Biology and Biomedicine PhD Programme Call 2026
Exciting opportunities are now available to join GIMM as a PhD student!
12 PhD Studentships available.
Successful applicants will be registered in the PhD Programme of the Lisbon Academic Medical Centre (CAML), hosted by the Lisbon School of Medicine (Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa – FMUL)
The Path to GIMM
Apply | 27 March – 3 May (23:59h)
Choose your challenge. Select your preferred Discovery Labs and submit your application to join our 2027 cohort.
Connect | June – July
The Scientific Dialogue. Shortlisted candidates meet our faculty to discuss research visions and lab synergy.
Secure Your Spot | July – August
Final decisions are announced. Begin your relocation journey with our dedicated support team
Launch | 18 January 2027
Touch down in Lisbon. Join the GIMM community and start your 12-week “Deep Dive” accelerator.
GIMM offers a distinctive PhD Program designed to attract and cultivate highly skilled researchers in biology and biomedicine. You’ll engage in intensive research within a dynamic learning environment, tackling complex biological challenges and addressing questions with significant societal impact.
The programme also provides career development training designed to prepare participants for a wide range of scientific careers, including both academic and non‑academic pathways.
Our program promotes a culture of open, interdisciplinary collaboration. This is reflected in the joint creation of educational scientific modules by experts from various fields and in our core principle of encouraging students to share their work across laboratories, actively participate in varied seminar series, and attend talks and courses outside their primary focus.
As an international institute where English serves as the working language on campus, GIMM welcomes researchers from around the globe. To further support the integration of its international community, the institute offers access to Portuguese language classes, facilitating adaptation to daily life in Portugal.
At GIMM, you’ll be integrated into our international research community as a valued peer, receiving mentorship to develop into an independent scientist and a leader in academia, industry or in any field you choose. We welcome applications from ambitious undergraduates of all scientific disciplines – from life sciences to engineering – to become part of our vibrant, global community.
The program’s excellence is ensured by an executive team supported by a scientific and advisory committee. The initial 12-weeks of coursework (full-time) provides a comprehensive exploration of biology, drawing on the institute’s wide-ranging research. This foundation will empower you to develop and pursue your research project effectively, with ample opportunity to explore GIMM’s scientific resources and establish interdisciplinary collaborations.
From developing your thesis proposal with your supervisor(s) to the completion of your PhD, you’ll be supported by the Education and Training unit and a dedicated Thesis Committee. Collaborative research initiatives between different research groups are strongly encouraged and facilitated.
GIMM inherits a rich history of creation of top-tier PhD programs and a lively atmosphere. Beyond exceptional research training, you’ll benefit from a well-rounded PhD experience that extends beyond the lab, promoting both social connections through activities often organized by the GIMM community itself, such as game nights, book club and cinema, and physical well-being with access to pilates, yoga classes, and various other sports activities, alongside general community-building initiatives.
At GIMM, we don’t just teach biology; we build the scientific mindset required to solve the world’s most complex health challenges. Whether your future is in the lab, the boardroom, or global policy, you’ll graduate with the analytical rigor to lead in any field you choose, while working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with access to world-class core facilities
Before you hit the lab, we level up your toolkit. Your PhD kicks off with an intensive “Deep Dive”—a modular training period led by GIMM Group Leaders and international experts. You won’t just learn biology; you’ll build the high-level problem-solving skills needed to lead in academia, biotech, and far beyond.Build fluency in Neurosciences, Immunology, Cell Biology, Programming, Systems Medicine, Quantitative Biology, Hypothesis-Driven Research and many other areas. Master topics such as Grant Writing, Research Ethics, and Scientific Communication.
Focus on your research with the peace of mind of a fully funded PhD. All selected students receive a four-year fellowship (renewable annually) beginning January 18th, 2027.
Your Monthly Tax-Free Package: €1,485.02
- Core Fellowship: €1,309.64 (Standard FCT/GIMM stipend)
- GIMM Monthly Top-up: €175.38 (Additional complemento de bolsa)
Total Academic Coverage: Beyond your monthly allowance, your education is 100% covered. All registration, enrollment, and tuition fees are paid directly to the university on your behalf.
Moving to a new country is a big step. We make it easy so you can focus on your science.
- Language: English is our official working language.
- Relocation Support: We provide expert legal guidance for visas, NIF, and Social Security.
- Settling In: Enjoy financial relocation support and Portuguese classes to help you dive into the local culture.
A PhD at GIMM is a launchpad, not just a degree. Whether your goal is a tenure-track position, a role in biotech, or leading a startup, we provide the mentorship and support to get you there. You are a valued peer from Day 1.
Join a lively community with student-led game nights, book clubs, and cinema sessions.
Access on-campus yoga, pilates, and sports activities.
Conduct groundbreaking research minutes away from sun-drenched beaches and Lisbon’s world-famous cultural scene.
Who are we looking for?
As an international institute where English serves as the working language on campus, GIMM welcomes researchers from around the globe. The perfect candidate must be highly motivated, passionate about science and wish to fully commit to pursuing knowledge in a multidisciplinary environment. We welcome applications from university graduates in Life Sciences (Medicine, Biology and Biomedicine), and Exact Sciences (Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry). We also encourage applications from candidates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in the exact sciences areas (physics, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, etc.).
Candidates of all citizenships can apply for this call. We also accept applications from stateless individuals and citizens holding a political refugee status.
At GIMM, your potential matters more than your passport or your specific degree title.
Find your research home
Explore our Discovery Labs with open positions and apply for the research topics that ignite your curiosity. Once selected, your chosen lab becomes your scientific home, where you’ll develop and complete your doctoral thesis alongside world-class specialists. You will be officially registered at the Lisbon School of Medicine (FMUL) through the prestigious Lisbon Academic Medical Centre (CAML) PhD program.
