MSc/PhD fellowship program
HBIGS offers up to 15 competitive MSc/PhD fellowships to Heidelberg Master students planning to pursue their PhD at Heidelberg University.
Who is eligible to apply?
Master students of Heidelberg University who started their Master studies in fall 2014 in the MSc programs Molecular Biosciences, Molecular Biotechnology, or Biochemistry, respectively, and who will conduct their thesis in the lab of a principal investigator of the HBIGS faculty are eligible to apply to the fellowship programme. Successful candidates are expected to start their Master thesis projects no later than 1 Apr 2016.
What do MSc/PhD fellowships comprise?
MSc fellowships amount to € 4,000 (tax free), granted for the last six months of Master studies, i.e. Master thesis project conducted in the lab of an HBIGS faculty member, both active and associated. A PhD work contract according to TV-L E13 (65%, matching funds provided by the host lab) is offered to fellowship holders who start a PhD project in the lab of a principal investigator of the HBIGS active faculty.
Successful applicants are offered HBIGS membership without further assessment after completion of the MSc program.
How can you apply for a fellowship?
Applicants are invited to submit their application exclusively through the HBIGS online application system. Use the "Fast Track" and choose the name of the principal investigator in whose lab you will conduct your Master thesis project from the scroll bar. Choose the provisional starting date of the Master project, too.Completed applications must be submitted by 31 Jan 2016.
All applicants are requested to provide the following information:
1. Secondary school leaving certificate (or equivalent to German "Abitur").
2. Academic records
Submit your official transcripts of academic records from every postsecondary institution attended including a preliminary Master transcript of the Faculty of Biosciences.
3. Statement of Purpose
Write a statement (± 500 words) describing your motivation and preparation for the selected field of study. Describe the area of biology you find most interesting, your previous research experience, your future career plans and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for the respective programme.
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
5. Proof of English language ability
Proof is not required for Master students of Heidelberg University. For technical reasons you are requested to write and upload a statement (in .pdf format) that you are exempted from providing proof of language proficiency.
6. Contact details of two referees + two reference letters from these referees
You have two options. Either you upload the letters of recommendation (LOR) or your referees send them as .pdf file only (!) to r.lutz@hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de . In the latter case you have to write a statement that your LOR will be sent directly to us, and upload this as .pdf-file (one .pfd document for every recommendation letter). Please note, however, that your application can only be considered as completed when we have received both LOR in time.
How are candidates selected?
The assessment of candidates for a fellowship involves three steps:1. Evaluation of application documents
Applications will be reviewed and ranked.
2. Interviews
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews to take place in Heidelberg on 25/26 Feb 2016.
3. The MSc fellowships will start with the Master thesis but no later than 1 Apr 2016. The PhD fellowships will start no later than 1 Nov 2016.
