Doctoral training

The NCCR Bio-Inspired Materials offers attractive career development opportunities to its doctoral candidates in a domain with important anticipated developments in academia and industry. The Center offers a uniquely diverse and international research environment, training young graduates on how to tackle complex interdisciplinary research questions. Since career development involves more than building research skills, and employers are looking for researchers who can add value to their organizations, the Center also fosters personal development by equipping young graduates with competencies and transferable skill such as the capability to work across disciplines and cultures.

Below are more details on the training program for PhD students funded NCCR Bio-Inspired Materials. Use the left-side menu to find out more about funding opportunities for PhD students within the NCCR and about transferable skills training.

Training of NCCR-funded PhD students

PhD students funded by the NCCR Bio-Inspired Materials are expected to fulfil three requirements during their doctorate:

Outreach / mentoring of young students

PhD students of the NCCR Bio-Inspired Materials actively participate in education and outreach programs offered to elementary and high-school children and/or undergraduate mentoring activities. By participating in these programs, PhD students improve their organization and communication skills, and gain experience in project planning, mentoring and teaching.

International Graduate Exchange Program

Mobility fosters personal and innovation skills. Therefore, gaining experience at a foreign institution is a crucial aspect of young researchers’ careers. The NCCR International Graduate Student Exchange Program allows its PhD students to spend up to three months in a laboratory of a partner institution. PhD students contributing to the NCCR Bio-Inspired Materials at an activity rate of 50% or higher for at least 18 months are eligible to apply to this program. For further information and to apply, contact the Scientific Coordinator.

Internal lab exchange

PhD candidates working on collaborative projects will spend some time (2-8 weeks, depending on the project) working in a partner’s laboratory to get insights into a different research culture, exchange ideas, and learn new techniques.

The participation in each activity must be discussed with the respective thesis supervisor taking into account the individual goals, interests and needs of the PhD student.

For any questions, please contact the Scientific Coordinator.