International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS
Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry
Program Overview
IMPRS-ML – A Structured PhD Programme for Future Leaders in Science The International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) is a centre of excellence for the training of doctoral researchers in the areas of biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, cell biology, systems biology, and computational biology. IMPRS-ML PhD Research Topics Research activities at IMPRS-ML centre around three distinct but well-connected research branches to investigate the structure, function, and dynamics of biomolecules and to ask how these molecules interact in biological systems to generate appropriate responses to environmental cues. Innovation drivers include the development of advanced technologies and the full integration of complex computational approaches to answer relevant biological questions. To learn more about the research activities of our individual faculty members, please check out the research groups at IMPRS-ML. IMPRS-ML Curriculum IMPRS-ML provides high-level scientific training in a superb and vibrant research environment with state-of-the-art facilities for students striving for a successful career in science. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive curriculum, thus ensuring that our students have access to a wide range of relevant learning and training opportunities. The majority of curricular activities are chosen by the student themselves, allowing them to tailor their learning in a way that best suits their needs and interests. Students are required to earn 25 ECTS credits during their doctoral studies, which can be accumulated by participating in a variety of different activities as outlined below. We believe our flexible approach maximises our students’ opportunities to further their learning. The IMPRS-ML curriculum has five main components: Interdisciplinary lecture series IMPRS seminar symposium Advanced methods and specialised training Transferable skills and career development Other curricular activities including an IMPRS-ML retreat In addition to the curricular activities organised by IMPRS-ML, our students can participate in numerous advanced courses, lectures and workshops offered by our university partners. Moreover, students are encouraged to participate in external training activities including EMBO workshops, advanced summer schools and Marie Curie Training Courses, which offer excellent opportunities for training, networking and scientific exchange. A generous travel allowance is available to fund external training activities and conference attendance. Through our curriculum, we ensure that our students have access to the most relevant and up-to-date training and are exposed to cutting-edge research taking place within the institute. Networking is an important feature of our curriculum, and we encourage our students to get to know each other at the events we organise.
EURFinancials
Financials
INFOIntakes and Duration
Intakes and Duration
Intake Season
Winter (October)
Duration
8 semesters
COCareer Outcomes
Career Outcomes
You can always explore various career paths after completing this program. The listed options are some of the most popular among graduates.
EURSalary Outlook
Salary Outlook
Typical range
The stated annual salary (e.g., TV-L E13: €50,000–€65,000 for 100%) refers to a full-time position. In practice, many universities and public research institutes (such as Leibniz institutes) offer part-time contracts, commonly 50%, 65%, or 75%, and only occasionally 100%. The actual salary is therefore proportional to the contract percentage. Applicants are strongly advised to clarify the employment percentage before accepting an offer.
Fresher, mid-level, and experienced ranges are linked to external sources so they stay auditable for applicants.
LANGLanguage & Exams
Language & Exams
Teaching Language
English
Successful candidates need to be fluent in written and spoken English and, unless native speakers, should document their proficiency in English. Ideally, this can be achieved with a TOEFL report, an IELTS report or a Cambridge ESOL certificate (equivalent language tests are also accepted). If an English proficiency test cannot be provided, applicants should describe their English skills in the application form and explain why they think their English skills are sufficient to successfully complete doctoral studies at IMPRS-ML. In that case, it is helpful if your academic training was in English or if you spent extended periods of time in an English-speaking country.
REQRequirements
Requirements
Academic Admission
Entry with an MSc degree Entry level for doctoral studies at IMPRS-ML usually is an MSc degree or an equivalent degree. Most applicants either have a combination of BSc and MSc (with a total equivalent of 300 ECTS credits) or a five-year integrated MSc. Candidates are invited to apply with any academic background relevant to the multidisciplinary research of our IMPRS-ML Faculty , including but not limited to Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics. Entry with a four-year BSc Hons (or equivalent degree) EU degrees: Applicants with a four-year first class BSc Hons (Bachelor of Science with Honours) degree awarded by a university inside the European Bologna System (equivalent to 240 ECTS credits) are eligible to apply. UK/Australia/Canada degrees: Applicants with a four-year first class BSc Hons or MSci degree (equivalent to 240 ECTS credits) from the UK, Australia or Canada are eligible to apply. Depending on the specifics of your curriculum and your academic background, you may be assigned an additional course load of 15 to 60 ECTS credits by the Munich universities. You will have to fulfil these additional course requirements during your doctoral studies. Some university departments will also ask you to take a qualifier examination in the first year of doctoral studies. Applicants with degrees outside the European Bologna System (incl. Turkey): Applicants with a four-year BSc degree awarded by universities outside the European Bologna System are typically not eligible to apply. This includes BSc degrees awarded by universities from the USA, Asia, Africa and Turkey. Medical degrees Candidates with a medical degree such as a MBBS degree (or an equivalent degree) and medical students from Germany are not eligible to apply to our PhD programme. We recommend applying to specific MD/PhD programmes instead. Likewise, candidates with a degree in veterinary medicine typically are not eligible to apply. Recognising international degrees Please keep in mind that your university needs to be recognised by the German authorities. This is the case for most European public and state universities and only very few private universities may not be recognised. If you apply from overseas, we recommend visiting the governmental anabin website that allows you to check whether your university and your degree programme are recognised in Germany. A full assessment regarding eligibility is only possible after submission of a complete application and typically requires the approval of university officials. It is not necessary to already hold the relevant degree at the time of application. However, accepted candidates need to hold their degree prior to starting their doctoral studies and enrolment at IMPRS-ML. Should you have questions regarding eligibility that cannot be answered in this section, please get in touch with the IMPRS-ML Coordination Office .
APS Certificate
Not required for PhD/doctoral programmes.
IELTS Score
Not specified
Application Deadline
Application deadlines are subject to changes. Please refer to the above university course link for the most accurate information.
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