PhD programmes
The GSLS offers 15 thematic PhD programmes, each focused on a specific Life Sciences domain. Together with your supervisory team, you will choose the programme that best fits your research. Below you can find all the PhD programmes with global information including a link to the website. Not sure if your research fits a programme? Please contact the programme coordinator, whose contact details you can find at the website of the PhD programme.
Why join a PhD programme?
- Gain access to high-quality, in-depth thematic training, including courses, seminars, retreats, journal clubs, conference presentations, and teaching of Master’s students.
- Deepen your knowledge in your research area and explore other related topics.
- Get tailored advice on relevant courses from the programme coordinator.
- Join a vibrant PhD community of fellow candidates, PIs, researchers, and alumni.
We strongly encourage you to join a PhD programme. If your research doesn't align with any of them, select ‘not in a programme’ when you register in MyPhD. In that case your programme coordinator will be Saskia Ebeling, managing director of doctoral education at the GSLS.
Important: there are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
Programme structure
Each PhD programme is led by a programme director (a professor at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ or UMC Utrecht) and a programme coordinator, who is your main point of contact. A programme committee, comprising key researchers and at least one PhD candidate, supports them. PhD representatives from each programme together form the GSLS PhD Council.
Our PhD programmes
Research
The Institute of Biomembranes (IB) brings together research on membrane biogenesis, trafficking, and structure across the faculties of Biology, Chemistry, Veterinary Medicine, and UMC Utrecht. The institute studies fundamental processes at the membrane level, contributing to Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ's Life Sciences strategic theme.
PhD Profile
PhD candidates benefit from cross-disciplinary collaboration and training. Admission requires a completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, with selection based on scientific excellence and project feasibility. Students may also propose their own PhD projects.
Mission
To train future experts in membrane biology through interdisciplinary research and tailored supervision, fostering skills in both fundamental and translational science.
For more information about this programme visit the .
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
Research
This programme explores the biology of cancer and development using advanced omics and imaging approaches. Topics include stem cell biology, embryonic development, signal transduction and gene regulation across various model systems.
PhD Profile
Candidates participate in integrated research and training, joining expert groups while developing their own project. A relevant MSc degree and motivation for independent research are required.
Mission
To train PhD candidates in developmental and cancer biology by offering multidisciplinary education and fostering independence and scientific excellence.
For more information about this programme visit the .
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
Research
Research focuses on understanding cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure and stroke, through molecular, clinical, and technological approaches, including imaging and regenerative medicine.
PhD Profile
Candidates engage in multidisciplinary projects, combining fundamental and clinical research. A relevant MSc degree and strong interest in cardiovascular science are required.
Mission
To educate independent researchers who contribute to advancing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
For more information about this programme visit the .
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
Research
This programme targets major neurological and psychiatric disorders, linking patient care with research on brain structure, genetics, and disease mechanisms.
PhD Profile
Candidates come from medicine, biomedical sciences, psychology, or technical fields. They conduct research in hospital-linked settings, often with access to unique patient cohorts.
Mission
To train researchers in translational neuroscience who combine clinical insights with experimental research to improve understanding and treatment of brain disorders.
For more information about this programme visit the .
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
Research
The programme bridges laboratory research and clinical oncology, focusing on the molecular basis, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer through multidisciplinary collaboration.
PhD Profile
PhD candidates work with clinicians and scientists on translational cancer research, often using omics and bioinformatics. A Biomedical or Medical MSc is expected.
Mission
To develop independent cancer researchers capable of translating scientific discoveries into patient-centred applications and personalised therapies.
For more information about this programme visit the .
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
Research
This programme integrates life sciences with computational modelling and bioinformatics to understand complex biological systems and big data.
PhD Profile
Candidates learn skills like coding, statistics, and mathematical modelling that can be applied over the full breadth of life sciences. Backgrounds may include biology, physics, or computer science.
Mission
To train computational biologists who can tackle multidisciplinary questions in modern life sciences using cutting-edge quantitative methods.
For more information about this programme visit the .
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
Research
Drug Innovation covers fundamental research on the discovery, development and use of drugs.
PhD Profile
Candidates work in interdisciplinary teams at UIPS, gaining expertise in chemical biology, proteomics, drug delivery, pharmacology, and pharmacoepidemiology. A relevant MSc and strong research skills are required.
Mission
To train researchers for professions in drug discovery, development, production and regulation.
For more information about this programme visit the Drug Innovation website.
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
Research
Research delves into the fundamental life processes of plants and microbes, their interactions under various abiotic and biotic conditions, the behavior and welfare of animals, and ecosystem and biodiversity research.
PhD Profile
PhD candidates should hold an MSc or equivalent level in the fields of plant biology, animal science, ecology, molecular biology, or microbiology. They should be deeply driven to conduct pioneering research at the leading edge of the aforementioned research areas.
Mission
To equip PhD candidates to address global challenges using ecological, molecular, physiological, and computational approaches that promote sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, animal welfare, and healthy ecosystems.
For more information about this programme visit the Environmental Biology website.
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
The PhD programme of Environmental Biology is a community with PhD candidates from diverse research groups. They are from:
Utrecht university:
, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, UU.
, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, UU.
, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UU.
, Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UU;
Several esteemed national KNAW research institutes
Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) -
- Fungal physiology - De Vries group and Evolutionary Phytopathology - Crous group
Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ-KNAW) -
Research
This programme investigates disease patterns, causes, and interventions across human and animal populations through clinical, environmental, and theoretical epidemiology.
PhD Profile
Candidates often hold degrees in medicine, veterinary or biomedical sciences and follow advanced epidemiological training, including the Utrecht MSc Epidemiology Postgraduate.
Mission
To educate independent researchers in evidence-based public health, capable of designing and conducting epidemiological studies across disciplines.
For more information about this programme visit the .
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
Research
The programme covers a broad range of topics in infection and immunity, including immune responses, infectious diseases, immune-oncology, host-pathogen interactions, antimicrobial resistance and immune deficiencies.
PhD Profile
Candidates typically have a background in (bio-)medical, veterinary or pharmaceutical sciences. They join interdisciplinary projects with strong clinical and fundamental components.
Mission
To train experts in immunology and infectious disease research, fostering innovation in diagnostics, therapy, and prevention.
For more information about this programme visit the .
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
Research
This programme investigates learning and teaching in Health Sciences, focussing on adaptive performance, feedback, interprofessional and workplace learning, inclusion and diversity and Technology enhanced learning.
PhD Profile
Candidates from Science, Medicine, or Veterinary Medicine conduct educational research with societal impact. The programme is linked to UCSF and international education networks.
Mission
To develop skilled education researchers who improve life sciences teaching and learning through evidence-based innovation.
For more information about this programme visit the .
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
Research
Medical imaging research focuses on imaging technology and its applications in diagnostics and image-guided therapy, with strong clinical and industrial collaborations.
PhD Profile
Candidates with MSc degrees in exact or life sciences or with an MD conduct interdisciplinary research on advanced image acquisition technology, image analysis, and medical applications thereof.
Mission
To educate imaging scientists capable of innovating diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for improved patient outcomes.
For more information about this programme visit the .
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
Research
This programme explores biomolecular structure and function through structural biology, biochemistry and advanced analytical technologies. 
PhD Profile
Candidates should be highly motivated and independent, with backgrounds inexact sciences such as chemistry, biology, physics, or any combination thereof. 
Mission
To train scientists in structural biology and biochemistry, advancing understanding of life and disease at the molecular level and driving technological developments. 
For more information about this programme visit the Molecular Life Sciences website.
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
Research
RMUtrecht focuses on stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and translational approaches to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs.
PhD Profile
Candidates from life, medical, veterinary, or technical sciences collaborate in interdisciplinary teams spanning UMC Utrecht, Hubrecht Institute, and partners.
Mission
To train future leaders in regenerative medicine through cutting-edge research and cross-disciplinary education linking science and clinical practice.
For more information about this programme visit the Regenerative Medicine website.
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .
Research
This programme examines environmental risks from chemical, biological, and physical agents through toxicology, exposure assessment, and epidemiology.
PhD Profile
Candidates need a background in life sciences and may tailor their training based on their research needs. Admission depends on academic fit and funding.
Mission
To train independent researchers in environmental risk assessment, skilled in scientific communication and equipped for careers in academia, industry, or policy.
For more information about this programme visit the .
There are no PhD vacancies at the GSLS PhD Programmes. To join one of the programmes the candidate must already have a PhD appointment. The programmes are designed to support and connect existing PhD candidates. Vacancies can be found at the and .