International students can now apply for one of 13 fully funded PhD positions under the MAP-ID program at Jagiellonian University in Poland.
The programme, beginning on October 1st, 2025, focuses on research in biochemistry, molecular biology, and biotechnology related to chronic inflammatory diseases.
According to the DAAD Scholarship, the MAP-ID (Multilevel Approaches to understanding chronic Inflammatory Diseases) PhD program is managed by the Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences at Jagiellonian University. It is a 48-month doctoral training initiative supported by collaborations with academic institutions and biotechnology firms in Europe and the United States.
Research Focus and Program Structure
The MAP-ID program is structured to provide doctoral candidates with experience in both academic and industrial environments. The research is centred on chronic inflammatory diseases, combining laboratory science with applied industry practices.
Students admitted to the program will work on interdisciplinary projects that include international collaboration and multi-site research opportunities. The program aims to contribute to the global understanding of inflammation-related conditions and to develop long-term scientific solutions.
Global and Industry-Based Research Partnerships
The MAP-ID PhD program involves partnerships with 12 universities and 8 biotechnology companies:
• Nine of the partner universities are based in Europe, while three are located in the United States
• PhD candidates will undertake secondments, including 6–9 month research placements at US institutions and 3-month industry placements in European biotech companies
This structure allows for cross-sector and international exposure. Candidates will participate in research teams operating across borders and sectors, gaining skills applicable in both academic and commercial settings.
The organisers stated that “international mobility and engagement with industry are core components of this doctoral program.”
Financial and Employment Benefits
Successful candidates will receive full employment contracts during their doctoral studies. The contracts include social security, health insurance, paid holidays, and pension benefits. The minimum net monthly salary is 6,700 PLN, while the gross amount is not less than 9,370 PLN. The total employer cost per candidate is approximately €2,800 per month.
These benefits aim to support candidates’ professional development during the four-year research period, ensuring stable conditions for academic work.
The program specifies that “PhD researchers will be employed under full contracts with access to national social protections and career support.”
Application Process and Timeline
Applications for the MAP-ID program are now open and will be accepted electronically until June 30th, 2025. The initial cohort will begin studies on October 1st, 2025. An alternative entry track will allow a second group of students to start on March 1st, 2026. Depending on the entry date, the program will conclude on either September 30th, 2029, or January 31st, 2030.
Prospective applicants must submit their materials through the official recruitment platform at https://cofund.project.uj.edu.pl/. The selection process will consider;
• Academic merit
• Motivation for research in chronic inflammatory diseases, and
• The ability to contribute to international scientific collaboration
The program encourages applications from graduates in relevant fields who are interested in combining scientific research with applied industrial experience.
The MAP-ID program is one of several European training initiatives to strengthen the scientific workforce in medical and molecular research. By integrating academic knowledge with industrial practices, the program seeks to develop long-term research capacity in areas of public health concern.
