University of Zurich Life Science Zurich Graduate School PhD Program

The Life Science Zurich Graduate School (LSZGS) is a joint graduate school of the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, coordinating multiple PhD programs in life sciences fields such as Biomedicine, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, Molecular Life Sciences, Ecology, Systems Biology, Microbiology & Immunology, and more (17-20 programs total). It recruits for 80-100 fully funded PhD positions per round from research groups at both institutions, providing comprehensive training for careers in academia or industry. PhD duration is typically 3-4 years, requiring 12 ECTS credits, with employment and salary by the supervisor (UZH: CHF 48,686 yr1 rising to 51,791 yr3-4; ETH higher). Students register with UZH or ETH based on lab affiliation.

Applications via online tool (no email, PDF uploads only) to the Graduate School, selecting preferred programs. Assessed on academics, research, letters (2-4 required). Shortlist (~150 competitive candidates) for virtual interviews, then in-person Zurich visits (reimbursed). View/rank 80-100 projects, match with supervisor/project. No pre-contact needed; two annual Track I deadlines. Some programs (e.g., Drug Discovery) use different tracks. Positions start flexibly. Open to international applicants.