PhD Students
A PhD at the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC) offers the opportunity to conduct ambitious research at one of Europe’s leading centres for life sciences.
Located in Strasbourg, France, the IGBMC campus brings together more than 700 scientists, engineers, students and support staff working across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including genetics, genomics, epigenetics, cell biology, developmental biology, structural biology, neuroscience, bioinformatics and systems biology.
This interdisciplinary environment fosters scientific excellence, innovation and collaboration.
The IGBMC is an international institute where English is the working language of research, providing an ideal setting for students from around the world.
The IGBMC is an international institute where English is the working language of research, providing an ideal setting for students from around the world.
Research Training at the IGBMC
As a PhD student, you will join one of the institute’s research teams and develop an independent research project under the supervision of internationally recognized scientists. Throughout your doctoral training, you will benefit from access to state-of-the-art technologies and core facilities, regular scientific seminars, specialized training courses, numerous opportunities to interact with researchers across disciplines.
The institute’s collaborative and international environment encourages intellectual exchange, scientific curiosity, and the development of both technical and professional skills, preparing students for successful careers in academia, biotechnology, healthcare, and beyond.
Academic Framework
All doctoral students at the IGBMC are enrolled at the University of Strasbourg.
Their doctoral training is coordinated by the Life and Health Sciences Doctoral School, which oversees doctoral training, monitors student progress, provides complementary professional development opportunities, and awards the doctoral degree.
Student Life and Community
The IGBMC hosts a vibrant community of early-career researchers. The Student & Postdoc Board (SPB) contributes to student life at the institute by helping new arrivals integrate into the community and by organizing scientific, networking and social activities throughout the year.
How to Join the IGBMC PhD Programme?
Prospective PhD candidates are strongly encouraged to identify research teams that match their scientific interests and to contact group leaders directly as early as possible.
Early interactions with potential supervisors can help candidates learn about available projects, upcoming funding opportunities, and the different recruitment pathways available at the institute.
The IGBMC recruits doctoral students through several complementary funding schemes and competitive programmes:
IMCBio International PhD Programme
The IMCBio PhD Programme provides fully funded three-year fellowships and attracts outstanding candidates from around the world.
The annual recruitment process includes a written application, an online interview and an on-site interview. PhD projects are generally advertised in late November, applications close in late January, and final results are announced in early June.
University of Strasbourg Doctoral School Competition
The Life and Health Sciences Doctoral School offers fully funded three-year doctoral fellowships through a competitive annual call.
The selection process includes a written application and an on-site interview. Projects are generally advertised in April, applications close in early June, and results are announced in early July.
- Direct Recruitment by Research Teams
Many IGBMC research groups recruit doctoral students directly through grants and external funding secured by principal investigators. Candidates are encouraged to contact group leaders directly to inquire about current or upcoming opportunities.