International Max Planck Research School IMPRS “From Molecules to Organisms”

The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) “From Molecules to Organisms” provides excellent interdisciplinary training across the disciplines of structural, molecular, cellular and developmental biology as well as bioinformatics, genomics and evolutionary biology. 

We train the next generation of scientists to study complex biological processes that cannot be adequately understood within the limits of a single discipline. 

IMPRS PhD candidates tackle research projects bridging the gap from molecules to living organisms. Transcending the boundaries of traditional life science disciplines, methodologies and scientific approaches from different fields are combined to address topics inaccessible by isolated research areas. 

Twenty-five eminent group leaders from the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory and the University of Tübingen provide project supervision, plus expertise and infrastructure across the following traditionally separate fields: 

• Biophysics
• Biochemistry & structural biology
• Bioinformatics & computational biology
• Molecular & cellular biology
• Developmental biology & genetics
• Genomics & proteomics
• Microbiology and microbiome science
• Evolutionary biology & ecology

Innovative training program

In general, about one half of the junior researchers receiving their training within the IMPRS are from Germany and the others from around the world. The language of all lectures at the IMPRS is English. The principal component of the program is the doctoral thesis representing a major piece of independent research, mainly in an interdisciplinary topic. Doctoral candidates also benefit from a supporting program of regular workshops, meetings and symposia, which facilitates the exchange of information and provide students with the opportunity to see their research topic from different perspectives. 

We offer:

• Cutting-edge research projects and excellent facilities
• Fully-funded PhD positions
• Tailored support from a thesis advisory committee
• Core and optional development opportunities to improve your scientific and transferable skills
• Multicultural environment with English as the working language