International Max Planck Research School in Molecular to Organismal Biology
Interdisciplinary PhD programme bridging molecular biology, biophysics, and ecology at Max Planck and University of Tübingen.
Best for:Best for life sciences researchers with a master’s degree seeking a structured, interdisciplinary PhD environment with access to world-class facilities and mentorship from leading experts in molecular to organismal biology.
Overview
The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) in Tübingen offers a structured PhD programme focused on life sciences, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration across molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels. Hosted jointly by the Max Planck Institute for Biology, the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory, and the University of Tübingen, this programme provides cutting-edge research opportunities with around 25 faculty members. Doctoral candidates engage in projects spanning structural biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and ecology, supported by advanced facilities like NMR, cryo-EM, and high-throughput sequencing. The programme combines rigorous scientific training with professional development, including workshops, symposia, and career coaching, all conducted in English with subsidized German language classes for integration.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent research projects under the supervision of a primary advisor and a thesis advisory committee (TAC) of at least three experienced scientists.
- Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration across molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels of biological organization.
- Participate in structured training programs, including introductory courses, workshops on research writing and presentation, and symposia like the Bioconnect Symposium.
- Attend professional development events, career coaching sessions, and international conferences to enhance research and career skills.
- Contribute to the programme’s social and networking events, fostering collaboration among doctoral candidates and faculty.
- Utilize advanced research facilities, including NMR, X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, light microscopy, and high-throughput sequencing platforms.
- Develop and present research findings at internal and external scientific forums.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent in natural sciences (e.g., biology, biochemistry, physics, computer science) or related fields.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; C1 level required (no proof required).
Instruction: English (with subsidized German language classes offered)
- Proven academic excellence in natural sciences or related disciplines.
- Strong research skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
- Basic proficiency in scientific writing and presentation (English proficiency required).
- Experience with laboratory techniques relevant to molecular, cellular, or organismal biology (if applicable).
- Ability to manage complex research projects and meet deadlines.
- No nationality restrictions.
- Applicants must hold or expect to hold a Master's degree or equivalent by the start of the programme.
- No age restrictions mentioned.
- No prior experience caps.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
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- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: December 2026 (annual recruitment round)
Applicants must submit their application through the official IMPRS portal during the annual recruitment round starting in December 2026. For speculative applications outside the official rounds, candidates should directly contact a faculty member from the Max Planck Institute or Friedrich Miescher Laboratory via email, including a brief outline of their research goals, CV, and list of references.
- CV
- Brief outline of research goals and interests
- List of references
- Master’s degree certificate or proof of expected completion
- Transcripts of academic records
Contact
IMPRS Office· Application Coordinator
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