PhD studies
that draw you
into research

At ICPF, you become part of research teams tackling current scientific and societal challenges. You will have room for your own growth, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and gain experience of research in an international environment.

How to apply for PhD studies

Doctoral studies here take place in cooperation with the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (UCT Prague) and the Faculty of Science of Charles University. At the university, you complete coursework and interim examinations, while with us you devote yourself fully to your research topic within a specific team.

1. Choose a topic
First, choose a topic from the current selection of doctoral projects. In your application, you then state the title of the topic you selected from the ICPF offering.

2. Submit an electronic application
We recommend that you visit us before submitting your application, or at least contact a potential supervisor by email. This will help you clarify the focus of the topic and the next steps.

UCT Prague by 15 April 2026
Faculty of Science, Charles University by 30 April 2026.

3. Attend an admission interview
Depending on the topic, the admission interview takes place either at UCT Prague or at the Faculty of Science of Charles University. Its purpose is to assess your eligibility for study, select a suitable topic, approve a supervisor, and provisionally clarify the study plan.

4. Start your studies and join a research team
After admission, the dean’s office of the relevant school will inform you of the outcome. Enrolment takes place in September, followed by joining us at ICPF, where we enter into an employment relationship with you. Your status as a full-time doctoral student is thereby preserved.

Research topics for doctoral studies 2026/2027

Browse the current selection of doctoral topics across fields and supervisors.

View all research topics

Benefits of employment

Ph.D. students conclude an employment contract with a defined working commitment. Institutional and grant funds may be used to cover this commitment. Depending on the level of the commitment, students may use employee benefits.

Academic and research opportunities

Attractive Ph.D. thesis topics in the fields of neuroscience, cardiology, and metabolism
Access to modern techniques and state-of-the-art equipment (e.g. proteomics, metabolomics, advanced microscopy)
Opportunity to engage in translational research and collaboration with clinical partners
Regular reviews of dissertation progress with the option of external consultations
Free access to online editions of the most important scientific journals through the library system

Professional development

Participation in domestic and international professional courses, workshops, and conferences
Opportunity to complete a study placement abroad during your studies
Language courses (English, Czech for foreigners) organised by the Czech Academy of Sciences
Events organised for doctoral students (seminars, Ph.D. conferences, training, informal meetings)

Employee and personal benefits

Multisport card offering free or discounted access to sports facilities
5 weeks of holiday + 4 days of personal leave
a competitive salary in addition to the standard student stipend
meal allowance
employee benefits system through Benefity.cz (sport, culture, wellness, etc.)
pension contribution

Student life and support

Modern campus with the option of accommodation directly on site (up to one year)
Support and counselling for international students and staff, including help with the visa process
Access to sports facilities on campus
On-site amenities including two canteens, a café, a kindergarten, and a general practitioner’s and dentist’s surgery