ELIZA PhD Program: Fully-Funded Positions

Join Germany's leading graduate school in machine learning-driven AI and work with internationally renowned experts! Through our unique co-supervision model, you'll collaborate with leading researchers across our seven-site network, gaining diverse perspectives and cutting-edge expertise that will accelerate your research and career. Our fully-funded positions provide not only financial security but also exceptional mobility opportunities, ensuring you graduate as a highly qualified AI leader ready to shape the future of the field.

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Target Group:

  • Outstanding candidates for a PhD at ELIZA.

Aim:

  • Attract exceptional students who will benefit from our co-supervision framework.

Arrangements:

  • Mandatory co-supervision by ELIZA fellows (academic or industrial) at different ELIZA sites, consisting of:
    • Close co-supervision with regular communication;
    • Interactions at least every 2 months, 2 physical visits per year;
    • 6-12 month research stay at the co-supervisor’s ELIZA site.
  • Compulsory following of the ELIZA curriculum.
  • Adherence to the doctoral regulations of the degree-granting institution.

Funding:

  • 100% E13 position following the institution’s pay grade
  • Relocation support is provided, with the specific amount depending on individual needs and following DAAD guidelines.

Admissions:

  • Key acceptance criteria: aptitude for PhD studies in machine learning-driven AI, based on the applicant’s background in AI and other relevant fields, undergraduate and master’s grades, research experience, motivation, diversity, and topical match with prospective ELIZA supervisor and co-supervisor, as well as the School’s four research areas.
  • The doctoral admissions procedure of the degree-granting institution must be followed.

Co-Supervision and Support:

  • At the heart of the ELIZA PhD experience is our co-supervision framework, designed to provide close mentorship, diverse perspectives, and strong academic support. Each PhD candidate is jointly supervised by two ELIZA fellows—either academic or industrial—at different ELIZA sites. This structure ensures regular communication, with interactions at least every two months and two in-person visits per year, fostering both scientific progress and cross-site collaboration.
  • A key feature of the program is a 6–12 month research stay at the co-supervisor’s ELIZA site, giving candidates the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different research environment and expand their professional network. All PhD students follow the ELIZA curriculum, which includes specialized courses, workshops, and networking activities, while also adhering to the doctoral regulations of their degree-granting institution.
  • This co-supervision model accelerates research, broadens academic horizons, and prepares graduates for leading roles in both academia and industry. By connecting candidates with experts across Germany’s top AI research institutions and industry partners, ELIZA ensures that every PhD student receives the guidance and opportunities needed to excel.

Application process:

  •  Interested candidates should apply through the ELLIS PhD program to work with one of the ELIZA academic fellows or consult the webpages of ELIZA’s academic fellows.

Our Commitment to Diversity

At ELIZA, fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment is a priority, as different perspectives are crucial for innovation in AI. We thus strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.