Applications

At the Vienna BioCenter (VBC), we want to foster a world-class scientific environment where PhD students develop and excel. The purpose of the Vienna BioCenter PhD Program is to train rigorous, independent scientists through a comprehensive training program.

The program encourages students to positively contribute to the advancement of science by making and publishing important scientific discoveries. The training program will allow students to acquire scientific skills, which are important for a career in science, but also for other career paths.

Approx. 70 faculty members take part in our doctoral school and the research topics vary widely. Check out all the PIs and the areas in which they work at the Vienna BioCenter here and why not have a look where you would work on our virtual campus tour here.

There are two calls each year opening in March and September respectively and the number of positions varies from call to call. Here you will find all the information that you need to submit a successful application to one of the most successful programs in Europe.  We are happy to answer your queries but please check out the frequently asked questions tab first.

Spring Call 2025 Dates

Part 1 - Written application

Call for written applications opens: 1 March

Deadline written applications & references: 15 April (23:59 CET) 
*Please note that it is not possible to start the Stage1 of the application after 11 April (23:59 CET)
Stage2 applications and references can be submitted until 15 April (23:59 CET)*

Results Issued: Second week of May via email

Part 2 - Online panel interviews & research group interviews

Online Panel Interviews:  20-21 May

Meet the Principal Investigators (PIs): 27 May 3-5pm CET

Meet the PhD students: 27 May 5-7pm CET

Interviews with the prospective research groups: 2 - 6 June

Part 3 - In person visit

Individually organized in June - August, travel and accommodation costs covered by the PhD Program

PhD start date: Flexible, latest by 1st January 2026