Why do your PhD at Forschungszentrum Jülich?
Forschungszentrum Jülich offers excellent research opportunities to more than 1,000 researchers from about 50 countries, enabling them to start work on their PhD. Choose from a broad range of interdisciplinary topics offered by top-class institutes and internationally renowned scientific experts. You can dedicate yourself to research with a three-year doctoral position at Forschungszentrum Jülich or a funding programme. At the same time, you are enrolled at a university which is also responsible for awarding the PhD degree. If you are a student at a university in North Rhine-Westphalia or in one of the neighbouring regions in Belgium or the Netherlands, you can take advantage of the existing links between your university and Jülich. This allows you to benefit from the best of both worlds: the university and Forschungszentrum Jülich collaborate closely to provide the outstanding framework conditions you need to work on your thesis.
Excellent scientific infrastructure
Jülich offers its employees a working environment that is unique in Germany. An excellent infrastructure with state-of-the-art laboratory and information technology ensures that the standard of science at Jülich is on par with the leading research institutions in Europe and throughout the world. Jülich’s outstanding infrastructure includes the Simulation Laboratory (SimLab) Neuroscience, experimental facilities such as the Helmholtz Nano Facility, and supercomputers like JUWELS, all of which you may have access to.
Research on key technologies for the future
Our internationally renowned scientists work on key technologies for the future. We have close links with high-ranking universities in Germany such as RWTH Aachen University, the University of Bonn, and the University of Cologne. Our heads of institutes also hold positions as university professors.
You will work on projects which often involve various cooperation partners in research and industry. The language used within research teams is usually English. As there are many different scientific institutes located on our large campus, you will gain insights into the main research areas of information and the brain as well as energy and the environment. You can draw inspiration from experts within other disciplines during discussions over your scientific findings. All our research is focused on solving the grand challenges of science, society, and industry.
Boost your scientific and personal development
At Forschungszentrum Jülich, you will benefit from at least two supervisors: a doctoral supervisor from your university and a scientific supervisor from one of Jülich’s scientific institutes. Take part in the JuDocS qualification programme at Jülich to learn more about good scientific practice and relevant transferable skills such as scientific writing or project management. In order to reach your goal within three years, you will set up a work plan and timetable, and regularly present the current status of your research project to your institute and the Doctoral Committee. In addition to the requirements of Forschungszentrum Jülich, you must meet the requirements defined by your university. The combination of formal and informal meetings, training, mentoring, and supervision will help you to achieve high-quality, independent research results after three years.
Excellent career opportunities and networking
The personal network you form during your research work at Forschungszentrum Jülich will help you in your career development. Within your projects, you have the opportunity to meet representatives of companies, university institutes, and research centres. Young scientists at Forschungszentrum Jülich receive comprehensive support for their career development. The Career Center offers services and support for young scientists to help you find your individual career path.
In addition, the DocTeam, an initiative representing the interests of doctoral researchers, organizes numerous events where you can meet your fellow researchers. Once you have been awarded your doctorate, you can keep in touch with former colleagues through the alumni network, JuLumni-Net. The reputation of Forschungszentrum Jülich combined with the prestige of a German doctorate will open new doors for you and provides a boost to your career in Germany and abroad.