PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

PhD, Dr rer nat

Doctoral degree or degree awarded by

Friedrich Schiller University Jena

In cooperation with

Friedrich Schiller University Jena
The Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)

Teaching language

• English

Languages

All courses are held in English.

Programme duration

6 semesters

Beginning

Only for doctoral programmes: any time

Application deadline

Application deadlines are posted on the website when available (http://imprs.ice.mpg.de/ext/home.html ). The deadline is usually in mid-April.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

The overarching research topic of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) in Jena is the use of molecular, analytical, and neuroethological techniques to experimentally explore chemical communication under natural conditions. Our focus is on the role of chemical signals that mediate the interactions between plants, animals, microbes, and their environment as well as the evolutionary and behavioural consequences of these interactions.

The aim of the programme is to transfer the advances in biotechnology and chemistry to the study of ecological interactions. To reach this goal, a broad range of scientific courses on relevant methods and topics is offered, including bioinformatics, mass spectrometry, behavioural studies, transcriptomics, proteomics, NMR, plant secondary metabolism, population genetics, entomology, phytohormone analysis, and statistics.

Furthermore, the IMPRS provides instruction in transferable skills by offering seminars and workshops on topics such as presentation skills, project and self-management, how to apply for post-doctoral funding, writing and publishing journal papers, and intellectual property rights.

Further courses in this field are offered by the Jena Graduate Academy for all doctoral students at Jena University.

Course organisation

Independent research is supervised by a post-doc or a senior PhD in the lab and two principal investigators from different departments. This is complemented by a training programme tailor-made for the needs of doctoral researchers.
The training programme combines scientific training, transferable skills training, and mentoring. Core elements of the scientific programme consist of the basic lecture course, scientific workshops and the IMPRS symposium. Transferable skills courses are offered in agreement with doctoral researchers. Providing career support via alumni networks, workshops and excursions complement our programme, and doctoral researchers are engaged in scientific outreach. A flexible credit point system is in place to assess successful completion.

Special promotion / funding of the programme

• IMPRS

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

Yes

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

Approx. 245 EUR per semester (as of summer semester 2023)

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Up to five doctoral positions are awarded annually in a competitive, international call for applications.

Academic admission requirements

Applicants must have or be about to obtain a Master's degree (including a research-based thesis) in molecular biology, ecology, evolution, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, entomology, neurobiology, ethology, bioinformatics, or in a related field. The academic performance must be excellent (rank at or near top of class). Students holding a Bachelor's degree from a research-oriented institution can also be admitted to the programme if they have shown outstanding performance (e.g. a refereed first author publication).

Language requirements

Excellent oral and written English language skills are required.

Application deadline

Application deadlines are posted on the website when available (http://imprs.ice.mpg.de/ext/home.html ). The deadline is usually in mid-April.

Submit application to

IMPRS Chemical Ecology
Hans-Knöll-Str. 8
07745 Jena
Germany

Accommodation

On request, temporary accommodation is organised by the IMPRS for the first weeks. Later, the coordination office assists in reserving a room in a student residence or in finding off-campus accommodation. A large number of rooms (mainly in shared flats) are available in student residences. They are administered by the "Studentenwerk Jena" (monthly rent is between 200 EUR and 350 EUR).

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Tutors
• Visa matters

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