International Max Planck Research School for Quantitative Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (IMPRS-QBEE)
A structured PhD programme at the intersection of animal behaviour, ecology, evolution, physiology, and neurobiology.
Best for:Best for ambitious early-career researchers passionate about quantitative biology, with interests in animal behaviour, ecology, evolution, physiology, or neurobiology, and a strong quantitative or experimental research background.
Overview
The International Max Planck Research School for Quantitative Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (IMPRS-QBEE) is a collaborative doctoral programme between the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour and the University of Konstanz. Launched in 2022, it offers outstanding doctoral students a multidisciplinary environment to explore fundamental questions in quantitative biology, from molecular to societal scales. Research spans theoretical and experimental approaches, integrating lab and fieldwork with cutting-edge technologies. The programme provides structured training, mentorship, career support, and full financial coverage for selected candidates.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent but supervised research within the broad fields of animal behaviour, ecology, evolution, physiology, or neurobiology.
- Develop and implement experimental or theoretical research projects, combining field and laboratory work.
- Participate in structured training programmes, including courses, seminars, and workshops on quantitative methods and research skills.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary research groups and contribute to the broader scientific community through presentations and publications.
- Engage in mentorship and career development activities, including participation in the Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) and mentoring programmes.
- Present research findings at conferences and symposia, both nationally and internationally.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Neuroscience, or a related quantitative discipline.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency at a level suitable for academic research and daily communication (no formal test score required but implied).
Instruction: English
- Strong quantitative or analytical skills, including proficiency in statistical methods and computational tools.
- Experience with experimental design and data collection in field or laboratory settings.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Open to outstanding international applicants from around the world.
- No specific nationality restrictions.
- Applicants must participate in the annual selection symposium in Konstanz to be considered.
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
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: Annual selection symposium (exact date not specified; typically held in early spring)
Applicants must first participate in the annual selection symposium held in Konstanz. After the symposium, selected candidates will receive an invitation to apply formally for the programme. The application process includes submitting academic transcripts, a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency if required.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal outlining the intended PhD project
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2-3)
- Proof of English proficiency (if not a native speaker, though not explicitly stated)
- Participation confirmation from the annual selection symposium
Contact
IMPRS-QBEE Office· Programme Coordinator
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.