The Nencki Institute is one of Poland’s leading research centers dedicated to training young scientists in the fields of biological and biomedical sciences, as well as related disciplines in the natural sciences. Doctoral course takes place in a modern research environment that provides access to advanced scientific infrastructure, international research teams, and the highest quality academic supervision.
Since 2025, the Nencki Institute has been the leader of the International PhD School in Biology and Translational Medicine – Bio4Med. The PhD school’s educational program is designed to develop research competencies that enable interdisciplinary research at the intersection of basic sciences and medicine. Particular emphasis is placed on translational research, which aims to apply the results of basic research to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, as well as solutions that support healthcare. The PhD School fosters an international educational environment that supports academic mobility, collaboration with international partners, and the development of the competencies necessary to thrive in modern science.
Since 2019, the Institute has also been a part of the Warsaw-4-PhD School, run in collaboration with leading scientific institutions in Warsaw. The PhD school offers interdisciplinary education in the fields of natural sciences, and biomedical sciences, enabling PhD students to conduct research in diverse scientific teams and to take advantage of the extensive research facilities of the consortium’s partners. This model of inter-institutional collaboration fosters a unique environment conducive to the exchange of knowledge, the development of innovative research projects, and the building of national and international collaboration networks.
The Nencki Institute also provides substantive support to the Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine in Łódź by participating in teaching activities and helping to develop high standards of education in the fields of medical and pharmaceutical sciences.
The Institute’s involvement in several doctoral schools underscores its significant role in the national doctoral education system and its expertise in preparing young scientists to conduct research at the highest international level.
The educational programs offered in collaboration with the Institute focus not only on developing research competencies but also on fostering skills related to scientific communication, research project management, research ethics, open science, international collaboration, and the transfer of knowledge to industry and clinical practice. As a result, doctoral program graduates are prepared both to pursue academic careers and to work in the research and development, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as in public and international institutions.
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Who is a PhD course at the Nencki Institute for?
We are recruiting for specific research projects at the Doctoral School at the Nencki Institute. Each project has its own specific requirements, and you can find the list of projects in the Bio4Med tab during the recruitment period.
However, there are general requirements that applicants to the Doctoral School should meet:
- an interest in the biological and/or medical sciences,
- a master’s degree in biology, biotechnology, biophysics, neuroinformatics, cognitive neuroscience, or other related fields,
- the ability to think scientifically, analyze, interpret, and describe results,
- a commitment to producing high-quality work and an active approach to research,
- good organizational skills,
- independence, as well as the ability to work in a team,
- proficiency in English at a minimum B2 level.
A Doctorate: What is it?
The primary goal of a PhD course is to carry out a specific research project and produce high-quality scientific work. A doctorate is a stage that helps build your future career in academia, industry, or business. While working on your own project, you’ll be part of a team. Together, we focus on producing high-quality work, provide each other with substantive support, and share our experiences.
During your PhD course, you develop skills in scientific thinking, analysis, interpreting and describing results, and making well-considered decisions.
You focus on understanding the project and its scientific objective. You interpret data, analyze it, and present your findings at seminars and conferences, while also actively participating in discussions.
But above all—with the support of experienced researchers—you take responsibility for your own scientific development.
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Bio4Med
The Bio4Med Doctoral School will train future scientists in two disciplines: biology and medicine. The Bio4Med programme is focused on translational research, bridging fundamental knowledge with clinical applications, which addresses the growing needs of science.
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Warsaw-4-PhD
In 2019, Nencki Institute and 8 other Warsaw scientific institutions signed an agreement to establish, and run Warsaw PhD School in Natural and BioMedical Sciences (Warsaw-4-PhD), which provides interdisciplinary education in 4 scientific disciplines: biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine.
We offer a 4-year doctoral program to motivated and academically qualified next-generation researchers in the internationally recognized Institute. The graduate program, aimed to provide excellent guidance, support, and training to graduate students, includes lectures and seminars (all held in English) that strengthen and prepare doctorates for a successful career as scientists.
Our Ph.D. students are supervised by top-class scientists, carrying out their research as part of an international academic community. They are given the opportunity to learn and use a variety of innovative research approaches and techniques.
We encourage our students to attend international conferences, workshops, summer schools, as well as advanced courses relevant to their research work. Additionally, they have many opportunities to participate in events within Warsaw academic community, following their own research interests.
Training and mentoring in Warsaw-4-PhD Doctoral School offers individualized professional development and a gateway for basic, clinical and industrial research careers.
For more information see: https://warsaw4phd.eu/en/index-en/