I have completed my program of study in the life sciences? I would like to further specialize my research or even pursue a scientific career in the life science of biology? Then a doctoral study at the Faculty of Biology is an option for me! I prefer individual supervision at the faculty or would like to obtain from a structured program?

A constantly growing science: Since1973, a total of 2619* doctoral students have successfully obtained a doctorate at the Faculty of Biology. More than 420* PhD students are currently enrolled, with 31* candidates currently in the procedure (*as of April 2025, the numbers are constantly changing).

At the Faculty of Biology, it is possible to obtain the following degrees:

Advanced infrastructure for a research-focused life sciences campus: the BioCenters I and II are located close to other important pillars of the natural and life sciences in Mainz, such as the Institute of Molecular Biology gGmbH (IMB), the Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, the JGU Department of Chemistry, and the Physics Institutes of Mainz University. Two Max Planck Institutes and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz complete the life sciences campus quarter. Short walking distances between all these institutions support close cooperation between the disciplines.

Press and Public Relations Staff Unit | JGU

The JGU Faculty of Biology is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. As the Faculty’s Equality Commissioner, Professor Marion Silies see the various programs and activities for female scientists to support their scientific work and careers. These include, for example, mentoring programs for female doctoral students and postdocs as well as coaching opportunities for senior postdocs who want to pursue a career in science.

Prof. Dr. Marion Silies

Preferentially, please send us your documents by post or within the university by internal mail (also possible from University Medicine). If you wish to bring your documents personally, an appointment is needed and can be arranged by telephone or e-mail.

No official certifications are required for degrees of JGU’s Faculty of Biology. For external degrees you can either send us certified copies, or only copies at first, and you will have to submit the originals at a later date. In the latter case, the acceptance as doctoral student is then subject to the condition that the originals have yet to be submitted.

The application form for opening the doctoral examinations procedure can be downloaded as PDF. Before applying, please read the information sheet (please check the German website).

The actual doctoral examinations procedure begins with the application for admission as a doctoral candidate. Please note the following requirements for submitting your dissertation request:

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