FAQs
What is the Doctoral programme, what are its main goals?
Doctoral students receive the unique opportunity to gain experiences in both the academic and industry environments, and receive training in human model systems and translational bioengineering to tackle the medical challenges of the future
Who should apply?
The ideal applicant for this Doctoral programme is a talented and highly motivated scientist holding a Master’s degree and with a keen interest in getting trained in human model systems and translational bioengineering to tackle the medical challenges of the future. If you search for the unique opportunity to get best prepared for future academic and industrial pharmacological leadership roles you should apply for this programme.
What are the roles of its two founding partners?
The two founding partners, Roche’s Institute of Human Biology (IHB) and the ETH Zurich Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), offer full access to both partner campuses, their facilities, expertise, mentoring and guidance. All doctoral projects will be shared between IHB and D-BSSE and both partners will provide mentors for each project. The Programme Officer located at D-BSSE provides administrative and operational support, to ensure the gentle flow of processes and maximise the benefits for enrolled fellows and partners alike by creating opportunities and opening up channels for knowledge exchanges, partnering and networking.
What is the idea behind defining specific research projects?
Experts from both partners jointly identify real-world challenges that need collaborative research to speed up the development of bioengineering approaches for medical challenges. These challenges form the basis of the doctoral projects in this fellowship programme focusing on the development of new and enhanced model systems for gene-, cell-, and organoid-based therapies to meet the real-world challenges in translational medicine.
How many fellowships will be granted?
The number of open positions may vary between application calls. Up to five projects are to be expected every year.
Who is eligible to apply for this Doctoral programme?
Candidates holding a Master’s degree are eligible for this doctoral programme. The academic background must be from biological or biomedical sciences, computer science, engineering and related disciplines.
What criteria beyond the formal criteria must applicants meet?
Those who thrive in a dynamic, inclusive environment which gives full accountability for their own contributions and development. They have a keen interest in continuously building a personal network and are resourceful and flexible in problem solving and in working in a collaborative and inclusive manner. Thoseable to identify their top deliverables, finalise projects to achieve results whilst assuming personal responsibility for outcomes.
What are the criteria to join the Doctoral Programme?
The formal eligibility and admission criteria for joining this programme are defined in the ETH guidelines for doctorates.
What are the requirements to earn a doctorate from ETH?
Doctorates make a significant, fundamental contribution to research. They are based on research projects that are carried out independently, supervised by at least one principal investigator. At the end of the research project, the results are compiled in a thesis that is defended in an oral examination. On successful completion of their doctorate, students are awarded the title “Doctor of Sciences (Dr. sc. ETH Zurich)”. Find guidelines for doctorates on the ETH website and on the doctorate at D-BSSE on the D-BSSE website.
How does the selection procedure work?
There is one open call for applications per year. Candidates who are eligible are encouraged to apply for a fellowship linked to a specific research project following the ETH registration and admission guidelines. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee composed of professors and group leaders from Roche IHB and ETH D-BSSE. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews with Roche IHB and ETH D-BSSE group leaders. The fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis.
Who owns the scientific achievements from the research?
The ownership of scientific achievements are agreed upon for each project individually. The rights to publish are fully protected.