About PhD Program in Plant Sciences

The PhD Program in Plant Sciences complements doctoral research with a structured training framework. By combining discipline-specific courses with methodological, digital, and transferable skills training, the program supports doctoral candidates in developing competencies that extend beyond their individual research projects and contribute to a well-rounded professional profile.

A structured PhD program complements the individual doctoral research project with an organized framework of training, skill development, and academic exchange. While doctoral research provides highly specialized scientific expertise through the development of an independent research project and the completion of a doctoral thesis, many doctoral candidates also consider a variety of future career paths both within and beyond academia. Complementing thesis work with broader training can therefore be an important part of preparing for future career steps.

By joining the PhD Program in Plant Sciences, doctoral candidates become part of a structured doctoral training environment that complements the supervision and research conducted in their host research group. The program offers a curriculum designed to support the development of competencies required for conducting independent research and for pursuing a wide range of career paths. 

The program provides access to a curated portfolio of doctoral-level courses introducing modern experimental approaches and analytical techniques used in plant and environmental sciences. Particular attention is given to the development of digital competencies, including programming, data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence approaches relevant to contemporary plant science research. In addition to regular courses, the program offers intensive training formats such as thematic summer and winter schools. These training formats bring together international experts and doctoral candidates to explore emerging methods and analytical approaches in greater depth. Through lectures, seminars, and hands-on workshops, participants have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of machine learning and related computational approaches while gaining practical experience in applying these methods to biological data.

In addition to discipline-specific training, the program supports the development of transferable skills that are important for professional development in academia and beyond. These include scientific writing and presentation, research data management, project planning, and strategies for obtaining research funding. Such competencies support doctoral candidates in planning and communicating their research effectively and preparing for future career opportunities.

The PhD Program in Plant Sciences connects doctoral candidates with the broader plant science community of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, which includes researchers from ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, and the University of Basel. Participation in program activities such as colloquia, courses, networking events, and the biennial PSC PhD Symposium facilitates exchange between doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and senior scientists from different institutions and research fields, including international collaborators.

Doctoral candidates may also participate in activities that strengthen their project management and organizational skills, such as contributing to the organization of the PSC PhD Symposium. These activities provide opportunities to gain experience in scientific event organization, teamwork, and coordination within an international academic environment.

The PSC qualification framework aims to support the development of transferable skills and competencies required for successful careers in science and related sectors. Completion of a structured PhD Program is increasingly expected by many potential employers and funding organizations, both within and outside academia.

The PhD Program is open to doctoral students officially enrolled at the University of Zurich (UZH), ETH Zurich (ETHZ) or at the University of Basel (UNIBAS). Thus, To be eligible for our program, prospective students must first secure a position within a research team at one of the three universities. This involves finding a professor who will act as your PhD thesis supervisor. The PhD program itself provides thematic training to supplement your doctoral research,  but does not offer PhD positions. 

If you fulfil above condions you are ready to join PhD Program in Plant Sciences!

REGISTER HERE