Launch Your Scientific Career in a World-Class Research Environment

Are you an ambitious student eager to push the frontiers of molecular and developmental biology? The Hubrecht International PhD Programme (HIPP) invites talented candidates from around the globe to apply for fully funded, four-year PhD positions at the prestigious Hubrecht Institute in Utrecht. HIPP provides exceptional training to become world-class researchers, working at the cutting edge of developmental biology, stem cells, cancer research, and more.

What You’ll Be Doing

Successful candidates will conduct independent research within one of the institute’s high-profile research groups, while enrolling in a PhD program at a Dutch university (e.g., Utrecht University’s ‘Cancer, Stem Cells, and Developmental Biology’ track). Your work will contribute to breakthrough discoveries in molecular biology, developmental biology, and emerging interdisciplinary areas such as physics and computational biology.
What You Bring

• A master’s degree in life sciences or equivalent (or expected before the PhD start date)
• Strong interest in molecular or developmental biology, innovation, and technology
• Excellent analytical, empirical, and organizational skills
• A research-driven mindset with the ability to work independently
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in academic settings
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken

What We Offer

• Fully funded 4-year PhD positions at a globally leading institute
• Funding for international conference participation (up to € 3.000, – )
• Full coverage of travel, accommodation, and catering for in-person interviews
• Access to world-class facilities, research groups, and scientific networks

More information

Please upload your application through the official HIPP portal. Your application must include:

• A CV, with names of 2 referees.
• A motivation letter (max. 300 words) explaining your scientific interests and preference for up to three Hubrecht laboratories
• Transcripts/grades from undergraduate and graduate studies

Additionally, 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.

The selection process will involve the following stages:

• Eligibility screening
• Online pre-selection interview with the HIPP committee
• Online qualification interview with the HIPP committee and recruiting group leaders
• In-person interview at the Hubrecht Institute in Utrecht from 26–29 January 2026

About the Hubrecht Institute
The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute focusing on developmental and stem cell biology. At the institute, more than 20 research groups perform fundamental and multidisciplinary research, both in healthy systems and disease models. The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and is located on the Utrecht Science Park ‘De Uithof’. Since 2008, the institute has been affiliated with the University Medical Center Utrecht, advancing the translation of research into clinical practice. The Hubrecht Institute has a partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is 2.901 and the maximum salary is 3.707 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale P cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.