BioNTech SE
Scientific events and courses are all held in English.
PhD candidates generally start between April and October. The PhD retreat that takes place in October serves as the first scientific event that PhD candidates take part in, so that they can get to know senior students and their projects. An introductory week is organised in November for new students to expand their network within BioNTech and TRON, and for students to learn about different aspects of their scientific research and training opportunities offered by our programme.
On average, a PhD may take up to four years to complete. Students receive full funding until the submission of their thesis as BioNTech or TRON employees.
For more information, please visit our website: https://atlas-phdprogram.com/.
31 October for the following year
BioNTech and TRON (Translational Oncology Mainz) are leading institutions in the field of immunotherapy. Our joint international PhD programme is looking for talented, junior researchers of all nationalities.
Our ATLAS (Talent Academy for TransLAtional Science) programme guides and supports PhD students to conduct excellent research projects and offers comprehensive training in cutting-edge technologies and professional skills. The scientific training within the programme has a strong focus on "the art of translation", i.e. turning basic scientific discoveries into applications.
We organise weekly journal and data clubs as well as scientific seminars. The PhD retreat and a Science Day take place annually.
Furthermore, a transferable skill training is held each month on diverse topics. You can find an overview of our workshops here: https://atlas-phdprogram.com/events.
Our PhD candidates have the opportunity to apply for external research stays at one of our international partner institutes. Since BioNTech has labs and sites world-wide, our students may join lab rotation at other sites.
Students can choose to enrol or register themselves at one of our partner universities. If they only register their PhD project at the university, they do not need to pay the semester contribution fee at the university. If they would like to enrol at the university, then they have to pay the semester contribution fee. The amount varies depending on the university that the student will choose.
All students will have a full-time contract with BioNTech or TRON.
A Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Life Science, Medicine, Immunology, Computer Science, Engineering or related fields from a university recognised in Germany
Professional proficiency in both written and spoken English
31 October for the following year
Please submit your application via our online portal:
We organise career development workshops and talks regularly. As the programme is a mix of an academic and industrial PhD programme, students have the opportunity to build their professional network from the beginning. More than half of our graduates stay as scientists at BioNTech or TRON.
The ATLAS PhD coordination office and the PhD community organise welcome events for new and current PhD students. Before students set their journey to Germany, they join online seminars and get tips on cultural preparation, academic preparation, accommodation and departure. The HR and Global Mobility teams also provide visa and administrative support to make sure international students will have a smooth start.
The Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) will guide and support the student academically. The TAC consists of three to four members: the internal project supervisor, a main supervisor, a university supervisor and sometimes an external supervisor.
BioNTech and TRON (Translational Oncology Mainz) are leading institutions in the field of immunotherapy and translational science.
Mainz is known as the biotechnological hub of Germany, since many biotech start-ups are located in this area. According to the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, the city is lively filled with international students. The city of Mainz is historical and beautiful with the scenery of the grape yards and the Rhine river. Its location at the heart of Europe also allows students to easily travel to other big cities and European countries.
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