PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

Dr rer nat (PhD equivalent)

In cooperation with

Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen & Friedrich Miescher Laboratory

Teaching language

• English

Languages

• All programme activities are conducted in English.
• Subsidised German language classes are offered.

Full-time / part-time

• full-time

Programme duration

8 semesters

Beginning

Winter semester

Additional information on beginning, duration and mode of study

We aim for most of our PhD candidates to start in September by participating in our introductory workshop and our PhD retreat.

Application deadline

Application deadline: February
Interviews in April

Outside of the recruiting round, individual applications are possible by getting directly in touch with faculty.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

The special feature of our doctoral programme in the life sciences is its emphasis on interdisciplinary interactions. We want to endow the next generation of scientists with the skills and knowledge to study complex biological processes that cannot be adequately understood within the limits of a single discipline.

Projects and training are offered by around 25 faculty members doing research at the Max Planck Institute for Biology, the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory, and the University of Tübingen. The projects and training span several levels of biological organisation – from molecules to organisms and even through to ecosystems. Supporting courses and events allow doctoral candidates and faculty working at these different levels to interact and establish collaborations. Traditionally separate fields covered by the programme include the following:

• structural, molecular, and cellular biology
• biophysics
• biochemistry
• genetics
• animal and plant development
• computational biology
• bioinformatics
• genomics and proteomics
• microbiology and microbiome science
• ecology
• evolutionary biology

Our concept is supported by the facilities available at the participating laboratories, including platforms for NMR, X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and light microscopy; the Genome Centre with next-generation sequencing technology; and the Proteome Centre Tübingen, equipped with three high-accuracy Orbitrap mass spectrometers.

Around 70 young scientists are currently working towards a PhD in our programme; just over a third of them come from Germany, and the rest from around the world.

We offer:

• Cutting-edge research projects and excellent facilities
• Full funding through doctoral fellowships
• Structured support through a personal thesis advisory committee
• Supporting curriculum with many optional courses
• International environment with English as the working language
• Personal assistance with relocation

Course organisation

The doctoral researchers are guided by a primary adviser who provides the ongoing, direct supervision and support needed to establish and carry out the PhD project. Additionally, our doctoral candidates benefit from regular interactions with their thesis advisory committee (TAC), a panel of at least three experienced scientists.
Furthermore, our doctoral candidates are supported by a programme of professional training, including the following:

• introductory courses
• workshops in writing and presenting research
• annual symposia
• annual retreats

Doctoral researchers can further enhance their skills by participating in advanced scientific training options, career development possibilities and conference attendance.
Regular social events and get-togethers round off the programme. Find further details at https://www.phd.tuebingen.mpg.de/11580/PhD-Programs-overview .

A Diploma supplement will be issued

Yes

International elements

• International guest lecturers
• Language training provided
• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad

Special promotion / funding of the programme

• IMPRS

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

Yes

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

Yes

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

Enrolment fees at the University of Tübingen are currently about 160 EUR per semester. This includes use of local public transport free of charge from Monday to Friday (in the evenings), at weekends and on public holidays. In addition, students may purchase a semester ticket for unlimited use of public transport in the city of Tübingen and the surrounding area (currently about 110 EUR per semester).

Costs of living

Depending on the type of accommodation selected (shared flat or individual flat), the costs of living can vary, but is usually between 950 EUR and 1,250 EUR a month.

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

All doctoral candidates are supported financially by the Max Planck Society or the University of Tübingen. Funding is awarded for three years in the first instance and will be extended into a fourth year if warranted by the circumstances of the PhD project.

Academic admission requirements

Applicants must hold or expect to hold a Master's degree or equivalent degree with a specialisation in natural or computer science.

Language requirements

English is the programme language. Good written and spoken English is essential.

Application deadline

Application deadline: February
Interviews in April

Outside of the recruiting round, individual applications are possible by getting directly in touch with faculty.

Submit application to

Only online applications will be accepted. Have a look at our website: https://www.phd.tuebingen.mpg.de/3849/Apply-to-IMPRS .

Accommodation

Researchers can contact the researcher support team for tips and tricks on how to find accommodation.

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory service

• International career seminar series
• Workshops – e.g. application skills
• Career days

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Welcome event
• Accompanying programme
• Visa matters
• Cultural and linguistic preparation

General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

During your PhD, you will be supported by our Researcher Support Team, which includes our International Office as well.

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