PhD in Graduate School Life Science Engineering

The Graduate School Life Science Engineering at the Technical University of Darmstadt offers an interdisciplinary doctoral programme for scientists working at the intersection of engineering and biology. Research questions span synthetic biology, targeted modulation of cells and organisms using engineered biomolecules and chemical compounds, the design of intelligent biomaterials and biosensors, assembly of multicellular structures and tissues, interfacing biomolecular systems with solid-state technology, mathematical and computational approaches to biological systems, engineering biology for sustainability, and development of new technologies for interrogating cells and tissues. Supervision is provided through individual Thesis Advisory Committees that monitor progress and support the development of personalised career plans. PhD students receive a mobility allowance to support research stays abroad or attendance at national and international conferences. Extracurricular seminars and transferable skills training are offered through the in-house organisation INGENIUM, covering areas such as communication, project management, and entrepreneurship. An annual retreat brings the student cohort together for scientific exchange and presentations. Laboratory rotation gives students exposure to a range of methods across different research areas. Two application tracks exist: a joint call with periodic deadlines announced on the school's website, and an open positions track with rolling deadlines tied to individual advertised posts. The programme is hosted at the Technical University of Darmstadt in Darmstadt, Germany.