PhD program at Radboudumc

We offer a doctoral program combining research and training, around medical research topics. It focuses on biomedical experimental, clinical, translational, and health sciences research.

The doctoral program is designed for graduates who have completed an undergraduate degree (master's degree or similar) in medicine, biomedical sciences, health science, the natural sciences and many other fields.

An in-depth scientific training at Radboudumc, as only a PhD program can offer, is an optimal starting point for a career in healthcare, research, and elsewhere in our society where fact-based problem solvers are needed, that can tackle the most complex problems.

Radboudumc PhD candidates have a wide variety of backgrounds. Most of them are full-time researchers with a regular PhD position ("PhD as a job"), but there are also many part-time PhD candidates. These PhD candidates combine their work in, e.g. medical or allied healthcare with their PhD research ("PhDs on the job").

All Radboudumc PhD candidates are embedded in a Graduate School (either the Radboudumc or the Donders Graduate School) that provides training, support, and administration so that our PhD candidates can pursue their projects with focus and openness to further development.

When the PhD thesis is submitted and defended, we want to have contributed to the formation of team players and leaders for our society who have successful careers and proceed with confidence and responsibility while possessing a solid foundation of scientific knowledge and methodological skills.

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Research Training and career PhD candidates

PhD program at Radboudumc

We offer a doctoral program combining research and training, around medical research topics. It focuses on biomedical experimental, clinical, translational, and health sciences research.

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What do we offer

Tailored support within a vibrant research community.

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What do we offer

  • PhD projects across a wide range of disciplines all focusing on having a significant impact on health and healthcare
  • A vibrant research community in which PhD candidates make their first steps on their path to becoming independent scientists
  • All Radboudumc PhD candidates are embedded in a Graduate School that provides training, support, and administration so that our PhD candidates can pursue their projects with focus and openness to further development
  • A Training and Supervision Plan (TSP) defines the project, ensuring feasible projects, optimal training and clear mutual expectations between PhD candidate and supervisors
  • The PhD training focuses not only on skills that are needed to complete the PhD project, but also on competencies required to take the next career step (to either academic or non-academic functions)
  • A mentoring system provides additional coaching to the PhD candidates

Radboudumc Graduate School

We foster a dynamic training environment where PhD candidates are encouraged to obtain the competencies required to take their next career step.

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PhD trajectories

Donders PhD trajectory

Please visit this Radboud University website for more information on the Donders PhD trajectory, which slightly differs from the Radboudumc PhD trajectory.

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Phases in the PhD program

Registration checklist for starting your PhD

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Keeping on track information for current PhD candidates

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Graduation information for completing your PhD

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Events for PhD candidates

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Courses for PhD candidates

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PhD retreat

Twice a year, we organize a retreat for our PhD candidates. This two-day event is highly regarded by our young researchers. It combines the best of both worlds: an interesting scientific program and lovely social activities.

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Are you in need for a confidential chat?

Our confidential advisors and confidential contact persons will be happy to help you.

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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.

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Funding

The Grant Support Office provides information and advice on grant opportunities.

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Scientific integrity

We believe that scientific integrity is the backbone of research.

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A vibrant workplace dealing with stress

At Radboudumc, you work in a dynamic and innovative working environment that offers you a lot but can also be demanding at times. It also requires us to keep an eye on our own performance, pay attention to our colleagues, and continue to make time for our passion and inspiration: the focus on the human scale.

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About academic and scientific training at Radboudumc

Do you want your research to have a significant impact on healthcare? Patients and their quality of life are of utmost importance to us and all of our efforts are focused on improvement and innovation.

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About academic and scientific training at Radboudumc

Why do research at the Radboudumc?

  • A combination of life sciences, health sciences and clinical practice, with an impressive infrastructure.
  • An environment focused on cross-disciplinary research divided into research programs 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 talent management programs 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.

Working at Radboudumc

On this page our people explain what working at Radboudumc means to them. You can also find all necessary information concerning terms and conditions of employment, facilities and opportunities, international office and more.

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