Max Planck Research School IMPRS-CellDevoSys PhD Scholarship 2026 , Germany (Fully Funded)
The International Max Planck Research School for Cell, Developmental and Systems Biology (IMPRS-CellDevoSys) is a prestigious, research-driven PhD program in Germany designed for highly motivated and interdisciplinary scientists. Hosted in Dresden, the program is jointly run by leading institutions including the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), the Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD), and the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems (MPI-PKS), in close partnership with TU Dresden.
IMPRS-CellDevoSys is internationally recognized for combining cutting-edge experimental biology, computational approaches, and theoretical science within a highly collaborative academic environment.
Degree Level
- PhD (Doctoral Degree)
This is a fully structured doctoral research program, typically lasting 3–4 years.
Available Subjects
The IMPRS-CellDevoSys PhD program is open to candidates from diverse scientific backgrounds, including:
- Biology
- Cell and Developmental Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
- Systems Biology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Computational and Theoretical Biology
Most PhD projects are interdisciplinary, combining at least two of these fields.
Benefits
The program offers comprehensive academic, professional, and financial support, including:
- Fully funded PhD positions with financial security for the full thesis duration
- Competitive salary according to Max Planck and German funding standards
- Access to world-class laboratories and core facilities
- Dedicated mentoring through Thesis Advisory Committees (TACs)
- Fully recognized PhD curriculum by TU Dresden
- No additional coursework usually required for graduation
- Strong international research community
- Postdoc wrap-up year (typically granted for publishing and transitions)
- Career development activities, retreats, and networking opportunities
Program Structure and Features
Thesis Advisory Committees (TACs)
- Each PhD student is guided by a committee of expert scientists rather than a single supervisor. TACs provide structured feedback, interdisciplinary perspectives, and clear milestones throughout the PhD journey.
Cross-Disciplinary PhD Course
- In the first year, students participate in an intensive one-month interdisciplinary research course. Small teams work on innovative mini-projects supervised by experimental and theoretical faculty, often leading to publications, grants, or full PhD projects.
Thursday Tutorials
- Students introduce invited world-leading scientists and their research fields in interdisciplinary sessions, building scientific communication skills and cross-field understanding.
Good Scientific Practice (GSP)
- All PhD candidates complete a certified Good Scientific Practice course covering research integrity, data management, authorship ethics, and conflict resolution.
Additional Program Highlights
- Friday research seminars
- Interdisciplinary elective courses
- Peer-review presentation support (iFIT)
- Open-door lab culture and cross-institution collaboration
- Alumni networking and career days
Eligible Nationalities
- Open to all nationalities
- Applicants from any country are welcome
- No nationality restrictions apply
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold (or expect to receive) an MSc degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
- Exceptional BSc-only applicants with significant research experience may be considered
- High proficiency in spoken and written English
- Strong academic performance and prior research experience
- Genuine interest in the research vision of at least one IMPRS research group
- Motivation for interdisciplinary and collaborative research
- Scientific curiosity, independence, and resilience in research
Application Procedure
IMPRS-CellDevoSys recruits PhD students once per year through a joint selection process with its partner program DIGS-ILS.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Familiarize yourself with the IMPRS research groups
- Confirm your eligibility and research interest
- Request an account via the DIGS-ILS online application system
- Submit personal information, CV, and referee details
- Ask two referees familiar with your research to submit recommendations
- Write statements on your research experience and motivation
- Upload academic transcripts and certificates
- Submit the completed application once recommendations are received
- Applications submitted by email or directly to supervisors will not be considered.
Selection Process
- Initial application review
- Shortlisted candidates invited for online interviews
- Final candidates invited to in-person interview week in Dresden
This multi-stage process ensures academic excellence, motivation, and program fit.
Application Deadline
- PhD application calls typically open in late summer
- Application deadlines usually fall in autumn
- Interview stages take place in winter
- Deadlines may vary each year, so applicants should always check the official program website for current timelines
Why Choose IMPRS-CellDevoSys?
- One of the most interdisciplinary PhD programs in Europe
- Backed by the Max Planck Society
- Exceptional publication record in top journals such as Nature and Cell
- Strong integration of theory, computation, and experiment
- Located in Dresden, a leading European research hub
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