2026 Call for DDLS Research School PhD Student Affiliate Program

An affiliated PhD student has the same access to and benefits from the DDLS Research School as those PhD students who are part of the research school through their DDLS funding. This means access to courses and networking events and an opportunity to join the growing Swedish community in data-driven life science research.

PhD student eligibility

• Registered PhD students at a Swedish university/institute or industry with at least 80% activity level
• Formally registered as a PhD student not earlier than 2025-10-01. In case of documented and valid study breaks, e.g., parental or sick leave, the time may be extended accordingly
• Research project within data-driven life science, see https://www.scilifelab.se/datadriven/ddls-strategy/ for definition
• Salary not covered by a DDLS grant
• Academic background in relevant subject
• Relevant programming skills in e.g. Python corresponding to at least one university level introductory course.

The application must contain

• Letter of student’s motivation (max 1 page)
• Research project description (max 2 pages). The project description must include the
  following sections with these specific headers (in addition to any other sections you
  would like to include):
  • Description of the data-driven aspects and methods
  • References
• CV (max 2 pages)
• Academic merits: Transcript from master’s, including grades
• Individual study plan (ISP)
• Supervisor commitment and recommendation letter (max 1 page)
• Head of Department commitment letter (max 1 page)

Selection criteria

• Motivation of the student and PI
• Suitability of student
• Research project quality and fit to the DDLS program
• Priority may be given to underrepresented genders

In the selection process, the student’s motivation for wanting to join the DDLS Research School Affiliate Program and the relevance of the DDLS Research School activities to the PhD student’s research project will be particularly important parameters.