Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology/University of Tübingen Germany PhD Program 2011 (120 Fellowships)

Max-Planck-Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie
Spemannstr. 35
72076 Tübingen Germany

Under the auspices of the University of Tübingen, approximately 120 students from all over the world are working on their PhDs at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology and the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory. Here, they profit from an interdisciplinary environment and first-rate scientific resources. Dedicated support and educational programs foster the scientific growth of doctoral students. The program offers cutting edge training in

• Bioinformatics
• Structural Biology
• Plant & Animal Development

• Molecular & Cellular Biology/ Biochemistry
• Developmental & Quantitative Genetics
• Evolutionary Biology & Ecological Genetics

Aim The aim of the International PhD Program of the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology and the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory is to develop the minds and skills of promising young scientists by providing outstanding interdisciplinary training in cutting-edge biological research.

Admission The PhD program is open to highly qualified students from Germany and any other country. Approximately 50 new PhD students join the program each year. Most students go through the general application process offered twice a year with interviews generally scheduled in February and September. Find details of the application process here.

Research The focus of the program is to provide PhD students with top-level training in scientific research guided by a faculty of highly successful scientists. Find a list of PhD projects offered in the current selection round here.

Training Complementing their scientific research, PhD students are required to attend courses offered on the Max Planck Campus and at the University of Tübingen, participate in research seminars and present their research findings at internal symposia. In addition, a wide variety of optional courses are available to acquire additional skills. Find the details here. 

Degree Most  participants of the PhD program are enrolled as PhD students at the University of Tuebingen, from which they will receive the German equivalent of the PhD degree. Find details here. 

Financial Considerations Most PhD students receive a stipend to cover living expenses from the Max-Planck-Society. The University of Tübingen charges only minimal fees, while no tuition or fees are charged by the Max-Plank-Institutes or the Friedrich-Miescher-Laboratory. Details can be found here.

How to apply Access to application

Click here to access our online application system using a secure server. 

Procedure

Applications Applicants must register online. All application materials, including reference forms, must be received by the PhD Program Office by the application deadline. Completed applications will be reviewed by a committee of group leaders.

Interviews  Short-listed candidates will be invited for a three-day period of interviews and information exchange. Travel expenses are reimbursed and free accommodation is provided.

Admission  Offers of admission will be made to the successful candidates shortly after the interview period.
 

Start 

PhD Students must start their research within 6 months of receiving the offer.

Time Table

Spring 2011 Selection
November 24, 2010        Application deadline
December 14, 2010         Invitations to interviews are issued
February 2-4, 2011          Interviews in Tübingen
February 11, 2011           Offers are made
August 2011                    Latest starting date

Fall 2011 Selection
May 2011                        Online application system opens
July 2011                         Application deadline
September 2011              Interviews in Tübingen

Requirements

Degree  Generally, applicants must hold or expect to hold a Diplom or M.Sc. degree or a comparable degree from a minimum 4-year undergraduate program with a specialization in the biological sciences. Outstanding B.Sc students in the biological sciences graduating within the top 10% of their class can also be admitted to the program, provided they are able to show independent research experience.

All degrees must be received before starting research as our institutes and within 6 months of the interview.
For detailed information according to your degree please contact the PhD Program Office in advance.
 

Language  The program language is English. You will need to provide evidence that you are comfortable communicating in written an oral English.

General  GRE®  - Graduate Record Examinations - score

Applicants with MSc or equivalent from non-European universities are required to submit a GRE score. When applying, you may submit a copy of the official record. The official form is required for admission to the program. Find out more about the GRE here.

We consider the following countries as "European countries": countries belonging to the European Union, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine. 

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