How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in joining our research training group. We’ve outlined the steps you need to take below. If you have general questions about the application procedure, email rtg3120@tu-dresden.de. For specific questions about a specific project, email the corresponding group leader and CC rtg3120@tu-dresden.de.

Keep in mind that the deadline to apply and have reference letters submitted is October 24th, 2025.

Explore the thesis projects, the science behind them, and the collaborative networks that will drive those projects to completion. Don’t be shy about contacting the group leaders directly if you need more details about the project, lab, or host institute. In addition, learn about our training and supervision concept that will make this journey worth your while.

  1. Do hold or anticipate to receive a Master’s degree before taking up the PhD thesis work in life, natural, or material sciences?
  2. Do you have previous research experience and an outstanding academic record?
  3. Are you proficient in written and spoken English?
  4. Are you committed to interdisciplinary research and willing to pursue demanding projects?

If you check all those boxes, then proceed to starting an application.

We recommend preparing the required documents and combining them to one PDF before initiating the application form. We also recommend contacting your supervisor, mentor, or referee and ask them to prepare and send a recommendation/reference letter before the deadline directly via TUD SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de to rtg3120@tu-dresden.de .

Documents should include:

  • cover letter elaborating on your motivation to join the RTG and primary project of interest (you may indicate interest in up to two alternative projects)
  • curriculum vitae (including explanation for gaps, if any)
  • University transcripts and degree certificates (or an official letter from the university confirming that you will complete your studies before starting the PhD studies)
  • A list of relevant academic achievements or publications (if applicable), with full citations, indicating and your role in the study (data collection, writing, etc), publication review status (Peer-reviewed or not), and type (original, review, abstract, preprint, dataset, etc). Include also a list of conferences attended with date, location and type of your own contribution (poster, talk)

When ready, proceed to filling in the application form online.

Follow this link to carefully read the call for applications and instructions to apply, and then fill the form and upload the required documents as one PDF before submission. Please note that after submission you will not be able to change any of the given data anymore.

Only if the you face technical difficulties accessing the online form, a PDF copy of the application form can be downloaded here and submitted will all required documents as a single PDF via TUD SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de to rtg3120@tu-dresden.de .

After the deadline, the RTG members will select the most promising applicants and inform them in writing tentatively within the first week of November. You might consider preparing for your interview by exploring our publications and resources while you wait for an evaluation of your application.

Short-listed applicants will be invited to an online interview starting the second week of November through December. The interviews give the applicants a chance to meet their prospective group leaders, ask questions, and to present themselves, their research experience, and their motivation to join us in Dresden.

While the RTG members evaluate the applicants’ performance during the interviews, the applicants can look into visa requirements (if any) to move to Germany, read about the latest research on biomolecular condensates coming out of Dresden, or simply enjoy the holidays 🙂

After the conclusion of interviews and evaluations, the offers will be sent to the selected applicants starting January 2026 in writing which will include the affiliation to a defined research group. Applicants will be asked to accept the offer within 2 working days in order to proceed as quickly as possible with the preparations for moving to Dresden, for paperwork with the authorities and with the respective research entities.