BIPS PhD Program 2026–2029 BIPS PhD Program in Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention and Imp[...]

Organization

Leibniz-Institut für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie – BIPS GmbH

Location: Bremen, Germany

PhD Program Overview

The program is a three‑year, part‑time PhD opportunity starting 1 Oct 2026, with 27.44 hours per week. The student will be a salaried employee and will work in collaboration with BIPS faculty and the University of Bremen. The contract type is Temporary, part‑time.

PhD students are registered as doctoral students at the University of Bremen and receive a salary based on the German public sector TV‑L E13 scale (70 % of a full position, approximately €3 240 gross per month in year 1). Housing is the student’s responsibility; the Welcome Center of the U Bremen Research Alliance offers transition support.

Research Component

The dissertation focuses on one of BIPS’s research areas, which include pharmacoepidemiology, cancer screening, prevention and implementation science, biostatistics, machine learning, data science, causal inference, molecular epidemiology, and more. Each project is embedded in an active research initiative and is typically funded through external grants.

The student will work with a senior faculty supervisor, publish in peer‑reviewed journals, present at conferences, and may explore other ongoing research programs at BIPS.

Education Component

All PhD students attend the doctoral‑level seminar “Epidemiology, Prevention Research, and Biometry,” and an advanced course in epidemiologic and statistical methods during the first year. Coursework covers epidemiology, prevention research, biostatistics, project planning, implementation and evaluation, ethics, and scientific practice. Students may participate in external courses at the University of Bremen, U Bremen Research Alliance, and the Leibniz Association.

Regulations & Graduation

Graduation requires the submission of a cumulative thesis comprising a brief synopsis and the student’s lead‑author manuscripts published in international peer‑reviewed journals. Students earn either a Dr rer. nat. or a DrPH, depending on the faculty’s regulations at the University of Bremen.

Three first‑author manuscripts and completion of all program requirements are mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Conduct applied or methodological research within the assigned project.
• Collaborate with faculty, master’s students, postdocs, and other PhD students.
• Attend and actively participate in seminars, courses, and other training activities.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Contribute to the interdisciplinary thesis advisory committee.
• Explore and support participation in additional BIPS research activities.

Qualifications

Education : Master degree or equivalent in Medical sciences, Epidemiology, Health sciences, Statistics, Sociology, or Psychological sciences.

Experience : Prior research experience is an advantage.

Language : Excellent English (required for coursework, supervision, and publishing).

Other : No EU citizenship requirement; non‑EU students must obtain a visa and work authorization. Degrees from outside Germany must be recognized by the University of Bremen or the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK).

Required Application Components

1. Cover letter describing research interests, prior experience, and career goals.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Transcripts or certificates of all graduate and undergraduate coursework with grades.
4. Results of a standardized English language test (waived for native speakers or those with ≥2 years of university‑level education in English).
5. Names, affiliations, and e‑mail addresses of two references (academic advisors).
6. Optional : Copies of publications or manuscripts in preparation.
Optional: URLs to programming code or other deliverables.

Benefits & Compensation

PhD students are salaried employees and receive full benefits: health insurance, social security, unemployment benefits, and taxes, as with other BIPS employees. No tuition fees. Salary is approximately €3 240 gross per month in the first year (70 % of a TV‑L E13).

Career Perspectives

Graduates have pursued postdoctoral training, faculty positions, other academic tracks, public sector roles, and industry jobs at both national and international levels. BIPS has a strong record of placing former PhD students in leadership and research positions.

Application Process

Send a single PDF file containing the application components to , quoting the reference number A 25‑37. Two letters of recommendation must be emailed directly by the referees to by the deadline. The application deadline is 31 Mar 2026. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom in April 2026.

Additional Information

BIPS is an equal opportunity employer. Severely disabled applicants will be given priority conditional on equal professional and personal qualifications. The institute promotes work‑life balance and has been certified family friendly.

Contact

Email:

News & About BIPS

Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS is one of Germany’s largest and oldest research institutes in epidemiology and prevention. With about 200 employees, BIPS covers the full spectrum from methods development to prevention implementation. BIPS is a member of the Leibniz Association and closely affiliated with the University of Bremen.

Bremen, a vibrant city with a population of about 600,000, is located in northern Germany and offers easy access to major cities via train.