THE GRADUATE SCHOOL | Our International Max Planck Research School on Interdisciplinary Plant Biology is a local collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research and the University of Cologne, Germany. International students are closely supervised by an advisory committee, receive training in professional skills and are supported to share their scientific insights. All training is in English.
THE RESEARCH | The mission of our IMPRS is to study fundamental biological processes in plants and to create knowledge and material that can empower innovative plant breeding. More than 30 research groups study regulatory networks controlling fundamental traits such as reproductive development, organ geometry and growth, innate immunity and microbiome effects on plant performance. They apply and develop a broad range of interdisciplinary technologies ranging from genetics and genomics to structural biochemistry, advanced imaging and computational and mathematical modelling in various plant species. All available projects are detailed at where applicants will also find more information about the host groups.
YOUR PROFILE | You are a highly qualified and motivated student from any nationality and hold, or expect to hold, a Master’s degree in a related subject. You have a proven track record of academic and research excellence and are fluent in written and spoken English.
OUR OFFER | We provide an excellent, international and interdisciplinary research environment with state-of-the-art facilities and a renowned faculty. Positions are fully funded for 3 years with a possible extension. Salary is based upon the framework of a Max Planck Society doctoral funding contract (TVöD 13, 65%). We are committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in the workforce and encourage applications from such qualified individuals. Further, we seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women to apply.
YOUR APPLICATION
* Apply online by January 5 th 2026 at gradschool.mpipz.mpg.de
* Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews on March 23 rd – 26 th 2026
* Selected applicants will start the PhD between summer and October 1 st 2026
CONTACT
* Dr. Monika Schlosser (IMPRS coordinator) at gradschool@mpipz.mpg.de
* Find more details at