Breaking Opportunity for Aspiring Life Scientists: Applications are now open for the IMPRS “From Molecules to Organisms” Fully Funded PhD Scholarships, offering 16 fully funded doctoral positions for the 2026–2027 cohort, with studies starting in May 2026.
This is a full-time, fully funded PhD opportunity in Germany, designed for international students who want to conduct cutting-edge biological research in an interdisciplinary, world-class research environment. This article walks you through what the IMPRS PhD is, what it offers, who can apply, and the key deadlines you must not miss.
What This PhD Opportunity Is All About?
The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) “From Molecules to Organisms” is a prestigious doctoral training program based in Tübingen, Germany, jointly run by the Max Planck Institute of Biology, the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory, and the University of Tübingen. The program focuses on understanding life across biological scales—from molecules and cells to organisms, populations, and ecosystems—using interdisciplinary approaches that combine experimental and computational science.
This program is ideal for motivated young researchers who want to shape their own scientific pathway while working with internationally renowned scientists in an English-speaking research environment.
What the IMPRS PhD Scholarship Offers?
The IMPRS “From Molecules to Organisms” program provides a comprehensive fully funded PhD package, allowing doctoral researchers to focus entirely on high-impact research. The IMPRS scholarship offerings include:
- Fully funded PhD positions for 4 years
- Competitive salary and full financial support
- Research in innovative, interdisciplinary projects across life sciences
- Dedicated Thesis Advisory Committee for tailored academic supervision
- Advanced scientific training, transferable skills courses, and career development workshops
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research infrastructure
- Funding support for conferences and international research collaboration
- Multicultural research environment, with English as the working language
- Opportunity to live and study in Tübingen, one of Germany’s most dynamic university towns
Fields of Study Covered
Applicants can pursue PhD research in a wide range of life science disciplines, including:
- Biochemistry
- Biology and Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
- Botany and Zoology
- Microbiology and Microbiome Science
- Genomics and Proteomics
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology
- Developmental Biology and Genetics
- Nanosciences
- Marine Biology
Eligibility Checks: Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is open to international applicants who meet the academic and research criteria below. You are eligible if you:
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant life science discipline
- Have a strong academic background and research motivation
- Are interested in interdisciplinary biological research
- Can work and communicate effectively in English
- Are prepared to commit to a full-time PhD program for four years
Application Process at a Glance
Applications are accepted only through the official online application system. Candidates must upload all required documents via the portal before the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Application Dates and Deadlines
The application deadline for the IMPRS “From Molecules to Organisms” Fully Funded PhD Scholarships is 19 January 2026. The selected candidates will start their PhD on 01 May 2026, and the program will run for a total duration of four years, covering the 2026–2027 academic cohort and beyond.