Hubrecht International PhD Program; HIPP

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, the Netherlands. HIPP provides exceptional training to become a world-class researcher and supports candidates aiming to redefine our understanding of molecules, cells, tissues and organisms.

Before submitting your application, please read carefully through the HIPP website

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). Their work will contribute to breakthrough discoveries in molecular biology, developmental biology, and emerging interdisciplinary areas such as biophysics, mathematical biology and computational biology.

• A fully funded, four-year PhD position with a globally competitive salary in a vibrant and English-speaking city with easy access to international connections
• Organisational and financial support for obtaining necessary permits or visas
• Financial support to attend international conferences (up to €3,000)
• Access to training courses, career development workshops and opportunities for networking and public engagement

• You must hold, or expect to be awarded, a Master’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, (Applied) Mathematics, Engineering or related fields.
• The Master’s degree should be awarded at the latest before the start of the PhD
• You must have > 6 months’ research experience in biology or a biology-related discipline, including theoretical fields
• 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

Applications must be submitted through the application portal before September 15th 2026 at 23:59 (Central European Summer time ).

The selection process will involve the following stages:

All valid applications will be reviewed by at least two members of the HIPP selection committee. Applicants with incomplete applications (including missing reference letters) will be disqualified at this stage.

Candidates selected for an online interview will give a formal 10-minute presentation about their previous work, followed by 15 minutes Q&A by the selection panel (HIPP committee plus some recruiting group leaders).

Candidates selected for the in-person interview will visit the Hubrecht Institute to have 1-on-1 meetings with group leaders and their team members (including current PhD students). Travel, accommodation and costs incurred for obtaining necessary travel documents will be covered by the Hubrecht Institute.

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 research groups that they would like to join. These can be different to the groups of interest indicated in the initial application.

The visit is part of the selection process. PhD positions will be offered to successful candidates shortly after the visit.

Decision communicated to candidates :
Early February 2027.

The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute focused on molecular and developmental biology. Because of the dynamic character of the research, the institute has a variable number of research groups, around 20, that do fundamental, multidisciplinary research on healthy and diseased cells, tissues and organisms. The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute of the…