in Germany , you’ll encounter a diverse and globally recognised academic environment rich in opportunities for research and academic growth. To apply, you’ll typically need a Master’s degree or equivalent , and language requirements vary by program. Germany offers internationally-oriented  structured PhD programs , which last three years and include compulsory units for ECTS credits. You’ll work closely with a PhD supervisor and research training group. As an international candidate, you’ll find various  scholarships and grants  to support your studies. With tuition fees waived at  public universities  and diverse PhD programs often taught in English, Germany provides an ideal destination to study abroad.

Key Takeaways

• Applying for a PhD in Germany requires a minimum of eight semesters of academic study, usually a Master’s degree or equivalent.
• Language prerequisites for PhD programs in Germany vary, but many are taught in English, especially structured programs.
• Financial support options include DAAD grants, stipendiums, and research positions at universities, which cover living expenses and provide income.
• Structured PhD programs in Germany last typically three years and involve compulsory units for ECTS credits.
• International students without a Master’s degree may be admitted with a Bachelor’s degree in exceptional cases.

Why Undertake a PhD in Germany?

Germany offers many compelling reasons to pursue a PhD:

• High-quality research and education : German universities and research institutions have an outstanding reputation globally, providing access to cutting-edge research facilities and expertise across various disciplines.
• No tuition fees : Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for PhD students, regardless of nationality, making it an affordable option for international students.
• Excellent funding opportunities : There are numerous scholarships and funding programs available for PhD students in Germany. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) alone supports over 4,000 international doctoral students annually.
• Strong industry connections : Germany has a robust research ecosystem with close ties between academia and industry. Many PhD programs offer collaborations with companies, providing valuable experience and potential career opportunities.
• International environment : German universities welcome international researchers, creating a diverse and multicultural academic community. PhD theses and dissertations can often be written in English.
• Career prospects : A German PhD is highly respected globally and can lead to excellent career opportunities in academia, international research institutions, or industry. Many PhD graduates find employment in Germany’s thriving industrial sector, making it a favourable place to work in Germany post-study.
• Work-life balance : PhD students in Germany typically receive employment contracts with benefits such as health insurance, pension contributions, and vacation days.
• Research freedom : Germany values academic freedom highly, with constitutional protection for research and scientific pursuits.
• European mobility : As a PhD student in Germany, you can easily travel to other European Union countries for research or study purposes.
• Cultural experience : Germany offers a rich cultural landscape, high quality of life, and relatively moderate living costs compared to other developed countries.

In short, Germany provides an ideal environment for pursuing a PhD, combining academic excellence, affordability, strong funding support, and promising career prospects in both academia and industry.

What is it like to study and live in Germany as a research student?

Academic environment.

The research culture in Germany places a strong emphasis on independent research and critical thinking, with high expectations for original contributions to your field. Students regularly participate in seminars and colloquia to present and discuss their ongoing research. Supervision tends to be less structured than in some other countries, with regular meetings with supervisors but an expectation that students will take significant initiative in their work. Being part of a research group often offers additional opportunities for collaboration.

German universities are well-equipped with extensive digital resources and state-of-the-art laboratories. Students also have numerous opportunities to attend and present at international conferences. While many PhD programs, especially in STEM fields, are conducted in English, learning German can greatly enhance your overall experience and career prospects.

Day-to-Day Life

Germany is known for valuing a healthy work-life balance. PhD students typically work 38-40 hours per week and enjoy generous vacation time, usually around 30 days per year. Most PhD students live in shared apartments (WGs) or student dormitories, with rent in major cities ranging from €300 to €800 per month. The country boasts excellent public transportation systems, and many students use bicycles for daily commuting. Often, a student ID includes a public transport ticket for the local area.

The social life for students in Germany is vibrant, with active student communities organising regular events and activities. There are numerous opportunities to join sports clubs, cultural groups, and student organisations, along with international student networks that offer support and socialising opportunities.

Financial Aspects

Many PhD positions in Germany are funded, providing a salary rather than requiring tuition payments. Typical monthly salaries range from €1,500 to €2,500 before taxes. Additional funding opportunities are available through scholarships and research grants. Average monthly expenses, including rent, range from €850 to €1,000, and health insurance, which is mandatory, costs around €80 to €100 per month. Students can also take advantage of various discounts for cultural activities and museums.

Support Services

German universities offer robust support services for abroad students. International offices assist with visa processes, accommodation, and integration, providing orientation programs and language courses. Career services offer guidance on job searching and career development, organising career fairs and networking events. Mental health support and counseling services are also available, ensuring access to quality healthcare through the German health insurance system.

Challenges and Opportunities

While navigating German bureaucracy can be challenging, patience and attention to detail can help manage administrative processes. Initial culture shock is common but typically subsides over time, offering the opportunity to experience German culture and traditions firsthand. Building an international network of researchers and professionals is a significant benefit, with potential collaborations with industry partners. The strong job market for PhD graduates, especially in STEM fields, is an added advantage, and the option to stay in Germany for job searching after graduation (with an 18-month visa extension) provides further opportunities.

The Two Paths to a PhD in Germany

In Germany, doctoral candidates can choose between Individual Doctorates and Structured PhD Programs. The Individual Doctorate remains the most common path, chosen by over 75% of doctoral students, while Structured PhD Programs are gaining popularity, especially among international students, with about 25% opting for this route.

Individual Doctorates: Flexibility and Independence

Supervision and Structure : Individual Doctorates are characterised by their flexibility and self-directed nature. Candidates are supervised by a single professor, known as the Doktorvater or Doktormutter, and the research process is highly flexible. This approach demands a high degree of personal initiative and responsibility, with no fixed curriculum or mandatory coursework.

Research Focus and Duration : In this model, candidates often propose their own research topics, enjoying greater freedom in choosing their research direction and methodology. The duration of an Individual Doctorate typically spans 5-6 years, though there’s no strict timeframe as it depends on individual progress and the specific research project.

Funding and Employment : Individual Doctorate candidates often work as part-time research associates at universities. However, they may need to secure their own funding or scholarships, which requires proactive effort on the part of the doctoral student.

Structured PhD Programs: Guidance and Collaborative Learning

Supervision and Structure : Structured PhD Programs offer a more defined approach to doctoral studies. Candidates are supervised by a team of advisors and follow a predefined curriculum. This model includes regular progress checks, guidance, and mandatory coursework, seminars, and colloquia.

Research Focus and Duration : Research topics in Structured PhD Programs often align with existing program themes or research groups, and candidates may be part of larger research projects or collaborations. These programs are usually completed in 3-4 years, following a more defined timeline due to their structured nature.

Funding and Additional Benefits : Structured PhD Programs often come with funding or stipends and may offer more opportunities for paid doctoral positions. They also provide training in academic and scientific methods, as well as opportunities to develop soft skills such as presentation techniques.

Comparing the Two Approaches

International Orientation : While Individual Doctorates can be conducted in German or other languages depending on the field and supervisor, Structured PhD Programs often have a strong international orientation and frequently use English as the primary language.

Networking and Collaboration : Structured PhD Programs offer extensive opportunities to broaden research networks and encourage collaboration with peers and interdisciplinary work. In contrast, networking in Individual Doctorates depends largely on individual initiative, with fewer built-in opportunities for peer collaboration.

Entry Requirements for undertaking a PhD in Germany

The entry requirements for undertaking a PhD in Germany are generally similar for both home and international students, with some additional steps for international applicants.

Here are the specific requirements:

General Requirements for All Applicants

• A master’s degree or equivalent (e.g., German Staatsexamen) in a relevant field
• Strong academic record, typically with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Research Proposal : A detailed outline of your intended research topic , objectives, methodology, and significance
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) : Highlighting academic achievements, research experience, publications, and relevant qualifications
• Statement of Purpose : Explaining your motivation for pursuing a PhD , academic goals, and how the program aligns with your objectives
• Academic References : Letters of recommendation or contact information for professors/advisors who can attest to your academic abilities
• Master’s Thesis : A copy of your master’s thesis or equivalent research work
• For German-taught programs: TestDaF or DSH certificates
• For English-taught programs: TOEFL or IELTS scores
• Interview : Many programs include an interview stage

Additional Requirements for International Students

• Qualification Recognition : Ensure your foreign degree is recognised in Germany. You may need to submit your credentials to uni-assist for evaluation
• Visa Application : Apply for a student visa at the German embassy in your home country
• Health Insurance : Obtain valid health insurance coverage for Germany
• Residence Permit : Apply for a residence permit for study upon arrival in Germany

Application process for applying to a PhD in Germany

The application process for a PhD degree in Germany can vary depending on whether you’re pursuing an individual doctorate or a structured PhD program, and whether you’re a home or international student.

Here are the key steps and requirements:

General Application Process

• Choose your path : Decide between an individual doctorate (traditional route) or a structured PhD program.
• A master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field
• Strong academic record (typically a GPA of 3.0 or higher)
• Proficiency in English and/or German, depending on the program
• For individual doctorates, contact potential supervisors directly
• For structured programs, search for openings at universities or research institutions
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Copy of your master’s degree certificate
• Master’s thesis (or a copy)
• Research proposal
• Statement of purpose
• Academic references
• Language proficiency certificates (e.g., TestDaF, DSH for German; TOEFL, IELTS for English)
• Follow the specific guidelines of the university or program
• Applications may be submitted online or by post
• Many programs, especially structured ones, include an interview stage
• This may be in person or via video conference

Considerations for International Students

International students face some additional steps and requirements:

• Qualification recognition : Ensure your foreign degree is recognised in Germany. You may need to submit your credentials to uni-assist for evaluation.
• Provide proof of German proficiency (TestDaF or DSH) for German-taught programs
• For English-taught programs, submit TOEFL or IELTS scores
• Apply for a student visa at the German embassy in your home country
• You’ll need an admission letter from a German university
• Health insurance : Obtain valid health insurance coverage for Germany
• Residence permit : Apply for a residence permit for study purposes upon arrival in Germany. This typically lasts for two years and is extendable.

Application Process for Structured PhD Programs

Structured programs often have a more formalised application process:

• Check for specific application deadlines, which may occur once or twice a year
• Submit initial application materials online
• Visits to the institution
• Meetings with potential supervisors and current students
• A short presentation of your previous research
• A panel interview

Application Process for Individual Doctorates

For individual doctorates, the process is more flexible:

• Identify a potential supervisor whose research aligns with your interests
• Contact the professor directly with a brief inquiry
• If the professor expresses interest, submit a full application including your research proposal
• The professor may invite you for an interview or further discussion
• If accepted, you’ll need to formally enroll at the university

Remember that the specific requirements and processes can vary between universities and programs. Always check the official website of the institution you’re applying to for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Typical Cost of a PhD in Germany

The costs of pursuing a PhD in Germany are generally similar for both home and international students, with a few key differences:

Tuition Fees

• Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees for PhD students, regardless of nationality
• There is a small semester contribution (administrative fee) of up to €300 per semester for all students, which typically covers student services and public transport

Living Costs

• The average annual living costs in Germany range from €10,200 to €12,000
• This includes rent, food, health insurance, and other daily expenses
• Costs can be higher in major cities like Munich or Berlin

Breakdown of Monthly Expenses (approximate)

• Rent: €280-€400 (shared flat or student residence)
• Health insurance: €80-€100
• Public transport: Often included in semester contribution
• Other expenses (phone, internet, leisure): €100-€200

Visa for International Students

• Non-EU students must prove they have access to about €11,208 per year (€934 per month) to cover living costs as part of their visa application.
• Visa application fee: approximately €75

Health Insurance

• Mandatory for all students, including PhD candidates
• Costs around €80-€100 per month
• EU students may be covered by their home country’s insurance through agreements

Additional Costs

• Research-related expenses (e.g., conference attendance, materials) are often covered by the research group or university
• Language courses (if needed): €200-€500 per course

In short, the main costs for PhD students in Germany are living expenses, as tuition is generally free. The overall experience is affordable compared to many other countries, especially considering the lack of tuition fees. International students should factor in additional costs for visa applications and potentially language courses. However, with many funded positions available, pursuing a PhD in Germany can be financially viable for both home and international students.

Funding Sources for PhD students in Germany

Many PhD positions in Germany are funded, offering a salary (of typically €1,500-€2,500 per month before taxes) rather than requiring payment of fees.

The main funding sources and opportunities for PhD students in Germany include:

• Doctoral Programmes in Germany: Supports international PhD students to complete their doctoral degree at a German university or research institution. Provides monthly payments of 1,300 euros, health insurance, travel allowance, and annual research allowance.
• One-Year Grants: For international doctoral candidates to carry out research as part of a doctoral project for up to one year.
• Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees/Cotutelle: Supports doctoral degrees at the student’s home university with integrated research phases in Germany.
• Research Training Groups: Established by universities to promote early career researchers. Funded for up to 9 years, providing structured training and qualification programs.
• Collaborative Research Centres: Offer opportunities for PhD students to pursue research across disciplines and institutions.
• Individual Doctoral Projects at Max Planck Institutes
• International Max Planck Research Schools ( IMPRS ): Structured PhD programs at 68 locations
• Max Planck Schools: Joint graduate programs in specific interdisciplinary fields
• Individual Doctoral Projects at Leibniz Institutes
• Leibniz Graduate Schools and Leibniz ScienceCampi: Structured doctoral programs
• Individual Doctoral Projects at Fraunhofer Institutes: Opportunity to complete a doctorate while working on cutting-edge technology projects
• DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships: For PhD students in fields like space, aeronautics, energy, and transport
• PhD Fellowships: For early career researchers in basic biomedical research
• Travel Grants: For PhD students and postdoctoral researchers
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks: Structured doctoral training within European institution networks
• ERA Fellowships – Green Hydrogen: Funding for research projects in green hydrogen
• Green Talents: Competition winners can complete a research stay at a German institution
• Munich Aerospace PhD Scholarships: For research in aerospace-related fields
• Many PhD positions are offered directly by universities and research institutes, often tied to specific research projects or programs
• These typically provide a salary (often around 1,500-2,500 euros per month before taxes) rather than requiring payment of fees

Top Universities in Germany for PhD study

As of 2024, the top universities in Germany for PhD study in STEM subjects include:

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

• Ranked as the best university in Germany for engineering and technology
• Offers structured PhD programs through the TUM Graduate School
• Known for excellence in research and strong industry connections
• Provides interdisciplinary training and professional skills development for doctoral candidates

Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)

• Ranked 2nd in Germany for engineering and technology
• Offers doctorates across various STEM fields through its Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Provides structured support for international doctoral candidates
• Known for interdisciplinary research and collaboration

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

• Ranked 3rd in Germany for engineering and technology
• Strong focus on energy, mobility, and information technologies
• Offers both individual and structured doctoral programs
• Emphasises international collaboration and industry partnerships

RWTH Aachen University

• Ranked 4th in Germany for engineering and technology
• Considers doctoral studies as the first part of professional practice, with an application-oriented focus
• Offers both individual doctorates and structured PhD programs
• Strong emphasis on industry partnerships and applied research

Technical University of Dresden

• Ranked 5th in Germany for engineering and technology
• Known for its research in microelectronics, materials science, and bioengineering
• Offers structured PhD programs and graduate schools
• Strong focus on interdisciplinary research and innovation

When choosing a university for PhD study, prospective students should consider factors such as:

• Specific research areas and expertise of potential supervisors
• Availability of funding or paid positions (many PhD students in Germany work as research assistants)
• Language requirements (some programs require German proficiency, while others are conducted in English)
• Opportunities for international collaboration and research stays abroad
• Post-graduation career prospects and industry connections

Prospective PhD candidates should thoroughly research potential supervisors and reach out to them directly to discuss research opportunities before applying to a program.

Your journey to  PhD study  in Germany awaits. With its exceptional research landscape, structured programs taught in English, and excellent  funding opportunities , Germany offers a unique experience for international students.

Enjoy the benefits of no tuition fees, low living costs, and a safe, culturally rich environment.

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PhD salary in Germany according to TVöD

I have a PhD acceptance letter from an institute in Germany. They have written that my salary would be according to TVöD (collective salary scheme for the German public service).

I searched about that, but there are different ideas.

• You should ask the institute for the details. –  Thomas Steinke Commented Dec 30, 2017 at 19:20
• 5 Welcome to Academia SE. Can you please edit your question to specify what exactly you want to know? Is it the total salary, or how insurances and similar work? –  Wrzlprmft ♦ Commented Dec 30, 2017 at 19:25
• 15 @Thomas: Whatever the question may be, the answer is most likely valid for the vast majority of German PhD students, so it makes sense to have it generally answered here. –  Wrzlprmft ♦ Commented Dec 30, 2017 at 19:27
• 3 Here you can calculate the salary: oeffentlicher-dienst.info/c/t/rechner/tvoed/… Note that universities pay according to TV-L: oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tv-l –  user9482 Commented Dec 30, 2017 at 20:01
• 2 Previous appearances of TVöD on this site: Net salary for PhD in German university , Post-doc Salary in Germany . –  E.P. Commented Dec 30, 2017 at 23:37

2 Answers 2

The following answer applies to all public-service salary schemes (TVöD, TV-L, TV-H, etc.) that apply to PhD students. The information that is most likely missing is:

Your class (Entgeltgruppe): PhD students typically paid according to class 13, which is the lowest class for positions requiring a master’s degree or equivalent. As even postdoc positions with class 14 are extremely rare, it’s safe to assume that this is your class if no further information is given.

Your level (Stufe): You will have the following progression of levels based on experience:

• first year: Level 1
• second and third year: Level 2
• fourth to sixth year: Level 3
• after that, you hopefully finished your PhD

You will start on the first level – unless you already worked in the German public service on this level before (or on a job that is acknowledged as comparable), e.g., on another PhD position.

Now, the offer will have to state how much you are officially working. It’s usually somewhere between 50 % and 75 %, but may also be 100 % – this mostly depends on your field. This should give you all you need to obtain your gross salary (brutto) from the tables or calculators .

Keep in mind that taxes and insurance will be deduced from this, which depends on several aspects such as whether you are married, have children, whether you will use the German public employer's retirement provision (VBL) etc. However, a considerable portion of the taxes will actually be to your direct benefit (health insurance, statutory retirement provision, etc.) and things that you would pay with your salary in many other countries.

• 8 In computer science, the standard working time for PhD students is 100% in most places. –  lighthouse keeper Commented Dec 30, 2017 at 21:29
• 1 @lighthousekeeper Also true for engineering in general. –  aeismail Commented Dec 30, 2017 at 22:33
• 2 I can confirm that 75% contracts were the norm in Berlin as of last year, but it was my impression that there was a move away from 50% studentships and that anything under 66% was now frowned upon. Is that impression unfounded? –  E.P. Commented Dec 30, 2017 at 23:40
• 3 Since this has just popped up on the start page again, please allow me a brief nitpick on the sentence "class 13, which is the lowest class for people with a master’s degree" : More precisely speaking, class 13 is actually the lowest class for positions that require a master's degree . It is possible to hold a master's degree, but to work in public service in a position that does not require that degree; in such a case the salary will typically be lower than class 13. –  Jochen Glueck Commented Jun 21, 2021 at 1:23
• 1 @JochenGlueck: Corrected, though it should be irrelevant here. –  Wrzlprmft ♦ Commented Jun 21, 2021 at 5:13

More information is required to answer your question. However, I want to give some basic information.

Where are you employed? The TVöD consists of several categories, e.g., the TV-L (afaik used by most universities) as well as TVöD-Bund (used by some publicly funded non-university institutes (e.g., Fraunhofer)). Ask your employer for this information if it was not provided to you, yet.

Do you have a 100% contract / full time job? Depending on you employer and region in Germany, this might differ. I know guys who have a 50% contract, thus, there is 50% payment for 50% time. (Please note, that you will still be expected to be at your institute like a full-time employee).

(When are you going to start? The labor unions will negotiate an updated salary in beginning of 2018. So you might finally end up with a few more percent.)

You will most likely start at E13 in Level 1, as this is the standard payment for PhD candidates. There you can find a table for TVöD-Bund: http://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/c/t/rechner/tvoed/bund?id=tvoed-bund-2017i&matrix=1

So at E13 Level 1 at a 100% employment you will start with 3657.34€/month gross income. (Net income will be somewhere slightly above 2000€, depending on taxes).

• I was under the impression that 50% contracts were uncommon and frowned upon. Can you specify where this was (at least geographically), and whether this applies to recent enrollment? –  E.P. Commented Dec 30, 2017 at 23:41
• The contracts were quite recent, not more than a few years ago. While I have not encountered them in the south of Germany for engineers, I know guys who are living further in the north of Germany and do not have full time contracts. –  J-Kun Commented Dec 31, 2017 at 10:57
• I did not get the part about being expected at the work place as a full-time worker though. Is not the worker supposed to fulfill amount of hours written in the contract? –  holmesherlock Commented Sep 12, 2021 at 12:26
• @holmesherlock: Well, PhD positions are weird. The usual justification of this is that you are working for your job half of the time and for your PhD the other half. –  Wrzlprmft ♦ Commented Sep 12, 2021 at 17:12

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phd candidate salaries in germany

Calculated on the basis of a full-time position, doctoral students receive between 46,000 and 56,000 euros gross per year, depending on how much experience the doctoral student already has. It should be noted that an employment contract often only covers 50% of the positions.

• The tariff structure for the salary of scientists and scholars in Germany is very transparent. If a doctoral student is a research assistant at a state university or research institution, he/she is automatically a public sector employee and his/her salary is therefore regulated by a collective agreement.
• Depending on the institution, this is either the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector (TVöD) or the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Länder (TV-L). These collective agreements are renegotiated every one or two years.
• All state universities, universities of applied sciences and research institutes thus pay comparable wages. As government-funded research organisations, the Max Planck Society, the Fraunhofer Society and the Helmholtz Association also follow the regulations of the collective agreement for the public sector with regard to employment, pay and social benefits.
• Doctoral students are classified in the lowest salary group E13 for scientists. Since salary group 13 has a very wide range (from newly started doctoral students to experienced postdocs), the salary groups are differentiated according to experience levels. Since 2018, all public sector wage agreements have differentiated between six experience levels, each with increasing duration.
• Doctoral students starting at experience level 1 should therefore make sure that their contract runs for at least 12 months, as employment contracts of less than one year are not considered relevant professional experience. In the event of a new position, you will be re-grouped in experience level 1, regardless of the length of time you have already worked at that level. This is true even if the change of contract is made seamlessly at the same institution. The problem, however, is that employment contracts at universities are often limited to a very short term. Around half of the contracts of academic staff in the doctoral phase are shorter than 12 months.
• The Federal Report on Young Academics and Scientists of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of 2017 points out that the average monthly net income of doctoral students is 1,261 euros per month. This is at the lowest end of the official standard salaries.

Salaries of doctoral students in Euro per month according to collective agreements, July 2020 the salaries are based on 100% employment

Source: academics.de, public service.info

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Ph.D. Stipend in Germany: Things you need to know

Table of Contents

All countries provide some form of financial aid to Ph.D. students , but Germany places a premium on doctorate research. The variety of ways you can accomplish a Ph.D. in Germany is reflected in the various forms that German Ph.D. financing might take. The nation’s Ph.D. programs are well-organized and have a practice-oriented curriculum, offering students the chance to study a subject from the ground up.

In Germany, the most searched Ph.D. programs are in mathematics, computer science, physics, economics, and engineering. International students have the freedom to complete their English-language Ph.D. theses and easily transition into their chosen fields of employment. Learn more about Ph.D. scholarships .

Furthermore, conventional academic scholarships and fellowships are frequently used to support doctoral students, but German universities and research institutions also provide salary assistantships for Ph.D. researchers. Doctoral students take between 46,000 and 56,000 EUR gross ( INR 36,61,472 to INR 44,57,444 ) per year based on full-time employment, depending on the amount of prior experience the doctoral student has.

Ph.D. Stipend in Germany for International Students

Internship applications are accepted by foreign students both during and after graduation. You can apply for internships at the university as a research assistant in the lab or a professor’s assistant while enrolled in a degree program. Here, we’ve outlined some key details about the German Ph.D. student stipend:

• German institutions provide a monthly payment to international Ph.D. candidates. In Germany, Ph.D. students receive an annual income of 24,500 EUR (about INR 19,53,189).
• In addition to pursuing a Ph.D., one can work as an intern at public and commercial organizations for an average salary of 500 EUR per month (about INR 39,848 per month).
• Since employment agreements that last less than a year do not count as relevant professional experience, doctoral students with little or no experience should confirm that their bond lasts for at least 12 months.

Job & Salary After Ph.D. in Germany

The salary of a student after earning a Ph.D. is based on a number of things. Industry, years of experience, candidate talents, and job positions are among these crucial considerations. We’ve included a few of the jobs available to Ph.D. graduates in Germany along with their typical yearly salary below:

High-Paying Jobs in Germany

After finishing their Ph.D. program at a prestigious university, overseas students can apply for a number of well-paying employment in Germany.

How to Find a Job After Ph.D. in Germany?

Many Ph.D. graduate students choose to live in Germany’s major cities because of the attractive employment environment. Let’s examine the best cities in the nation for foreign students.

• Jobs in the marketing field are reportedly available in Berlin, the German capital.
• Financial industry hubs include Frankfurt.
• Munich’s car industry is well renowned.

Since there is 400,000+ people  skilled labor shortage in Germany, Ph.D. grads may easily get employment there. Here are some tips for foreign students looking to work in Germany after earning their degree:

1. Open German Job Sites

One of Germany’s major providers of recruitment services is the Federal Employment Agency. It has more than 700 locations around the nation and offers an international student employment platform called “ International Placement Service. ” In order to get matched with a job vacancy, create a profile on their website and include your qualifications.

2. German private job sites

Ph.D. graduates have access to a variety of websites where they can look for specialized employment.

• Academics for openings in the management industry.
• Staufenbiel and Stepstone for graduate employment and internships.
• Students can also look up startups on Jobooh.

3. German Recruitment Companies

The “ German Yellow Pages ,” which features an employment section called “ Arbeitsvermittlung ” dedicated to recruitment agencies, is another resource for international students who have completed their Ph.D. program at German institutions and are looking for work. For international students, recruiting firms can be trusted if they are members of the Federal Employer’s Association of Personnel Service Providers.

4. Newspapers in German

Look through the employment sections in the Sunday editorials of the following newspapers for academic and government positions :

FAZ or Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

It has the largest newspaper readership in 148 countries in addition to Germany. It is a liberal, conservative journal on the center-right.

Süddeutsche Zeitung

It is published in Munich and is one of the biggest daily newspapers in Germany. It is a center-left, liberal-progressive newspaper .

It is printed in Bonn and serves as the Axel Springer publishing company’s main newspaper daily.

Handelsblatt

The Handelsblatt Media Group is the publisher of this business newspaper in German. Handelsblatt Global Edition is the name of the newspaper’s English-language edition .

One of the top 3 nations in the world to accept more than 30,000 students for Ph.D. programs in Germany. The depth of the Ph.D. courses promotes students’ overall growth and prepares them for the workforce. Additionally, this aids German Ph.D. stipend recipients.

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How to find an internship in germany, 49 euro ticket-everything you need to know.

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PhD in Germany: Top Universities, Admissions 2024-25, Fees, Scholarships

Veda Burman

| Updated On - Sep 5, 2024

The top PhD universities in Germany do not charge any tuition fee from international students. You might need to pay a semester fee between 100 and 325 EUR (8,900 to 28,930 INR) to pursue PhD courses in Germany. After completing a PhD degree in Germany, graduates annually earn an average salary of 69,000 EUR (61.43 lakhs INR).

Best Universities in Germany for PhD

Germany is a center for higher education, with few top-ranked yet affordable institutions offering doctoral programs. Some top PhD universities in Germany and their corresponding details are as follows:

Why Study PhD in Germany?

• In Germany, a majority of the PhD programs are tuition free, at least for the first 6 semesters. The German government sponsors these programs. You will only need to pay a minimal semester fee between 100 and 325 EUR (8,900 to 28,930 INR).
• According to UNESCO, Germany has enrolled over 28,000 Indian students including PhD scholars every year, higher than any other EU member state.
• Germany allows students to pursue doctoral programs without a masters degree. Students with a bachelors degree can directly pursue doctoral studies in Germany with satisfactory eligibility criteria.
• As a student, you can work for 120 full-days or 240 half days per year to earn extra pocket money.

PhD in Germany Admissions

The admission requirements for doctorate in Germany vary based on the chosen university and subject. The common requirement for PhD in Germany eligibility criteria for international students are listed below:

• Diploma, Magister, or Master’s degree with above-average aggregate from a recognized university
• At least 2.5 GPA in German grading system or B+ overall grade
• IELTS: 7.0 (with 6.5 in each band)
• TOEFL iBT: 80 - 100
• German language proficiency proof: TestDaf: Level 4
• GRE: 160 overall score or above
• Germany student visa

PhD in Germany Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for admission to the PhD programs in various German universities are as follows:

PhD in Germany Cost

The German universities do not charge any tuition fee for PhD programs. You might need to pay a semester fee between 100 and 325 EUR (8,900 to 28,930 INR) across some universities. Besides, you can estimate to spend around 850 EUR per month as the cost of living in Germany . Following are some top-ranked universities and their respective fees:

PhD in Germany Scholarships

Although the doctoral programs in Germany are fully funded, candidates are still required to make the ends meet and bear the living costs. Therefore, such candidates may look forward to the following scholarships in Germany :

PhD in Germany Salary

Students with PhD in Germany secure an average salary of 69,000 EUR per annum. The average salary of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) ranges between 45,000 to 94,000 EUR per annum. Doctor of Science (DS) degree holders annually earn between 42,000 to 120,000 EUR. The average salary of doctoral candidates pursuing jobs in Germany according to their levels of experience are as follows:

Note: The stage duration (time spent) of each of the 6 levels of experience increases by 1 year per stage. The contractual term at first level is at least 12 months with no interruption.

PhD in Germany is pursued by international students for a combination of benefits. The top public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education, removing the financial burden from students. You can get research opportunities from industry experts in Germany. After completing education, you can get employed as research associate for Postdoc positions in German higher education institutions.

Ques. Is it free to do PhD in Germany for Indian students?

Ans . Yes. The public universities in Germany offer PhD programs without any tuition fees. The universities might charge a minimal semester fee to Indian students. You can estimate to pay between 100 and 325 EUR (8,900 to 28,930 INR) as semester fees in the German universities for pursuing a PhD program.

Ques. Do PhD students get paid in Germany?

Ans . Yes, some German universities provide financial support to PhD students through grants, stipends, and scholarships. You can also pursue part-time jobs while pursuing PhD, with permission from your university to earn some pocket money.

Ques. How many years is a PhD in Germany?

Ans . PhD programs in Germany can be around 5 years long or more. However, PhD in Germany is available within 3 years span across some universities. According to experts, the average time taken for PhD in Germany ranges between 3 and 4 years.

Ques. Is it easy to get PhD in Germany?

Ans . No. PhD in Germany requires you to be involved in research and activities on a particular subject or multiple subjects. The entry requirements for PhD programs in Germany for international students vary with the university and specialization. The most important requirements for admission to PhD in Germany are as follows:

• IELTS : 7.0 (with 6.5 in each band)
• German Proficiency proof: TestDaf: Level 4
• GRE Score: 160 overall score or above
• Germany Student Visa

Ques. Is a PhD in Germany taught in German?

Ans . PhD in Germany is taught in both the languages, German and English. You can choose the university and specialisation, based on the proficiency of language. If possible, German language proficiency is recommended to enhance your chances of securing admission to your dream university.

Ques. Can I pursue PhD in Germany without a Master’s degree?

Ans . PhD in Germany can be pursued by exceptionally performing Bachelor’s degree graduates. Moreover, candidates possessing an international Graduate Diploma with 2.5 or more GPA may also apply.

Ques. Is German PhD valid in India?

Ans . Yes. PhD degrees offered by prestigious universities in Germany are valid in India. You can pursue a faculty post in the Indian universities with a PhD from Germany. You can also look for postdoc opportunities or suitable employment opportunities for you with a PhD from Germany.

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Find your PhD position in Germany

Before you start your search ....

Before you start your search you should know that there are different PhD models:

• Individual doctorate  or
• Structured PhD programmes

What's the difference? Check out our  overview of the various ways to do your PhD in Germany  

Find your individual doctorate

The "traditional" or "individual" path to a PhD remains the most common in Germany. An individual doctorate involves a thesis or dissertation that is produced under the  supervision of one professor . This form of PhD study offers a great deal of  flexibility , but demands a high degree of  personal initiative  and responsibility.

How to find your PhD supervisor

In Germany there is no central admissions or selection office for doctoral students. Therefore, your first step is to find a suitable professor who is willing to be your supervisor.

One way to find a supervisor is to look for a university institute that matches your area of research. The following online search engines might help you find a suitable supervisor:

• GERiT – German research institutions GERiT is a website containing information on approximately 29,000 research institutions in Germany. GERiT allows the user to search easily by location or subject. It provides all the information needed to choose an institution at which to research, study or do a doctorate. www.gerit.org
• Finding a PhD position PhDGermany publishes PhD openings in Germany that specifically target international applicants. Accordingly, in most cases the working language is English. Fluent knowledge of German is only required for certain special positions. PhDGermany helps you find the right PhD opening or supervisor for your doctoral thesis and assists you with the online application process. www.phdgermany.de
• Higher Education Compass   This database provides up-to-date information from universities about doctoral opportunities in Germany. The search engine enables you to carry out targeted searches on the basis of departments, admission requirements and form of doctoral thesis. www.higher-education-compass.de

Furthermore,  your contacts with your professors or previous university  could help direct you to a suitable department or potential supervisor in Germany.

It is also helpful to attend  academic conferences  in your own subject area. There you will be able to exchange information and make contacts ­– and perhaps even find a future PhD supervisor.

Find your structured PhD programme

DAAD/Ausserhofer/Himsel

Structured PhD programmes in Germany are frequently very similar to the PhD programmes in English-speaking countries, in which a  team of supervisors  look after a  group of doctoral students . Around 12,000 doctoral students from abroad – roughly one in four – do their PhDs in structured programmes. As a rule, it is possible to complete a doctorate in four to five years.

Where to find your PhD programme

There is no central database of all structured PhD programmes in Germany. You can usually find these programmes directly through the respective universities, graduate schools or non-university research institutions. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) database is also a good place to look. Here you will find a large number of PhD programmes that are specially aimed at international doctoral students.

International doctoral programme database

Are you interested in an international doctoral programme in Germany? This DAAD database presents a selection of roughly 230 international doctoral programmes in Germany. The database can be searched according to different criteria.  www.daad.de/international-programmes 

Doctoral programmes at universities

Many universities offer structured doctoral programmes, which they publicise on their websites. The Student Advisory Service or Graduate Centre at the respective university will also provide help here. You can find the relevant addresses using the Higher Education Compass provided by the German Rectors’ Conference. www.higher-education-compass.de

​​​​​​​DFG-funded research training groups

Research training groups are also funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG) for a period of up to nine years. Their key emphasis is on the qualification of doctoral researchers within the framework of a focused research programme and a structured training strategy. www.dfg.de > Current Research Training Groups

Helmholtz Research Schools, Colleges and Graduate Schools

The Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation. In collaboration with various institutions of higher education, Helmholtz Association research centres have established structured PhD programmes under the auspices of Helmholtz Graduate Schools, Helmholtz Research Schools and Colleges.  www.helmholtz.de > PhD Candidates 

Leibniz Graduate Schools

The Leibniz Association connects 97 research institutes that conduct problem-oriented research and provide scientific infrastructure of national and international importance. Together with universities they run structured PhD programmes in Leibniz Graduate Schools. www.leibniz-association.eu > Leibniz Graduate Schools

International Max Planck Research Schools

The Max Planck Society specialises in innovative basic research and its institutes are able to offer up-and-coming researchers excellent infrastructure and support. The website lists the programmes available at International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS):  www.mpg.de > International Max Planck Research Schools  

Max Planck Schools

In Germany, the best researchers in a specific field are often work at different universities and non-university research institutions spread throughout the country. The Max Planck Schools serve as hubs which gather this distributed knowledge. Here, the brightest minds in their fields have come together from within the scientific community to interconnect in faculties made up of active researchers. Students gain access to these unique networks, learn in close personal exchange from leaders in their fields and their peers, and enjoy access to outstanding infrastructure. Currently, three Schools are operating in the fields of Cognition, Matter to Life, and Photonics. www.maxplanckschools.de

Where can I find out about requirements?

Application procedures  differ from programme to programme . The precise requirements and deadlines can be found on the website of the respective university, research training group or graduate school. You should therefore first choose a PhD programme and/or graduate school.

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PhDGermany database

Find a selection of open PhD positions in Germany in the PhDGermany database!

Search PhD offers

You've found the position you want to apply for, but how does applying to a potential supervisor or structured PhD programme work in Germany? Find out more here.

DAAD/Jan Zappner

We help you navigate through the large number of job portals that specialise in openings for academics and scientists. These are some of the sites that may get you started.

DAAD/Uta Konopka

Check out our brochure

Doing a phd in germany (2019, 40 pages).

This booklet for (prospective) international doctoral students presents the different options for doing a doctorate in Germany. It explains the formal requirements and gives some practical advice on finding the right supervisor or doctoral programme. It also outlines different sponsorship and funding options.

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52 PhD jobs in Germany

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• PhD positions in Munich (19)
• PhD positions in Cologne (4)
• PhD positions in Karlsruhe (3)
• PhD positions in Dresden (3)
• PhD positions in Stuttgart (2)
• PhD positions in Heidelberg (2)
• PhD positions in Hamburg (2)
• PhD positions in Bonn (2)
• PhD positions in Bremerhaven (2)
• PhD positions in Ilmenau (2)

Other countries

• PhD positions in Belgium (84)
• PhD positions in The Netherlands (81)
• PhD positions in Switzerland (56)
• PhD positions in Finland (39)
• PhD positions in Sweden (36)
• PhD positions in Austria (28)
• PhD positions in Norway (27)
• PhD positions in Luxembourg (24)
• PhD positions in France (10)
• PhD positions in Israel (6)

Search results (52)

Research associate / PhD candidate (f/m/d) 75% part time Recycling of toxic metal Complexes and Compounds from battery waste

Organizational unitInstitute for Applied Materials - Energy Storage Systems (IAM-ESS)Job descriptionThe objective of this work is to establish and develop novel recycling pathways for materials from post-Li-battery systems containing cyanide and v...

Fully Funded PhD Positions at International Max Planck Research School – Brain and Behavior

The International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior is a unique collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar (MPINB), the University of Bonn, and the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Disea...

PhD Positions in Cancer Research

Are you looking for excellent research opportunities for your PhD studies at the forefront of cancer research? The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) with its core site in Heidelberg invites international students holding a Master’s degree in (m...

Research assistant (f/m/d)

In the Department of Economics and Media in the group of Economic Policy at the Ilmenau University of Technology (TU Ilmenau, Germany) is a vacancy for aResearch assistant (f/m/d)as soon as possible to promote their own academic qualifications wit...

Multiple PhD Positions

Call for applications for Multiple PhD Positions at the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Quantum Dynamics and Control (QDC) in Dresden, Germany We are looking for highly talented and motivated students from all around the world...

Max Planck doctoral positions in computer and information science

OverviewCS@max planck is a highly selective doctoral program that grants admitted students full financial support to pursue doctoral research in the broad area of computer and information science, with faculty at Max Planck Institutes and some of ...

Doctoral position - Evolutionary genomics of visual behaviours in Heliconius butterflies

Department/Institute: LMU Faculty of Biology, Evolutionary BiologySubject areas/Research fields: Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Animal Biology & Ethology Keywords: Speciation, Heliconius, Mate choice, Behaviour, Sensory ecology Name of supervisor...

Doctoral position - The role of Hfq and exRNAs in plant infections with Xylella fastidiosa

Department/Institute: LMU Faculty of Biology, GeneticsSubject areas/Research fields: Biology: Molecular biology, microbiology; Agricultural sciences: Plant protection Keywords: RNA interference, extracellular RNAs, RNA-binding proteinsName of supe...

Upcoming PhD Positions in Condensed Matter Science

Thanks to all the academics who submitted their application!The application deadline has passed and the selection process started. More information for the new call-out will come up later in January and the Autumn 2025. Stay tuned!There are two ap...

PhD Positions at the International Max Planck Research School for Chemistry and Physics of Quantum Materials

The International Max Planck Research School for Chemistry and Physics of Quantum Materials is a joint PhD program bet­ween the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Dresden, Ger­ma­ny, Technische Universität Dresden, and the Univ...

Doctoral Position on ultrafast charge and exciton processes in organic semiconductors (f/m/x) Wiss2403-17 | Institute of Physics II | Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Doctoral position on ultrafast charge and exciton processes in organic semiconductors (f/m/x) Institute of Physics II We are one of the largest and oldes...

STEP UP! Fellowship programme for early career scientists

As part of the STEP UP! Fellowship programme run on a 2-year cycle, the Deutscher Wetterdienst awards fellowships to early career scientists to work on a research project during a guest stay at the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecast...

PhD Positions in the field of Cognitive Neuroimaging

The International Max Planck Research School on Cognitive NeuroImaging invites excellent students holding a master's degree (or equivalent) to pursue a PhD in the field of Cognitive Neuroimaging. The IMPRS on Cognitive NeuroImaging covers the high...

Upcoming PhD Positions at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life in Autumn 2025

Thanks to everyone who submitted their application! The application deadline has now passed, and the selection process started. The International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) currently has an open call for fully fund...

Doctoral position - Molecular mechanisms regulating centrosome dynamics

Department/Institute: LMU, Faculty of Biology, Cell- and Developmental BiologySubject areas/Research fields: Cell BiologyKeywords: Centrosome, PCM, C. elegansName of supervisor: Dr. Tamara Mikeladze-DvaliProject title: Molecular mechanisms regulat...

Upcoming PhD positions at the IMPRS for Molecular Organ Biology in Autumn 2024

Thanks to all the academics who submitted their application!The application deadline has passed and the selection process started. More information for the new call-out will come up during this Autumn 2024. Stay tuned!PhD Studies in the Heart of E...

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PhD student: Development of a platform technology for screening inflammatory responses

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ( www.fraunhofer.com ) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros. 

The Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI) and its Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB) focusses on innovative ideas in food and environmental analytics, diagnostics, drug development and process technologies.

We are looking for a PhD candidate for the field of bioprocessing at the earliest possible date.

The administration of pharmaceutical compounds triggers a variety of cascades within the body. Inflammatory responses are cellular and molecular reactions that can be triggered by active substances and thus influence the effect of the pharmaceutical. The investigation of such reactions is therefore essential. These cellular reactions are usually complex.

An in vitro system for analyzing inflammatory responses is to be developed during the PhD project. First, cell-based inflammatory pathways will be analyzed after drug administration and subsequently transferred to a cell-free system.

Cell-free protein synthesis offers an open & adaptable system, which is scalable to the smallest scale and can therefore be used for high-throughput screenings. 

What you will do

During the PhD the following steps will be worked on:

• Establishment of cell-based inflammatory pathways in model cell lines
• Characterization of standard eukaryotic cell-free systems for inflammatory pathways
• Development of new modified eukaryotic cell-free systems

The following methods will be used, among others:

• Cell culture and microscopy
• Protein detection methods such as Western blotting and ELISA
• Cell-free protein synthesis
• Protein-protein interaction studies such as pull-down assays

What you bring to the table

We are looking for highly motivated candidates for a creative research task. We would like the candidates to have experiences in the following:

• Master’s degree in the fields of immunology, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or a similar scientific field
• Prior work in the field of immunology
• Knowledge in molecular and biochemical methods (PCRs, palsmid preparations, protein detection methods etc.)
• Experiences in cell culture methods
• Working independently and team work

What you can expect

With us you have:

• The opportunity to work on an interesting research project in application-related research
• An innovative and modern working environment, equipped with the latest laboratory and equipment technology
• Room for independent work 
• A motivating and collegial working atmosphere   

The contractually regulated working time is 50% on the basis of a full-time position (39 hours per week), whereby you can use the remaining time (50%) for your doctorate. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. 

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!  

If you are interested, please contact:

Dr. Franziska Ramm  Fraunhofer-Institut für Zelltherapie und Immunologie,  Institutsteil Bioanalytik und Bioprozesse IZI-BB Am Mühlenberg 13 14476 Potsdam, Deutschland E-Mail: [email protected] Tel. +49 331 58187-327  

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses  

www.izi-bb.fraunhofer.de  

Requisition Number: 76471                Application Deadline:

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  PhD Student in Functional Cancer Genomics

Reference number: 2024-0313

• DKTK partner site Freiburg - Cancer Research

“Research for a life without cancer" is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.

Together with university partners at seven renowned partner sites, we have established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK).

For the Division of Cancer Research at the DKTK partner site Freiburg we are seeking from January 2025 a

  The Division of Cancer Research at the University Medical Center Freiburg is focused on functional cancer genomics and especially the high-throughput characterization of mutations in cancer genes for their impact on tumorigenesis, signaling activation and targeted therapy response (e.g. Nat Commun 2019, Nat Cell Biol 2020, Nat Commun 2024, Nat Genet 2024). The method spectrum in our lab ranges from innovative techniques from molecular and cell biology like diverse CRISPR techniques (Nucleic Acids Res 2017, Hepatology 2018) or RNA-Protein complex identification (Nature 2015, Mol Cell 2019, Nat Protoc 2020) to applications in bioinformatics and biochemistry. Our lab in Freiburg is newly equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation.

We are seeking a graduate student with a strong background in molecular biology and a strong interest in cancer research. The core project of the PhD student will be the functional characterization and analysis of genetic alterations in cancer in high throughput. Research questions will include the mutational impact at the cellular and molecular level and their mechanistic consequences. Innovative approaches using CRISPR site-directed mutagenesis shall unravel their impact on human cells. Comprehensive resources as well as established protocols to build on are available.

Your Profile

You are a highly motivated, ambitious student with a good degree in a life science field and are eager to pursue research projects in functional tumor genetics and molecular biology of cancer, including high-throughput approaches and precision genome editing, with ambition, creativity, independence and team spirit. You work efficiently, goal-oriented and accurate, have a deep interest in research and are proficient in English.

Please submit your application documents in one single PDF via the DKFZ job portal.

  Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level

  access to international research networks,   doctoral salary with the usual social benefits,   30 days of vacation per year,   flexible working hours,   possibility of part-time work,   family-friendly working environment,   sustainable travel to work: subsidized germany job ticket,   unleash your full potential: targeted training and mentoring through the dkfz international phd program and dkfz career service,   our corporate health management program offers a holistic approach to your well-being, are you interested.

  Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

Prof. Dr. Sven Diederichs Phone: +49(0)761 270-77571

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

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