Working as a PhD candidate
Do you want to start your academic career on the right foot? Pursue a PhD at Radboud University. Develop into an expert in your field while honing your personal skills. You will work in an inspiring environment with top-quality research facilities, where you are valued just like any other staff member.
A PhD is for you if:
- You are naturally curious and have a strong interest in science.
- You are passionate about a specific topic and want to become an expert in it. During a PhD, you will spend at least three years conducting in-depth research on your chosen subject. The duration of your PhD track depends on the research project.
- You want to explore whether a career in academia suits you. A PhD is a stepping stone to an academic career but also provides excellent preparation for roles outside academia.
- You are able to work independently and have perseverance.
- You have the right educational background. You can find more details in the vacancy you are applying for or inquire with our graduate schools.
How to find a PhD position that suits you
Are you considering pursuing a PhD after your studies? Start exploring your field early. A strong network can help you identify interesting vacancies. Additionally, researchers in your field may be able to guide you. Consider the following options:
- Reach out to research groups at the university.
- Ask if you can attend lab meetings or conferences.
- Consider gaining experience as a research assistant.
If you are a Radboud University student or a recent graduate, you can contact Career Service for career support.
I quickly found my rhythm at Radboud University because of the great support, friendly environment and likeminded people.
“I decided to pursue my PhD at Radboud University because of positive stories about the research quality and work environment from people I knew. Still, moving to a new country can be quite daunting. My routine was suddenly going to change completely. Having previously moved to London from my home country China, the transition to the Netherlands was not entirely unfamiliar. Yet, the prospect of moving to a non-English-speaking country posed a challenge. I questioned my supervisor multiple times about the necessity of learning Dutch. Fortunately, she assured me that the English level is very high in Nijmegen and the Netherlands.
When I came here, Radboud University offered valuable support with the hurdles of finding housing, healthcare, and establishing my life in a new country. For me, the Donders Institute is the ideal place for pursuing an academic path. The friendly and collaborative environment allows me to exchange ideas with researchers from all over the world. Through the university-wide PhD network, I could join fun activities and build my social circle.
Coming from big metropolitan cities like Beijing and London, I had to get used to the smaller size and more tranquil ambience of Nijmegen. However, I quickly learned there are still many things to do. The calmer atmosphere also allows me to fully focus on my research during the week. On the weekends, I can easily hop on the train and explore because of the compactness of the Netherlands. I now have found my rhythm at Radboud University, partly because of the great support, internationally friendly work environment, and like-minded people.”
Doing a PhD at Radboud University
At Radboud University, you can conduct research on topics across the entire academic spectrum. You will do this on a green, modern campus with high-quality facilities. Thanks to the open, personal atmosphere and the short walking distances between faculties, the university fosters a close-knit community where you can collaborate interdisciplinarily. This makes it easy to connect with people from different programs, professors, and researchers. As a PhD candidate in the Netherlands, you are considered a professional researcher rather than a student, which means you receive a salary and are eligible for our attractive employment conditions.
Your development as a PhD candidate
We invest in your growth as a PhD candidate through strong guidance and training. This will not only make you a better researcher and teacher, but also help you develop your personal skills. For example, you can learn how to apply for grants, practice presenting your research to the public, and take a course in personal leadership. You may also have the opportunity to spend time abroad for a summer school or job shadowing program.
A PhD track at Radboud University gives you room to follow your own interests and ambitions.
"While studying at Radboud University, I was already teaching statistics. It started as just a side job, but I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed helping others learn. After graduating, I began working as a lecturer and researcher at a university of applied sciences. Still, that one dream kept nagging at me: pursuing a PhD.
The thing is, most PhD programmes focus heavily on research, and teaching often comes second. I wanted to do both. Then a colleague pointed me to a PhD vacancy where research and teaching were given equal weight. I instantly knew: this is my chance. I really appreciate that Radboud University offers different types of PhD tracks. That way, there's room for a range of ambitions.
Now, I study the relationship between culture and health communication, specifically within Turkish-Dutch communities. I mainly teach statistics and also coordinate a learning project on cultural communication practices. I can bring my own background into my teaching, as I’m a second-generation Turkish-Dutch person myself. What I also value is how Radboud University is becoming increasingly inclusive. For example, there was a lot of attention for Ramadan. We even celebrated Eid with colleagues! Things like that truly make a difference.
I'm also a father, combining work with family life. That takes good planning. Fortunately, at Radboud University, I have the flexibility to shape my work in a way that fits my life. My supervisors trust that I’ll get my work done, even if I have to take my child to swimming lessons in the afternoon. That freedom gives me peace of mind."
Contact
For questions about open vacancies, please contact the person listed in the job posting. For other inquiries, you can reach out to one of the graduate schools.