The DDLS Doctoral Student Scholarship 2026 in Sweden offers a fully funded PhD position in Natural Sciences, specialising in Biology, at the University of Gothenburg. This scholarship is part of the SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data Driven Life Science (DDLS), which aims to recruit and train the next generation of data-driven life scientists. The program is funded with 3.3 billion SEK over 12 years from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge, hosting 58,000 students and 6,800 employees. The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences, with an international environment and interdisciplinary collaborations. The university contributes strongly to life science rankings and offers a stimulating environment for doctoral studies.
Benefits of DDLS Doctoral Student Scholarship 2026
- Employment as a doctoral student for four years of full-time study
- Salary according to local agreement for doctoral students
- Possibility of departmental duties up to 20% extending the study period
- Access to the DDLS Research School with over 260 PhD students and 200 postdocs
- Part of a globally leading computational and data science program in Sweden
Eligibility Criteria for the DDLS Doctoral Student Scholarship 2026
- Completed a degree at second-cycle level (Master’s or equivalent)
- Fulfilled course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at second-cycle level
- Second-cycle degree in a relevant subject area in the natural sciences
- Good command of spoken and written English (TOEFL 550 paper-based, 213 CBT, or 79 iBT)
- Educational background in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computational/mathematical biology or Biologically oriented engineering
- Experience of working in Bash and other relevant programming languages (e.g. Python)
- Basic knowledge of molecular biology, genetics and evolutionary biology
- Strong scientific curiosity, drive and independence
How to Apply for the DDLS Doctoral Student Scholarship 2026?
- Submit application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal
- Include a CV with description of educational background
- Include thesis or equivalent independent work
- Provide proof of advanced level degree or completed courses (translated into English if needed)
- Provide certificate of valid TOEFL test
- Provide two references (name, email, telephone number, relationship)
- All documents must be in PDF format and named clearly
- Ensure application is received by the deadline: 2026-05-21
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the DDLS Doctoral Student Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for this fully funded PhD position in Sweden.
What is the DDLS Doctoral Student Scholarship?
The DDLS Doctoral Student Scholarship is a fully funded PhD position in Natural Sciences, specialising in Biology, at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. It is part of the SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data Driven Life Science (DDLS), funded with 3.3 billion SEK over 12 years.
What is the deadline for the DDLS Doctoral Student Scholarship 2026?
The application deadline for the DDLS Doctoral Student Scholarship 2026 is 21 May 2026. Applications must be received by the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by this date.
What are the eligibility criteria for this scholarship?
Applicants must have a second-cycle degree (Master’s) in a relevant natural science subject, at least 240 credits with 60 at second-cycle level, good English (TOEFL 550/213/79), and background in bioinformatics, biostatistics, computational biology, or biologically oriented engineering. Experience in Bash, Python, and basic molecular biology is required.
What benefits does the DDLS Doctoral Student Scholarship provide?
The scholarship includes employment as a doctoral student for four years full-time, salary according to local agreement, possibility of departmental duties up to 20% extending the study period, and access to the DDLS Research School with over 260 PhD students and 200 postdocs.
How do I apply for the DDLS Doctoral Student Scholarship?
Apply via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. Submit a CV, thesis, proof of degree and English proficiency, and two references. All documents must be in PDF format and named clearly. The application must be in English.
What is the focus of the PhD project?
The PhD project focuses on data-driven evolution and biodiversity, using multi-objective optimization algorithms, machine learning, and genome-wide association studies to understand adaptation in complex environments. Primary models include yeast and bacteria.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes, the DDLS Doctoral Student Scholarship is fully funded. It includes employment as a doctoral student with a salary, and the program is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation with 3.3 billion SEK over 12 years.
Can international students apply?
Yes, international students are welcome to apply. The University of Gothenburg provides information for international applicants about benefits and life in Gothenburg. However, doctoral studies require physical presence, and a residence permit may be needed.
What is the duration of the PhD position?
The PhD position is for four years of full-time study, leading to a doctoral degree. Employment may be extended if departmental duties are performed, up to a maximum of eight years total, but not exceeding four years of full-time study.
What are the required skills for this PhD?
Required skills include educational background in bioinformatics, biostatistics, computational biology, or biologically oriented engineering; experience in Bash and Python; basic knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology; and strong scientific curiosity and independence.
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