The PhD programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine seeks highly qualified and motivated students interested in emerging knowledge in life and health sciences, in learning advanced technical skills, and aiming at carrying out cutting-edge research and developing biotechnology and translational applications. 
 
Admission Requirements  
Candidates should hold a Master's Degree (or Pre-Bologna Bachelor's Degree) in Biology, Biochemistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Genetics or in another scientific field relevant for Biology and Biomedicine (e.g. Mathematics, Statistics, Computational Sciences, Physics) 
Candidates without a Master’s degree may be considered provided they hold a particularly relevant academic or scientific CV that is recognized, by the Scientific Council of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research of the University of Coimbra, as attesting capacity to carry out the PhD program. 
Proficiency in English as a working language is required since this is an international program.  
The research work should directly involve groups of CNC but the students are allowed and encouraged to spend some time abroad in laboratories collaborating with CNC groups. 
 
Selection process and criteria  
Candidates are first evaluated based on their CVs, motivation letter and reference letters. Pre-selected candidates will be invited to an interview (face to face, preferably). 
The Selection Committee includes the PDBEB coordinator(s) and CNC group leaders. 
 
Selection criteria 
1st criteria: quality of CV, plus motivation and reference letters (35%) 
CV  (weight: 60%): quality of the academic and scientific achievements of the candidate  (final classifications of Bachelor and Master degrees, research experience, and publications authored/co-authored by the candidate). 
Motivation letter (weight: 20%) 
Reference letters (weight: 20%) 
2nd criteria: Interview (weight: 65%) 
The  interview may address scientific knowledge, critical thinking, science and society issues, drive for the program, awareness of scientific challenges and other topics deemed important by the evaluators. 
 
 
How to apply 
Applications are submitted online at UC InforEstudante 
 
Required documents: 
- CV 
- Academic degree certificate(s) with final grade (not required for UC graduates) 
Candidates may submit their application conditionally if they do not yet have the certificate, or other mandatory documents, by the end of the application deadline, provided they will be able to hand the certificate at the time of the publication of the final ranking list. Please note: if the documents are necessary for the evaluation and ranking of the application, they must be submitted before the end of the seriation deadline. 
Recognition of foreign academic degrees may be necessary  
-  Motivation letter (should address previous experience, motivation for science, reasons for choosing this particular PhD program, and career prospects)  
- Reference letters (should be written on institutional headed paper and include the referee’s signature) 
- National ID card or Passport 
 
Specific conditions for applying to the program should be verified every year at the UC website.  
 
Tuition fees 
Annual fee: 2750 € 
 
 
Application deadlines  
Application deadlines for the 2024/2025 academic year are: 

First phase: From 1st March to 1st April, 2024

Second phase: From 3rd June to 15th July, 2024

Third phase: From 2nd to 13th September, 2024

Extraordinary phase: From 22nd to 29th October, 2024

Details of application deadlines for the 2024/2025 academic year are available here.
 
Further information  
On academic issues - UC Assistance for Applicants