PhD studies

Graduate studies leading to a Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences is offered at the Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute. Ph.D. positions are announced four times a year on this web site, and on the web-page of Stockholm University http://www.su.se/english/about/vacancies, and twice a year in the Swedish newspapers. Information regarding available projects and the application procedure are included in the announcements.

Ph.D. students are accepted to conduct research studies within a project run by a principal investigator heading an independent research group. For specified information prospective students are encouraged to directly contact the principal investigators working in the research field of interest.

The Departmental/Institute Board formally appoints Ph.D. students. The following provides a brief summary of eligibility requirements and application process.

Eligibility

Graduate studies in Molecular Biosciences requires a completed university degree at an advanced level and education corresponding to at least 240 Swedish credits (hp), including at least 120 hp in molecular biology, biology, chemistry or similar and complementary subjects. Candidates should have successfully completed courses at an advanced level in molecular biosciences (60 hp), of which 30 hp represent independent research project work.

Applicants who have completed the eligibility requirements established prior to July 1, 2007, i.e., at least 180 Swedish credits (hp), including at least 90 hp in molecular biology, biology, chemistry or similar and complementary subjects, are also eligible up until June 30, 2015.

Selection criteria

Successful applicants are selected based on documented theoretical and experimental knowledge relevant for the area of study, knowledge of scientific theory and method, analytical skills, personal motivation and team working skills. Well-developed English language skills are required. The applicants are encouraged to provide supporting documents that substantiate qualifications, e.g., knowledge, skills, abilities and experience. References and interviews will be used to assess qualifications of the applicants.

Decisions regarding acceptance are not subject to appeal.

Terms of Employment

Newly appointed graduate students are initially financed for one year. Financing can be extended twice for a period of up to two years at a time. The total graduate student appointment corresponds to a total of four years of full-time employment. For the first two years the position is financed by stipends (utbildningsbidrag) and for the following two years students are employed (doktorandanställning). Students primarily focus on their own studies, but the study period can be extended by up to 20% (amounting to an additional year) by a combination of teaching (5% mandatory at basic and master levels), research and administration. Typically students defend their thesis work after five years.

There are no tuition fees for PhD studies in Sweden. For more information about studies in Sweden see: www.studyinsweden.se  and specifically regarding Ph.D. studies see: http://www.doktorandhandboken.nu  (In Swedish), or http://www.doktorandhandboken.nu/engelska/english (in English).
 

Do you need student accommodation?

Since it is not so easy to find accommodation in Stockholm you are recommended to register on the waiting list at “Stiftelsen för Studentbostäder” as soon as possible.