GERMAN FEDERAL INSTITUTE FOR RISK ASSESSMENT (BFR) WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE HANNOVER (TIHO)
BfR PhD Scholarship in Experimental Toxicology
full · phd
- Fully funded 3-year PhDFunding type
- ~65% of E13 TV-D (~EUR 2,900/month est.)Salary level
- Berlin then HannoverTwo-site project
- 30 days annual leaveLeave entitlement
- All nationalitiesWho can apply
- Reference number 3707Vacancy reference
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Aug 13, 2026
Deadline
All countries (open to all nationalities)
Country
German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) with the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo)
Provider
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) offers a fully funded 3-year PhD position in experimental toxicology and animal-free research models, delivered with the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo). The project, titled "Neuro-IUGR: Humanization of a Neurosphere Model of Intrauterine Growth Restricted Neurodevelopment", uses human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to build a neurosphere disease model for testing neuroprotective therapies without animal testing. The post is split across two sites: the first 1.5 years are based at BfR in Berlin (paid at 65% of the E13 TV-D public pay scale) and the next 1.5 years at TiHo in Hannover (paid at 65% of TV-L 13 or 14, depending on experience). The role involves developing and validating 2D and 3D human cell-culture models, using multi-electrode arrays to assess neural activity, running inter-laboratory reproducibility studies, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and mentoring students. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave plus holidays on 24 and 31 December, a hybrid work model, flexible hours, a public transport subsidy (Deutschlandticket Job), the VBL pension plan, and a family-friendly workplace certified by the audit berufundfamilie. Applicants need a Master's in biology, biotechnology, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, or a related field, plus prior cell-culture experience. The reference number for the post is 3707. Because the exact pay rate, start date, and deadline are set each cycle, confirm the current 2026/2027 details on the official BfR job portal before applying.
What's covered
- PhD salary (Berlin phase) — Employment salary at 65% of the German E13 TV-D public pay scale during the 1.5-year phase at BfR in Berlin, roughly ~EUR 2,900 (est.) gross per month.
- PhD salary (Hannover phase) — Employment salary at 65% of TV-L 13 or 14 (depending on experience) during the 1.5-year phase at TiHo in Hannover.
- Annual leave and public holidays — 30 days of annual leave per year plus paid holidays on 24 and 31 December.
- Public transport subsidy — A subsidy toward the Deutschlandticket Job public-transport pass.
- Pension and family support — Access to the VBL occupational pension plan, AWO family services, and a family-friendly workplace certified by the audit berufundfamilie.
- Training and development — Career-development and scientific training programmes alongside hybrid working and flexible hours.
How to apply
All applications must be submitted online through the BfR job portal, quoting the reference number in the documents.
- Find the vacancy — Locate the PhD position (reference number 3707) on the official BfR online job portal.
- Prepare your documents — Assemble your CV, Master's certificate and transcripts, motivation letter, and references, written in English.
- Quote the reference number — Include reference number 3707 in your application documents so it is routed correctly.
- Submit online — Submit the complete application through the BfR job portal before the deadline around 13 August 2026 (est.).
- Await shortlisting — Wait for BfR to review applications and contact shortlisted candidates about interviews.
Eligibility
DegreeA Master's degree in biology, biotechnology, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, or a related discipline.
Technical experiencePrior experience with cell-culture techniques is required.
LanguageProficiency in scientific writing and effective communication in English; German is an advantage.
Research interestA genuine interest in stem-cell research and neurodevelopmental disease models.
Nationality and visaOpen to all nationalities; international applicants must meet German visa and residence requirements.
Preferred qualifications include experience with microscopy and image analysis, background knowledge in toxicology, and demonstrated creativity, teamwork, and independence. Quote reference number 3707 in your application.
Eligible countries
All countries (open to all nationalities)
Deadlines
2026/2027 PhD position (ref 3707)~13 August 2026 (est.)
Selection
BfR reviews applications on academic background, relevant cell-culture and laboratory experience, scientific writing ability, and fit with the Neuro-IUGR project. Preferred candidates have experience with microscopy and image analysis and a background in toxicology. Shortlisted applicants are invited to interview before a final decision. Confirm the current selection steps for the 2026/2027 cycle on the official BfR job portal.
Verified sources
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)bfr.bund.deofficial
- BfR Career / Job Portalbfr.bund.deofficial
About the provider
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), founded in 2002 and based in Berlin, is the national scientific body providing independent advice on food, chemical, and product safety. This PhD position is run with the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo), and advances animal-free toxicology using human stem-cell models.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the BfR PhD position?
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Applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree in biology, biotechnology, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, or a related discipline and have prior cell-culture experience.
Is this position paid?
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Yes. It is a fully funded PhD post paid at 65% of E13 TV-D during the Berlin phase and 65% of TV-L 13 or 14 during the Hannover phase, roughly ~EUR 2,900 (est.) gross per month.
How long is the PhD and where is it based?
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It is a 3-year position split across two sites: about 1.5 years at BfR in Berlin and about 1.5 years at TiHo in Hannover.
What is the research project about?
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The Neuro-IUGR project builds a human neurosphere disease model from induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to test neuroprotective therapies without animal testing.
Can international students apply?
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Yes. BfR encourages applications from all nationalities; international applicants should ensure they meet German visa and residence requirements.
Is German language proficiency mandatory?
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No. Research and discussions are mostly in English, though a good understanding of German helps with administration and integration.
What benefits does the position include?
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30 days of annual leave plus holidays on 24 and 31 December, a hybrid work model, flexible hours, a Deutschlandticket Job transport subsidy, the VBL pension plan, and family-friendly services.
What reference number should I quote?
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Quote reference number 3707 in your application documents.
What preferred qualifications help?
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Experience with microscopy and image analysis, background knowledge in toxicology, and demonstrated creativity, teamwork, and independence.
How do I apply?
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Apply online through the official BfR job portal, including all required documents and the reference number.
What are the career prospects afterward?
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Graduates gain expertise in modern toxicology and cell-based disease models, suiting careers in academia, industry, and regulatory science.
Where can I confirm the current details?
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Confirm the current 2026/2027 pay rate, start date, and exact deadline on the official BfR job portal before applying.