Doctorate

The department awards the scientific doctoral degree "Doktor:in der Naturwissenschaften" (Doctor of Natural Sciences) for independent research in one of the department's research areas. At KIT, doctoral researchers find a stimulating scientific environment for their research that goes beyond their own area of expertise. Research is usually conducted at one of the department's institutes in collaboration with a scientific supervisor and other researchers of the research groups.

There is no centrally organized application portal for doctoral researchers at the department. Applications should be addressed to potential supervisors. The relevant topics and researchers can be found under Research. Prospective doctoral researchers are encouraged to apply even if no position is currently advertised.

Doctoral researchers are often involved in further scientific networks, e.g. via the KIT Centers or coordinated research programs, and/or in structured doctoral programs. At KIT there are guidelines for doctoral studies that provide an overview of the key aspects of pursuing a doctorate at KIT.

 

Structured doctoral programs

The independent research of doctoral researchers is supported by structured doctoral programs such as doctoral schools or research training groups. They offer coherent concepts and the highest standards for the supervision of doctoral theses and for the professional and interdisciplinary qualification of doctoral students as well as support for their career development. Researchers of the department play leading roles in several doctoral schools:

 

Formal steps towards a doctorate

To start a doctorate at KIT, some formal steps are required: all doctoral researchers have to register at the Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS). As a general rule, all PhD students are enrolled at KIT. Furthermore, they conclude a Doctoral Agreement with their supervising professors and choose a mentor from among the department's professors (from a different institute than their supervisor) who can help mediate in the event of conflicts. Finally, they apply to the department for acceptance as doctoral candidates.

Your primary contact in the Department's Dean's Office for all questions regarding doctoral studies is Corinna Knodel-Rupp.

Further information and forms can be found here:

  • KHYS – the Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists – is the central institution at KIT dedicated to supporting young researchers and serves as a point of contact for anyone interested in pursuing a Ph.D., Ph.D. candidates, postdocs, and advisors.
  • DOCATA – the web portal for the registration of doctoral researchers at KIT and at the department.

More detailed information on the formal steps is summarized in this flyer.

Regulations and documents