PhD Program

RBCT Structured PhD Training Program

Fields of Research

Doctoral candidates conduct independent research within RBCT research groups, covering a broad spectrum of translational cancer research. Research focuses include molecular and cellular cancer biology, tumor immunology, tumor heterogeneity, cancer bioinformatics, biomarker discovery, and the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Research projects are embedded in a highly collaborative environment with strong links between basic research and clinical application.

Program with Scientific Mentoring

The RBCT Structured PhD Training Program is a three-year, English-language program (with the option of a short extension) that combines excellent research conditions with structured scientific mentoring and career development support.

Each doctoral candidate is integrated into an RBCT research group and supported by a clearly defined supervision structure:

• A Supervision Agreement signed by the doctoral candidate, the principal investigator (PI), and the program coordinator
• A Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) consisting of three members:
  • The RBCT PI as main supervisor
  • One internal scientific advisor
  • One external expert (e.g., from a partner university or international institution)

The TAC meets at months 6, 18, and 30 to provide scientific evaluation, risk assessment, publication guidance, and career mentoring. Progress is further supported through annual Individual Development Plans (IDP) and written progress reports.

Doctoral candidates are enrolled at a partner university (e.g., University of Tuebingen, University of Stuttgart, University of Hohenheim) and submit and defend their dissertation there.

Core Curriculum (30 Credit Points)

The structured training program comprises a total of 30 credit points (CP), designed to support scientific excellence and professional development:

• Good Scientific Practice (1 CP)
• Communication Skills (6 CP)
• Seminars and Journal Clubs (6 CP)
• Methods Workshops (6 CP)
• Soft Skills (6 CP)
• Teaching and Supervision (2 CP)
• Peer-reviewed Publication (3 CP)

Training activities are documented via the IBBZ Tracking Platform. External courses (e.g., university workshops, EMBL courses, or online platforms such as Coursera) may be credited upon approval by the TAC.

Additional Program Elements & Research Environment

Doctoral candidates benefit from a world-class research environment at the Bosch Health Campus, providing access to a strong national and international scientific network.

The program places strong emphasis on:

• Good Scientific Practice and research integrity
• Transparent and responsible use of AI tools
• Digital data management (e.g., LabGuru, LIMS)
• Mandatory ethics approvals for human, animal, or genetically modified work
• Adherence to the Bosch Health Campus Gender Equality Plan (GEP 2024)

Interested in applying?

Please submit an unsolicited application via our online career portal [link].