The International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) accepted applications for its 2026/27 PhD intake until 7 October 2026 at 17:00 CEST. The programme trains doctoral researchers in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, cell biology, systems biology, computational biology and related interdisciplinary areas.
IMPRS-ML PhD Programme 2026/27
IMPRS-ML is a structured doctoral programme operated by the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM).
| Programme | International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) |
|---|---|
| Location | Munich / Martinsried, Germany |
| Application round | 2026/27 |
| Application period | 25 August–7 October 2026 |
| Deadline | 7 October 2026 at 17:00 CEST |
| Degree awarding universities | Typically LMU Munich or TUM, depending on supervisor affiliation |
| Programme language | English |
| Current status | Applications closed — selection underway |
Research Areas
IMPRS-ML focuses on interdisciplinary research into the molecular foundations of life. Its current research school spans three broad areas:
- Molecular Mechanisms
- Biological Systems
- Computational Biology and Technology Development
The programme includes more than 30 participating faculty members overall. For the 2026 round, applicants must choose from the faculty members listed as actively recruiting and can indicate up to five research-group preferences in the application.
Eligibility
The standard entry route is a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification. IMPRS-ML accepts applicants from a wide range of disciplines relevant to its multidisciplinary research.
- Typical backgrounds include biology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics and physics.
- A BSc + MSc combination usually corresponds to about 300 ECTS, or an equivalent five-year integrated degree.
- Certain four-year first-class BSc (Hons) / MSci degrees from eligible European Bologna-system institutions, the UK, Australia or Canada can also qualify.
- A four-year BSc alone from universities outside the European Bologna System, including many programmes in the USA, Asia, Africa and Turkey, is generally not sufficient under the published rules.
- Medical degrees such as MBBS/MD and veterinary medicine degrees are not eligible for this PhD programme.
- The qualifying degree does not need to be completed at the time of application, but it must be completed before the PhD starts.
- There is no age limit.
Funding and Financial Support
IMPRS-ML doctoral researchers are typically employed on regular German public-sector work contracts provided by their supervisors rather than receiving a simple scholarship stipend.
| Employment | Regular work contract, typically under the German TVöD framework. |
|---|---|
| Typical net income | Approximately €2,340 per month, depending on personal circumstances and experience. |
| Social protection | Health insurance and full social-security coverage, including retirement and disability. |
| Tuition fees | No tuition fees for doctoral study. |
| Semester fee | Approximately €100 per semester while enrolled at a Munich university. |
| Interview travel | Travel and accommodation for the January 2027 in-person interview week are reimbursed for invited candidates. |
Required Application Documents
| Curriculum vitae | English CV, normally 2–3 pages. |
|---|---|
| Academic records | Transcripts and degree certificates for completed degrees; provisional transcripts for current degrees. |
| Recommendation letters | Two letters from senior researchers familiar with the applicant’s academic work. |
| English proficiency | Proof is recommended for non-native speakers. Published benchmarks include TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5 or upper-B2 Cambridge/CEFR equivalent. |
| Optional supporting documents | Awards, scholarships, GRE, GATE for applicants from India, passport copy and other recommended materials. |
Required documents must be in English or German, or accompanied by appropriate certified translations.
2026/27 Application Process (Closed)
- Check the current eligibility rules.
- Register in the IMPRS-ML application portal between 25 August and 7 October 2026.
- Invite two referees through the system.
- Complete the online application form.
- Select up to five faculty members from the current 2026 recruiting-faculty list.
- Upload all required documents.
- Wait until both recommendation letters have been submitted.
- Submit the complete application before 7 October 2026 at 17:00 CEST.
IMPRS-ML specifically advises applicants that they do not need to contact prospective group leaders before applying. Research-group preferences are selected through the application itself.
Selection Timeline
| Application deadline | 7 October 2026, 17:00 CEST |
|---|---|
| Online panel interviews | 23–27 November 2026 |
| In-person interviews and matchmaking | 18–22 January 2027 in Munich |
| Acceptance letters | By early February 2027 |
| Possible start | Accepted students may begin after the interview process in agreement with the supervisor |
| Latest start | 1 October 2027 |
Selection considers academic qualifications, research aptitude, achievements, motivation, scientific background and recommendation letters. Final admission also requires a successful match with a recruiting supervisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IMPRS-ML open for applications?
Yes. The 2026/27 application round is open until 7 October 2026 at 17:00 CEST.
Are IMPRS-ML PhD positions fully funded?
Yes. Doctoral researchers are typically employed on regular work contracts with health insurance and social-security coverage.
What is the typical net income?
IMPRS-ML currently states that net income is usually around €2,340 per month, depending on personal circumstances and experience.
Do I need two references?
Yes. Two recommendation letters are required, and the final application cannot be submitted until both have been uploaded.
Should I contact a professor before applying?
No. IMPRS-ML advises applicants not to contact group leaders beforehand. You can select up to five recruiting faculty members in the application.
Do I need to know German?
No. The programme and laboratory communication are in English. German-language courses are available for interested international doctoral researchers.
Official IMPRS-ML Sources
| Application page | Official 2026/27 application timeline and submission process. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility page | Degree and academic eligibility requirements. |
| Requirements page | Documents, recommendation letters and English-language benchmarks. |
| FAQ | Current funding, work-contract, tuition and living-cost information. |
| Last verified | 10 October 2026 |
