Apply to the IMPRS 'From Molecules to Organisms'

We have two annual recruitment rounds. Between application rounds you may submit a speculative application to MPI and FML faculty. You need to fulfill the application criteria below to be eligible to apply.

Who can apply (requirements)?
To be eligible to apply you need to

• hold, or expect to hold, a Masters (or Diplom) degree in Natural or Computer Science. All prior degree work must be finished before the PhD start date.
• Bachelors-only applicants: Exceptionally talented students holding only a Bachelors degree may be admitted. You should hold a 4-years honors degree, have excellent grades and possess extensive and relevant research experience. Additional study requirements may be assigned
• be able to show that your interests, skills and knowledge match well with your proposed area of doctoral research. 
• be able to demonstrate a high level of written and spoken English.

If you obtained your degree(s) OUTSIDE the European Higher Education Area your application should include scores from the GRE General Test. To have your scores forwarded to us online, supply our institution code: 4791.  In general, successful applicants have scored above 152 on the verbal test and above 155 on the quantitative test.
Applicants with an Indian GATE score can supply this instead of, or as well as, the GRE.

When can I apply?
We have two annual application round for the IMPRS.

Spring application round in 2022/23:
Our spring application round has now closed.

What is the selection process for the application rounds?

• Online applications: 19 December 2022 – 8 February 2023
  To start your application for the IMPRS ‘From Molecules to Organisms’ 
  • have a look at which faculty members are recuting and the projects on offer
  • check that you meet our requirements (see above)
  • familiarize yourself with the application process and have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions
  • register to apply and complete the application
• Review of applications:  6 February – 3 March 2023
  Once applications are submitted and the application deadline has passed, they are reviewed. Sometimes there will be a short online interview with a member of faculty to clarify a few points. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to an online panel interview.
  If you have not heard from us by the 7 March your application was not successful.
• Online Panel Interviews: 13 - 15  March 2023
  Online panel interviews are scheduled for 30-40 shortlisted candidates.
  Candidate will give a 10 minute presentation on a research project and answer questions from the faculty panel members.
• On site visit:  3 - 5 May 2023
  Up to 20 applicants, who passed the panel interview stage, will be invited 1-1 interviews (online or in-person)
• Offers
  Successful candidates will receive an offer around 2 weeks after the on-site selection
• Start date
  New PhD students should be ready to join the school at the beginning of September. Exact start dates will be agreed individually with the advisors.

Applying outside the application rounds
We encourage you to apply in one of our application rounds. You may though submit a speculative application directly to MPI and FML faculty members outside of the application rounds.

To submit a speculative application please send an email to the faculty member you would like to work with including:

• a brief outline of your goals and interests
• your CV
• a list of references

You can find information about all our faculty and who is currently recruiting PhD students on our faculty pages.

We are committed to employing more disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply. Overall, the Max Planck Society strives to increase diversity in all scientific fields. We particularly welcome applications from persons with backgrounds that have so far been underrepresented in science and research with regard to gender, age, professional and cultural background, family situation, sexual orientation, and nationality.