Doctoral research at Forschungszentrum Jülich | 1,000+ doctoral researchers from 70 countries

Reasons for a PhD at Forschungszentrum Jülich | Contract & framework conditions | Graduate schools | (International) funding programmes

PhD with purpose and prospects at Forschungszentrum Jülich

More than 1,000 doctoral researchers from around 70 countries conduct research at Forschungszentrum Jülich – and are part of a vibrant, international community. During your PhD, you will work on relevant scientific questions within our institutes and receive intensive academic supervision.

Through the JuDocS - Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors, you receive additional support: from an English-language training programme and structured project monitoring to guidance and mentoring by experienced supervisors. You also benefit from the DocTeam, where doctoral researchers from different disciplines exchange ideas, build networks and support one another. Should conflicts arise during your PhD, an independent and confidential counselling service is available to you.

In this interview, speakers of the DocTeam (2022) share insights into their doctoral research and their involvement in the DocTeam.

Start your doctoral journey with us – in Jülich or at one of our other locations. Apply now or contact one of our Institutes directly.

Why pursue a PhD at Forschungszentrum Jülich?

At Forschungszentrum Jülich, you can expect excellent conditions for your doctoral research – from cutting-edge science to personal development.

• Diversity of topics: Interdisciplinary research questions in leading institutes
• Excellent supervision: By internationally renowned experts
• State-of-the-art infrastructure: Access to unique scientific facilities and resources
• Individual support: Programmes for professional and personal development
• Strong network: Exchange with colleagues from around the world
• Outstanding career prospects: A strong foundation for your future academic or professional career

Every career path at Forschungszentrum Jülich is unique – just like the people who pursue it. Discover more voices from our employees and explore the many facets of working and conducting research at Jülich.

Contract & framework conditions for doctoral researchers

Most doctoral researchers who come to Jülich enter into a three-year doctoral contract with Forschungszentrum Jülich. This contract sets out, among other things, working hours, salary and annual leave. You are covered by statutory social security and health insurance and are entitled to parental leave. Researchers with a fellowship or doctoral researchers from other institutions may also conduct part of their research at Forschungszentrum Jülich. Simply get in touch directly with the institute that best matches your research interests.

If you would like to start your doctoral research at Forschungszentrum Jülich, you will find all the key information here – from entry requirements and the application process to helpful tips for your application documents.

Graduate schools

Depending on your field, you can enrol as a doctoral researcher in various graduate schools and doctoral programmes that we run in cooperation with partner universities. All programmes are closely aligned with the requirements of Forschungszentrum Jülich and the JuDocS course programme – allowing you to benefit from a coherent overall package of research, training and networking.

(International) funding programmes

As a doctoral researcher at Forschungszentrum Jülich, you benefit from our global network. Through strategic partnerships with leading institutions worldwide, a wide range of opportunities is open to you:

• International fellowships and research stays for doctoral researchers from abroad at Forschungszentrum Jülich
• Funding for research stays abroad for doctoral researchers from Germany at our partner institutions

This allows you not only to gain valuable scientific experience, but also to broaden your international perspective for your future career.

Research in Germany: PhD Pathfinder

The tool "PhD Pathfinder" provided by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research will guide you through the process of planning your PhD in Germany. In six sections, you can find out about your options and possible paths by answering a few simple questions.

_{Copyright images on this page: Forschungszentrum Jülich / Sascha Kreklau}