Life as a DKFZ PhD Student

The DKFZ has a very active and welcoming PhD community. Below you'll find more information about the PhD student representatives and teams, as well as some of the many activities going on at the DKFZ.

PhD Council

The PhD Council is a team of five PhD student representatives, elected by the DKFZ PhD student body in October/November of every year. The PhD Council represents the DKFZ PhD community, acting as the official liaison between the Doctoral Researchers community and the administrative and scientific executive boards. They also head the PhD Teams to support various activities for PhD students, fostering scientific and social interactions not only among the PhD students at the DKFZ but also with other institutes in Heidelberg and other Helmholtz centres all over Germany (check Helmholtz Juniors below).

A group of five PhD students sits together on a staircase, smiling and engaged. The students, representing diverse backgrounds, embody camaraderie and collaboration in their academic journey, highlighting the supportive community within the DKFZ PhD program.

PhD Teams

Helmholtz Juniors

Helmholtz Juniors (HeJus) was founded in 2005 as an initiative to represent the interests of all (about 8000 as of 2016) PhD students working at each of the 18 centers in the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest non-university scientific organization. Their primary goals are fostering exchange between and networking, improving working conditions, and expanding opportunities for advanced training within the Helmholtz Association.

A diverse group of 22 PhD students stands together in a lush indoor setting with greenery in the background. They are smiling and dressed in casual attire, representing various backgrounds and cultures, showcasing a sense of community and collaboration within the DKFZ PhD program.
Helmholtz Juniors Meeting 2022

Other PhD Initiatives

BioContact

A busy networking event set in a bright, open space. Attendees engage in conversations around various informational booths, with tables displaying brochures and promotional materials. The atmosphere is lively, reflecting collaboration and engagement among participants interested in PhD opportunities at DKFZ.

BioContact e.V. is an association founded and run by PhD students and Postdocs from various institutes in Heidelberg (e.g. DKFZ, EMBL, MPIs). Their main goal is the organization of an annual life science job fair called “CONTACT”. Additionally they invite several companies throughout the year to so-called “IN CONTACT WITH” presentations, where companies have the opportunity to present themselves as an attractive employer. These events are aimed to present different working models in the life science industry, such as big companies like Roche or Bayer, as well as exciting and newly established startups, to a new generation of young scientists. Through internal workshops, other social activities and meetings, they offer further useful training in preparation for the prospective job market. For more information about their activities, please visit their website.

The image features the website URL "www.BioContact.info" prominently displayed in black text, with an oval orange shape enclosing the text. It signifies an online resource related to 'BioContact'.

The upcoming CONTACT2025 is going to take place on 21 of May 2025 at the DKFZ in Heidelberg. 

We offer you a wide range of talks, where you get direct information about job perspectives within the respective company. External speakers tell you about possible jobs in the areas of life sciences, publishing and forensics. Furthermore, we offer several workshops of renowned companies where you get the chance for a resume check and interview trainings.

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

DKFZ PhD Band - The Wild Types

A musical performance takes place during the graduation ceremony, featuring a band named "The Wild Types." The group includes several musicians playing instruments and a vocalist, with a large screen displaying the band's name in the background.

The Wild Types: science, party and Rock'n'Roll! 

The Wild Types is the DKFZ's rock band, made up of DKFZ PhD students, alumni and some colleagues from the campus! They play pop-rock, classic rock, dancing catchy songs and here and there some metal as well. They regularly perform inside and outside of the DKFZ, for example at the annual DKFZ Graduation Ceremony and at local events.

Voices of our PhD Students

Gain insights into what PhD students say about their experiences in the DKFZ International PhD Program here.

 

A diverse group of over 80 PhD students stands together, smiling and waving cheerfully. They are situated in a spacious, brightly lit area with tables and chairs, showcasing the vibrant community at DKFZ. This image reflects the collaborative and friendly atmosphere of life as a PhD student.
Form

Form data is loaded ...