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Employment & funding

All IDEAS PhD positions are fully funded (100%) according to TVöD E13 for 3 years with the possibility of 1 year extension.

Key dates & timeline

Application deadline
22.02.2026, 23:59 CET

Candidate ranking
until 05.03.2026 (excellence-based ranking)

Interview week
11.03.2026 - 20.03.2026 (online interviews)

Expected start date
01.05.2026 or 01.06.2026

Dates may be adjusted slightly. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email.

More topics than positions

IDEAS typically offers a pool of project topics that is larger than the number of available positions, enabling better matching between candidates and projects.
In the first call, we advertise 6 funded PhD positions across 8 project topics. This means that even strong candidates may not receive an offer for their first-choice topic if it is already filled—however, the process is designed to support fair matching across multiple topics.

Candidates are evaluated and ranked based on scientific potential, achievements, and fit with the school and projects. More information about the process here

Innovation Track (propose your own idea)

In addition to the advertised projects, IDEAS offers an Innovation Track for exceptional, self-developed project ideas. A limited number of positions may be reserved for such proposals, which are considered alongside standard applications.
Your idea can be shaped freely, but it must fall within Life Sciences & Health or Environmental Sciences. Before applying, you must contact two PIs from the PI list and obtain their support: one PI from a Helmholtz Center and one PI from a university (Y-supervision principle).

Write your project proposal (max 2 pages) and add it to your cover letter. Then proceed with the application process as detailed below.