Careers at VG-CARE
Open Calls
PACE-UP Master's Module 2026: Call for Proposals
Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE) is announcing 4 Master’s module internships for a period of 5 months in the framework of the PAN ASEAN Coalition for Epidemic and OUtbreak Preparedness program (PACE-UP). PACE-UP is one of the four Global Health Centers (the only one in Asia), funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) / Ministry of Foreign Affairs (AA), Germany.
Your Profile:
Master's students in biology/biochemistry/infectious diseases from
universities in Vietnam already registered for their master's thesis.
A bachelor’s degree is a pre-requisite.
Master students must be available for five full months in person at VG-CARE to be eligible for the scholarship.
Master thesis must be completed no later than December 2026.
Completion of the Master's degree in 2027.
How to Apply:
Submit a single PDF (in English) including:
A cover letter with CV
a topic/short proposal (strictly half a page) for your Master's thesis in the field of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
Possibility of sampling and availability of biobanked or retrospective samples for proposed experimental studies.
Name of your supervisor (pre-identified), and his/her email ID.
English proficiency equivalent to minimum IELTS score of 5.5 (recommended), or a demonstrated ability to communicate and write in English at an equivalent level.
Application deadline: 31 December 2025
📧 Send to: salome.steinke@vgcare.org and truongnhatmy@gmail.com
Call for PhD Applications
We invite applications for one fully funded doctoral position in the field of healthcare management. The position is offered as part of the PACE-UP project funded by DAAD over a period of four years. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to pursue a PhD at the University of Tübingen, Germany in collaboration with the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health.
Your Profile:
Vietnamese from institution within the PACE-UP network
Master’s degree or MD with Master's degree in a relevant field (health sciences, public health, etc.)
Eligible candidates must be under 45 years of age
Strong academic record and demonstrated research interest
Proficiency in English (spoken & written)
Basic proficiency in qualitative research methods with experience in conducting & analzying in-depth interviews as well as basic statistical methods.
Enthusiasm for health service improvement & systems strengthening.
Be able to work with a range of stakeholders and collaborators.
Candidates must commit to returning to their home institutions post-PhD to contribute to local capacity building
How to Apply:
Submit a single PDF (in English) including:
CV (max 2 pages)
Statement of Purpose/motivational letter (max 1 page)
Degree certificates and transcripts
English proficiency certificate (TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC or equivalent. Proficiency level equivalent to IELTS score 6.5)
Names and contacts of two academic referees
Application deadline: 10 December 2025
📧 Send applications to: salome.steinke@vgcare.org
Call for PhD Applications
We invite applications for one fully funded doctoral position in the field of basic research on infectious disease. The position is offered as part of the PACE-UP project funded by DAAD over a period of four years. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to pursue a PhD at the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, in collaboration with the University of Hamburg.
Your Profile:
Vietnamese from institution within the PACE-UP network
Master’s degree or MD with Master's degree in a relevant field (health sciences, public health, etc.)
Eligible candidates must be under 45 years of age
Strong academic record and demonstrated research interest
Proficiency in English (spoken & written)
Ability to critically read and interpret scientific literature
Basic molecular laboratory skills in cell culture, RNA purification, PCR and adherence to good laboratory practices
Interest in mosquitoes and capability to work under high safety level (BSL2/3)
Candidates must commit to returning to their home institutions post-PhD to contribute to local capacity building
How to Apply:
Submit a single PDF (in English) including:
CV (max 2 pages)
Statement of Purpose/motivational letter (max 1 page)
Degree certificates and transcripts
English proficiency certificate (TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC or equivalent. Proficiency level equivalent to IELTS score 6.5)
Names and contacts of two academic referees
Application deadline: 10 December 2025
📧 Send applications to: salome.steinke@vgcare.org
Call for PostDoc Applications
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) to join our team at the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Germany. The position is part of the PACE-UP initiative and offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on arboviruses, with a particular focus on dengue. The position is full-time and available from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.
Your Profile:
Medical Degree MD with a PhD in Experimental Medicine or Molecular Biology
Proven and demonstrated clinical research experience on viral haemorrhagic fever causing pathogens in ASEAN countries
Strong publications related to epidemiological studies and/or on host-viral interactions
Alumni of the PACE-UP program (considered an asset)
Flexibility and readiness to travel to Asia and Africa as required
How to Apply:
Submit a single PDF (in English) including:
CV (max 2 pages) and list of publications
Statement of Purpose/motivational letter (max 1 page)
Degree certificates and transcripts
English proficiency certificate (TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC or equivalent)
Vietnamese language proficiency
Names and contacts of two academic referees
Application deadline: 30 November 2025
📧 Send applications to: salome.steinke@vgcare.org
Call for PhD Applications
Fully funded PhD positions are now available in infectious diseases, epidemiology, global health, and antimicrobial resistance at leading institutions in Germany. The program is part of the PAN ASEAN Coalition for Epidemic and Outbreak Preparedness (PACE-UP), funded by DAAD.
Programm Benefits
4-year funded PhD position (July 2026 – June 2030)
Monthly scholarship (€1400), health insurance, return flight tickets
Access to advanced laboratory and research infrastructure
Opportunities for international exchange, fieldwork, and conferences
Supervision within a vibrant international research consortium
Eligibility:
Vietnamese from institution within the PACE-UP network
Master’s degree or MD with Master's degree in a relevant field (health sciences, public health, pharmacy, etc.)
Candidates must be under 45 years of age
Strong academic record and demonstrated research interest
Proficiency in English (spoken & written)
Skills in literature review, molecular laboratory practices, and scientific analysis
Candidates must commit to returning to their home institutions post-PhD to contribute to local capacity building
How to Apply:
Submit a single PDF (in English) including:
CV (max 2 pages)
Statement of Purpose/motivational letter (max 1 page)
Degree certificates and transcripts
English proficiency certificate (TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC or equivalent. Proficiency level equivalent to IELTS score 6.5)
Names and contacts of two academic referees
Application deadline: 10 October 2025
Program start date: 01 July 2026
📧 Send applications to: salome.steinke@vgcare.org
PACE-UP Initiative
Join our mission to enhance epidemic and outbreak preparedness across Asia and beyond.
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