Summary
The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Brain and Behavior invites applications for its fully funded PhD program. Conducted in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar (MPINB) and the University of Bonn, this program offers world-class multidisciplinary training, lab rotations, and competitive remuneration to investigate the neural circuits underlying animal behavior.
Key Program Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Program | IMPRS for Brain and Behavior PhD Fellowship |
| Designation | PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher |
| Funding Level | Fully funded (~65% TVöD Bund/Land E13; approx. €2,000 net/month) |
| Degree Awarding Body | University of Bonn (PhD in Neuroscience or Dr. rer. nat.) |
| Application Portal Opens | August 31 |
| Application Deadline | October 15 |
| Selection Symposium | Late January |
| Program Start | Up to October 1 of the following year |
Designation
- Doctoral Candidate / PhD Researcher
Research Area
- Neuroethology & Neuroscience: Linking brain circuits to behavior, sensory processing, neural mechanisms of decision-making, and advanced imaging/computational neurobiology.
Location
- Bonn, Germany (Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar & University of Bonn)
Eligibility / Qualification
- Academic Background: A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g., Neuroscience, Biology, Physics, Computer Science, or related disciplines), awarded prior to starting the program.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Research Interest: Strong motivation and demonstrable interest in pursuing doctoral research in neuroethology.
- University Requirements: Must meet the admission and degree regulations of the relevant faculty at the University of Bonn (Medical Faculty or Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences).
Scholarship Description & Benefits
- Competitive Salary: Full funding for the entire duration of studies with an employment contract (approx. 65% TVöD E13, yielding ~€2,000 net monthly, with scheduled step increases).
- Lab Rotations: Opportunity to complete rotations in different laboratories during the first 6 months.
- Training & Development: Methodological workshops, soft-skills training, and travel grants for international conferences.
- Mentorship: Comprehensive guidance from a dedicated Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC).
- Relocation & Administrative Support: Visa, onboarding, and family support via the IMPRS Coordination Office.
How to Apply
- Prepare Application Documents:
- Transcripts & Certificates: Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and academic records (with English translations).
- Motivation Letter: Detailed letter addressed to the Selection Symposium highlighting your fit for the program and relevant practical skills.
- Lab Preferences: Identify two recruiting Principal Investigators (PIs) and explain your research interests relative to their work.
- Nominate Referees: Identify and register two academic referees in the portal. Referees must submit their reference forms directly online prior to the deadline.
- Submit Online: Register an account and complete the application through the IMPRS Online Application Portal.
- Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Selection Symposium in late January, followed by on-site interviews, lab tours, and campus visits in Bonn (travel costs covered).
Last Date to Apply
- October 15 (Application portal opens annually on August 31)
