PhD in Molecular and Cellular Basis of Human Disease in Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research – Switzerland

Summary

The Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI) in Basel, Switzerland, is inviting applications for its International PhD Program Fall Call 2026. This program offers advanced interdisciplinary training in Genome Regulation, Multicellular Systems, and Neurobiology, focusing on the molecular and cellular basis of human disease. PhD students will pursue a research project under the guidance of an FMI group leader and receive theoretical and practical training at both the FMI and the University of Basel. The program provides fellowships with social benefits and funds for scientific meetings or laptop acquisition. Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent and have a good command of English. The application deadline is November 15, 2026.

Key Facts

Position Type	PhD Positions
Discipline	Biological sciences, Biology, Biological engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Structural chemistry, Computer science, Modelling tools, Neurosciences, Neuroinformatics, Mathematics, Applied mathematics, Technology, Biotechnology
Research Area	Molecular and Cellular Basis of Human Disease, Genome Regulation, Multicellular Systems, Neurobiology
Degree Required	Master Degree or equivalent
Salary	fellowships with social benefits
Funding	fellowships with social benefits
Contract Duration	Temporary
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-15
Employer Address	Fabrikstrasse 24, Basel, 4056, Switzerland

About the Project

PhD students admitted to the program will pursue a research project under the guidance of an FMI group leader. The research focuses on the molecular and cellular basis of human disease, with advanced interdisciplinary training provided in Genome Regulation, Multicellular Systems, and Neurobiology. The program encourages students to examine the biomedical application of their discoveries.

Key Responsibilities

• Pursue a research project under the guidance of an FMI group leader
• Receive theoretical and practical training at both the FMI and the University of Basel
• Learn highly advanced techniques from specialists
• Be introduced to experimental analysis at multiple levels of biological organization

Required Skills

• Strong interest in the molecular and cellular basis of human disease
• Strong interest in Genome Regulation, Multicellular Systems, Neurobiology
• Good English level

Who Should Apply

This program is suitable for First Stage Researchers (R1) with a Master's degree or equivalent in biological sciences, biology, biological engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, structural chemistry, computer science, modelling tools, neurosciences, neuroinformatics, mathematics, applied mathematics, technology, or biotechnology. Candidates should have a strong interest in the molecular and cellular basis of human disease, genome regulation, multicellular systems, and neurobiology, and possess a good level of English.

Benefits

• Fellowships with social benefits
• Funds to participate in scientific meetings
• Funds for the acquisition of a laptop
• Advanced interdisciplinary training
• Exposure to the latest molecular and genetic approaches
• Exceptional opportunities for further scientific interactions and local participation in conferences and meetings
• Access to excellent technical resources and highly advanced techniques

About the Employer

The Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI) is affiliated with the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research and is an affiliated institute of the University of Basel. It is situated at the interface of academic research and biomedical application. The FMI has excellent technical resources and is located in Basel, Switzerland, within a vibrant life science community that extends to Zurich.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for the FMI International PhD Program Fall Call 2026?

The application deadline for the Fall Call is November 15, 2026.

What degree is required to apply for this PhD program?

Applicants must have a Master Degree or equivalent.

What are the main research areas covered by the program?

The program provides advanced interdisciplinary training in Genome Regulation, Multicellular Systems, and Neurobiology, focusing on the molecular and cellular basis of human disease.

What benefits do selected candidates receive?

Selected candidates receive fellowships with social benefits and are awarded funds to participate in scientific meetings or for the acquisition of a laptop.

What is the required language proficiency?

A good level of English is required.

Where is the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research located?

The institute is located at Fabrikstrasse 24, Basel, 4056, Switzerland.