Route 2: Individual PhD Position in a Participating Research Group

Step 1: Finding a PhD project and supervisor

As mentioned above: Before applying for admission to the program, interested students need to secure a PhD project, supervision and funding within one of the research groups involved in the program. If you are not already in touch with Berlin faculty, this will proove very difficult.
Never the less, should you wish to pursue this option, let us suggest a few things:

  • Spam-mailing faculty will lead you straight into the spam filter
  • Overwhelming faculty with your CV and tons of other documents and certificates will have the same effect
  • A relatively shot yet carefully drafted e-mail addressing the faculty personally and demonstrating that you have read their publications, that your research interest matches theirs and that you posess just the kind of theoretical and methods skills needed in this lab have a much better chance of beeing read and answered to
  • Keep in mind, however, that a positive outcome of this approach is only possible, if the addressed lab leader has the necessary funds to finance your project
  • Alternatively, you have secured a grant or stipend elsewhere that you are willing to bring to the group
  • In additon, have a look here for advertised positions

Step 2: Submitting an application

Once you have secured a faculty member for endorsement, submit your application including:

  • Application form
  • Endorsement letter by a member of our faculty
  • A letter of intent, in which you describe your academic and professional interests, a possible PhD project, your future goals and the reason why you should be admitted to the program
  • A curriculum vitae detailing any professional / practical experience you have had so far
  • Certified copies of all diplomas awarding relevant degrees (originals will have to be presented upon matriculating, either in German or English translation)
  • Your record of study or official transcript, detailing your academic work so far (either in German or English translation)
  • Two letters of recommendation by teachers or professionals with whom you have worked in the past
  • Proof of proficiency in English, if not a native speaker, through TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent
  • a detailed project plan including time line and bibliography

Step 3: Admission's test

Once you have submitted your application, you will have to sit an admission's test assessing your neuroscience background. Depending on your performance in this test, you may be required to attend certain lectures of the Master program during your PhD studies.

Step 4: Presenting before the commission

To complete the admission's porocess, you need to present yourself and your project before the admission's and examination's commission and the Promotionskommission of Charité.

Step 5: Matriculation as PhD student

Only after having completed all steps 1 to 4 can you matriculate (enroll) as PhD student and receive your student ID.

Regulation for the PhD program

See download area.