Max Planck Biomedical AI PhD 2027: 25 Open

Max Planck School of Biomedical AI PhD 2027

BMAI is a Germany-wide doctoral network bringing together more than 30 research groups across leading universities and research institutions. The programme aims to develop new AI methods for biomedical and life-science research rather than simply applying existing tools.

The first cohort follows a structured three-year PhD programme with dual supervision by two BMAI Fellows from complementary research backgrounds.

Research Areas

BMAI focuses on methodological foundations of AI-driven biomedicine. Research themes include:

• AI for molecular and cellular systems;
• machine learning for multimodal biological and biomedical data;
• AI for protein and molecule design;
• modelling complex biological traits across scales;
• computational approaches to neural networks and brain systems; and
• method development spanning artificial intelligence, mathematics, statistics and computational life science.

Doctoral researchers work with a primary and complementary secondary supervisor, strengthening both computational and biomedical expertise.

Eligibility

• Applicants should hold, or be completing before programme start, a Master’s degree or equivalent.
• Relevant fields include computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, physics and related disciplines.
• Life-science graduates are eligible when their Bachelor’s and Master’s training includes a strong computational component or substantial programming experience.
• Applicants may submit current transcripts if the Master’s degree is not yet complete, but final degree documentation must be provided before programme start.
• Non-native English speakers must meet the programme’s English-proficiency requirements for final admission.

The programme seeks excellent academic performance and strong motivation for interdisciplinary research.

Funding and Programme Support

Max Planck Schools provide an internationally competitive funding model with no tuition fees. For the doctoral phase, the general Max Planck Schools framework provides employment under the applicable local public-service agreement TVöD/TV-L, E13.

BMAI also provides dual supervision, interdisciplinary Schools and training events, research exchange across the nationwide network and support for professional development.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted only through the Max Planck School of BMAI online portal. Email applications are not accepted.

Prepare:

• Bachelor’s certificate and transcript;
• Master’s certificate, or proof of current enrolment, plus transcript;
• passport or identity-card copy;
• academic CV;
• motivation letter;
• names of up to three preferred BMAI Fellows/supervisors;
• contact details for two referees; and
• English-language evidence where required.

Selection Process

Supervisor preferences help BMAI understand the applicant’s research interests but do not replace the programme’s final matching process.