Microscopic photo of the pancreas organoid. In magenta you can see the nuclei of the cells and in cyan you can see the acinar cells that secrete digestive enzymes.

Hubrecht International PhD Program

The Hubrecht International PhD Program (HIPP) aims to recruit outstanding students to the Hubrecht Institute, where they will train under leading scientists to become world-class researchers in molecular and developmental biology.

 

 

An overview of all research groups can be found on this page.

The HIPP is open to students from any country without restriction. The primary criteria for selection are scientific excellence and future potential.

 

What we offer

HIPP students will receive:

  • a fully funded four-year PhD position in a vibrant and dynamic city, with a globally competitive salary
  • financial support for attendance at international conferences
  • access to training courses, career development workshops, and opportunities for networking and public engagement (e.g., through the Hubrecht Symposium and the Weekend of Science)

For more information about being a PhD student at the Hubrecht Institute, visit the page: Working at the Hubrecht Institute.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for admission to the HIPP, students must:

  • have a solid background in molecular biology, developmental biology, or related disciplines; or training in a field that could complement molecular and developmental biology
  • hold a Master’s degree in the life sciences or related disciplines OR expect to be awarded a Master’s degree before commencing their PhD

How to apply?

All applications must be submitted by September 15, through this portal.

Applications must include:

  • a CV
  • transcripts/grades for undergraduate and graduate coursework
  • a 300-word essay detailing your scientific interests and your specific reasons for applying to the Hubrecht Institute

In addition, we require two referees to fill out this reference questionnaire and send it to hipp@hubrecht.eu from their work e-mail address, by September 15th.

What to expect from the application procedure?

Applications will be accepted from July 1st until September 16th 2025. Selection of candidates will happen in two phases. During the first phase selection will occur based on the documents submitted by the applicants. A subset of applicants will then be selected for the second phase, an informal interview at the Hubrecht Institute.

What? When?
Call closes September 15
Online screening interviews October – November
Online qualification interviews End of November
In-person selection visit End of January 2026
Decisions communicated to candidates End of January/Early February 2026

Online screening interviews

Selected candidates will meet with 2 members of the selection committee for 15-20 minutes. Candidates may be asked about their background, scientific interests, and reasons for applying to the Hubrecht Institute.

Online qualification interviews

Selected candidates will give a formal 10-minute presentation on their past work, followed by 20 minutes Q&A by the panel, which will consist of the selection committee and recruiting group leaders.

In-person selection visit

Selected candidates will visit the Hubrecht Institute for 3 days, during which they will have 1-on-1 meetings with several group leaders and their team members (including current PhD students). Candidates will also be given a tour of the Institute facilities. At the end of the visit, candidates will provide a ranked list of up to three labs they would like to join.

Who to contact?

For questions, please contact hipp@hubrecht.eu