Are you an international student passionate about experimental research, biotechnology, and public health solutions? Then this exciting fully funded PhD opportunity at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) in Germany could be your career-defining moment!
PhD Scholarship Overview
Program Title: PhD Scholarship (f/m/d) – In-situ Detection of Airborne Pathogens
Location: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
Start Date: September 1, 2025
Duration: 3 years
Working Language: English and German
Funding: Fully funded (includes salary, benefits, and social contributions as per TVöD-Bund)
What’s This PhD Opportunity About?
HZDR—an internationally renowned research center with 1,500 employees from over 70 nations—is offering a PhD position in the development of real-time airborne pathogen surveillance solutions. This cutting-edge interdisciplinary project combines fluid dynamics, aerosol science, bioengineering, and biotechnology to build a sensor system capable of real-time monitoring of pathogens in the air.
You’ll be working with an elite, multi-disciplinary team to:
- Enhance sensors using aerosol separation and field effect transistors (FET)
- Use high-end tools like electron-beam lithography and cleanroom technologies
- Design and lead an experimental measurement campaign
- Publish in top-tier scientific journals and present at international conferences.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, you must:
- Hold a Master’s or Diploma degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline
- Have a passion for hands-on experimental research and interdisciplinary teamwork
- Demonstrate structured, communicative, and goal-oriented working style
- Be proficient in English; German is an advantage.
What’s in It for You?
HZDR offers much more than just a degree:
- Access to a structured PhD program with extensive training and networking opportunities
- Inclusion in a diverse and international research community
- Salary and benefits according to TVöD-Bund (public sector collective agreement)
- 30 paid holidays, pension scheme, and subsidized transport pass (Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket)
- Work-life balance with flexible work hours and remote work options
- Health programs and corporate discounts via the “Corporate Benefits” platform.
Required Documents for Application Submission
Prepare and upload the following documents via the official online application portal:
- Motivation Letter (Why this research matters to you)
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of Academic Certificates and Transcripts
- List of Publications (if any).
Apply: https://www.hzdr.de/db/Cms?pNid=490&pLang=en&pOid=74895.
The last date to apply for the PhD Scholarship in In-situ Detection of Airborne Pathogens at HZDR is June 30, 2025.