If you’re a passionate researcher looking to tackle the grand challenges of our digital world, here’s your chance to join one of Europe’s top-tier research centers! The CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security in Saarbrücken, Germany, is now accepting PhD applications for its fully funded doctoral programs for 2025.
Whether you’re driven by cybersecurity, machine learning, or theoretical computer science, CISPA offers world-class resources, brilliant mentors, and a vibrant international environment—right in the heart of Europe.
Available Research Fields Under CISPA
CISPA invites PhD applications in the following cutting-edge areas:
- Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Cryptography
- Machine Learning and Data Science
- Efficient Algorithms and Theoretical Computer Science
- Software Engineering, Program Analysis, and Formal Methods.
Benefits of the CISPA PhD Program
- Full-Time Employment: PhD researchers are salaried employees under the TVöD (German Federal Employment Agreement), starting at €4,000/month (gross).
- Health Insurance & Pension: Comprehensive coverage and 30 days of paid leave.
- High-Impact Mentorship: Work closely with globally recognized faculty in AI, cybersecurity, and more.
- International Environment: English-speaking workplace with researchers from 40+ countries.
- Onboarding & Support: Visa help, relocation support, and integration assistance.
- Development & Community: Language courses, research support, and social activities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the PhD program, applicants should:
- Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a top research university in a related field.
- Have outstanding academic performance, ideally among the top of their class.
- Be fluent in English (spoken and written); German is not required.
- Provide strong letters of recommendation from academic advisors.
- Submit a tailored cover letter indicating preferred research groups and topics.
Apply: https://career.cispa.de/phd.html.
Application Timeline
The general application call is now open for 2025 admissions.
- Application Deadline: 16 May 2025
- Rolling Admissions: Exceptional applicants may also apply throughout the year
- Program Start: Fall 2025 (approx. 3–4 years duration)
- Degree Granting: Through partner institutions like Saarland University via the Saarbrücken Graduate School of Computer Science.
