Junior researcher Radboudumc program PhD candidates
Would you like to do a PhD after you earn your Master’s degree? Our research institutes offer PhD candidates a full or part-time interdisciplinary training program that can be tailor-made.
read moreJunior researcher Radboudumc program PhD candidates
Radboudumc's vision is to train junior researchers who have the intrinsic ambition to have a significant impact on healthcare and become highly qualified independent scientists. Our research institutes offer PhD candidates a full or part-time interdisciplinary training program that can be tailor-made to meet their specific research interests and career goals.During your PhD, you will focus on scientific research culminating in the defence of a PhD thesis. However, we also believe in the importance of self-development. Therefore, your PhD training should focus on research skills and knowledge as well as competencies required to take your next career step, whether in or outside academia.
The PhD programs at our three research institutes are recognized by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW).
PhD candidates at Radboudumc will be registered at one of the following graduate schools (each are part of one of our research institutes):
1,300 PhD candidates
At the moment there are more than 1,300 PhD candidates at our medical hospital. This number includes PhD candidates on our pay roll as well as external candidates (those employed somewhere else but researching on our premises).
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences: ± 700
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences: ± 400
- Donders Center for Medical Neurosciences: ± 200
Phases in the PhD program
Registration checklist
for starting your PhD see checklistKeeping on track
for current PhD candidates read moreGraduation information
for completing your PhD read more
Courses for competencies and transferable skills
Have a look at the courses on offer for PhD candidates at Radboudumc.
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About scientific training at Radboud university medical center
If you want your research to have a significant impact on healthcare, Radboudumc is a great place to be. Patients and their quality of life are of utmost importance to us and all of our efforts are focused on improvement and innovation.
why come here?About scientific training at Radboud university medical center
Why do research at the Radboudumc?
- A combination of life sciences, health sciences and clinical practice, with an impressive infrastructure comprising of three research institutes and cutting edge technology centers.
- An environment focused on cross-disciplinary research divided into research themes where the main aim is to achieve relevant translations to care and cure solutions and so have a significant impact on healthcare.
- Researchers at all levels are given a tailored-made program that includes individual coaching.
- Plenty of opportunities to further develop your professional competencies by means of three talent management programs (Da Vinci, Galilei and Hypatia) as well as extra courses in a variety of disciplines.
- A joint campus with Radboud University, strengthening its position as a research and learning facility.
- PhD and postdoc salaries are higher compared to many other European countries and the USA
- Support in finding accommodation and requesting work and resident permits.
- Advantageous terms and conditions of employment.
Why live in Nijmegen?
- An internationally orientated city with international airports nearby.
- Ideally centered with cities as Amsterdam, Brussels and Dusseldorf just a few hours’ drive away.
- Scenic surrounding with the city located beside the river Waal en surrounded by a diverse landscape.
- The oldest city of the Netherlands with many social and cultural activities.
- Excellent public transport and safe bike paths.
- Holds international sports events such as the International Four Days Marches, the Zevenheuvelen Run, Marieken Run.
Why work in the Netherlands?
- Dutch scientific research is rated disproportionately high internationally.
- Most people can speak good English, making it easier to communicate.
- Reduction in tax for immigrants with specialized knowledge. Subject to conditions, candidates can apply for ‘Expatriate status’, sometimes known as ‘the 30% rule’ where the first 30% of your gross income is tax-free.
- Subject to conditions, 40% tax reduction on mortgage interest rates when buying a house.
- In nearly all situations, the partner is also allowed to work in the Netherlands.
Radboud Da Vinci Challenge
This one-year program for excellent PhD candidates with special professional qualities focuses on participants’ broad personal development. They take part in interesting discussions about fundamental issues under the supervision of top lecturers from various disciplines. read moreExternal PhD candidates
For those who are interested in academic research and may even have thought of a research topic for a PhD already, it might be interesting to know that you do not need to be employed by Radboud University while doing your PhD.
read moreExternal PhD candidates
It is also possible to become an external PhD candidate. As such, you will receive support in conducting research and writing a thesis from one of our professors, who acts as your provisional PhD supervisor. You and your PhD supervisor must make agreements on this collaboration. A number of things have been arranged somewhat differently for external PhD candidates than for regular PhD candidates who are employed by the university.> Information for external PhD candidates is available at the website of the Radboud University
Practical guide for going abroad for PhD candidates
Going abroad is fun, informative and may offer you experiences that you carry with you for the rest of your life. read moreGraduate schools
Training and educating the next generation of scientists is our graduate schools’ core tasks. On average more than a thousand PhD candidates are active at the Radboudumc, making us a leading international center for continuing education.
read moreGraduate schools
Radboudumc promotes a dynamic and stimulating environment whereby candidates are stimulated to push their own and scientific boundaries. Our scientific training is organized in three graduate schools, synonymous with the three research institutes:- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences
- Donders Center for Medical Neuroscience, which is part of the interfaculty Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour
Graduate schools
RIMLS Graduate School for Molecular Life Sciences
This school aims to train junior researchers who aspire to contribute to the development of new therapies for metabolic, infectious and immunological diseases or cancer.
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RIHS Graduate School for Health Sciences
This school aims to train junior researchers who have the intrinsic ambition to improve health care and public health to become highly qualified independent health scientists.
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Donders Graduate School
In order to train young talent in the broad field of neuroscience we offer students a high-quality educational program at both the Master's and the PhD level.
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