Application

Call for Applications 2026 is closed

 

Thank you for 860 applications!

The application platform for our PhD recruitment call for 2026 is closed.

Please note that the applicant and referee deadlines have passed, to ensure a fair process to all of our applicants, we cannot accept any further application or references.


What we offer

 
We are recruiting PhDs student for the International Max Planck Research School for Infectious Diseases and Immunology in this call. Our graduate school offers:
 
  • cutting-edge research and training opportunities with access to state-of-the-art facilities
  • an excellent scientific network – our faculty members are internationally recognized scientists affiliated with renowned research institutes and universities in Berlin and around the world
  • a prestigious graduate school program with a project-adapted curriculum (training courses, lectures etc on scientific, technical and complementary skill topics)
  • the opportunity for travel to present your work
  • a strong PhD community with lively exchange and easy professional and social integration
  • a stimulating international and multi-disciplinary research environment on a thriving campus in the heart of Berlin


Who is eliglible?

 

We are seeking creative and highly motivated applicants from all over the world who are truly committed to research.

Applicants must hold a German Master (M.Sc.), a German Diploma or an equivalent international degree in a biological discipline (for the specific subjects, please see the project descriptions). It is not necessary to hold the degree at the time of your application, but prior to taking up a position with us. If you have an MD with only clinical qualifications we cannot consider your application unless you have prior substantial laboratory experience.
 
The working language of our school is English. Therefore, we expect all our doctoral students to have an excellent knowledge and command of spoken and written English (B2/C1 or above) from all our applicants. Providing a language test result helps us with the assessment. If you have studied in English or have been abroad, please indicate this in your application. In this case, you need to upload a letter of the university stating you studied in English (also please indicate course length/hours).

Selection process & Time line

 
Pre-selection:
Deadline for submitting your application is 10 December, 2025, 23:59 CET. Referees can submit their letters until 17 December, 2025, 23:59 CET. Applications will be reviewed by the IMPRS-IDI coordination office, followed by faculty review. A first short listing will take place around 31 January. Candidates will be informed latest by 2 February, 2026 whether they have been selected to continue in the selection process.
 
Online panel sessions:
Successful candidates at this stage will have the opportunity to meet the recruiting faculty and the Selection Committee panel members for interviews, presentations and assessment online in February/March 2026. Successful candidates will then be invited to Berlin for individual interviews.
 
Invitation to Berlin:
All successful candidates from the online sessions will be invited to Berlin for individual interviews, lab tours and to meet the lab and team members, other PhD candidates from the school etc., dates will depend on visa requirements, travel will be covered by the IMPRS-IDI.
 
Final Decision:
The Selection Committee of the IMPRS-IDI will meet to make a final decision, and offers will be sent out as soon as possible after the interview dates. Deadline for accepting an offer is 14 days. Earliest start date will be in June 2026. Latest start date for this call will be December 2026.

Contact IMPRS-IDI Office

imprs-office@mpiib-berlin.mpg.de
+49 30 2084 60 140