Fully Funded Doctoral Positions at Max Planck Research School, Germany 2026

Applications are now open for fully funded doctoral (PhD) positions at the International Max Planck Research School for Epigenetics, Biophysics and Metabolism (IMPRS-EBM), offered jointly by the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics and the University of Freiburg in Germany. This competitive interdisciplinary program focuses on research areas such as Epigenetics, Biophysics, Metabolism, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Functional Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Proteomics. The positions are fully funded via an employment contract (including full social benefits, health insurance, pension contributions, and additional support for conferences/training), with no tuition fees. There is no application fee. It is open to talented international students who hold (or will obtain by September 2026) an MSc, MRes, Diploma, or equivalent degree in relevant sciences, along with practical lab experience and excellent English proficiency. The application deadline is February 6, 2026, for positions starting in September 2026.  You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Program Name: International Max Planck Research School for Epigenetics, Biophysics and Metabolism (IMPRS-EBM)
• Degree Offered: PhD in interdisciplinary life sciences
• Funding Type: Fully funded employment contract.
• Start Date: September 2026
• Location: Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
• Employer: Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics (in collaboration with University of Freiburg)
• Application Fee: None
• Application Deadline: February 6, 2026 (23:59 CET)

What This Scholarship Offers

• Unique laboratory rotations in three different labs (one month each) before selecting your PhD thesis lab
• Personalized mentoring from group leaders and a Thesis Advisory Committee
• Structured curriculum with advanced scientific courses, transferable skills training, career development, and networking opportunities
• Interdisciplinary and international environment with researchers from over 20 countries
• Access to state-of-the-art core facilities and cutting-edge technologies
• Additional personal budget for conferences, external training, and career activities
• Family-friendly support, including parent-child room, breastfeeding room, and affiliated day care center
• Vibrant life in Freiburg, one of Germany’s most livable cities near the Black Forest

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Eligibility Criteria

• MSc, MRes, Diploma, or equivalent degree in Biology, Biomedicine, Chemistry, Physics, or related fields (to be completed by September 2026 at latest)
• Hands-on practical experience in laboratory-based scientific projects
• Excellent English language skills (no specific certificate required)
• Strong motivation for basic research and willingness to work in a dynamic, international team

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How to Apply

• Apply online through the official application portal.
• Register and submit via the link Below.
• Required documents typically include: CV, transcripts, motivational letter, essay on scientific interests, and references
• Selection process: Application review → Video interviews (March) → Online panel interviews (April) → Onsite interviews in Freiburg (June)
• No direct applications to individual group leaders – all via centralized portal.

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