PhD Positions at International Max Planck Research School on Cellular Biophysics

The application period for the International Max Planck Research School on Cellular Biophysics (IMPRS-CBP) PhD cohort starting in September 2026 is now closed. We thank all applicants for their interest!

Next recruitment round:
Applications for the 2027 cohort (program start: September 2027) will open in January 2027.

About IMPRS-CBP
Our fully-funded PhD program offers an inspiring international environment, hosted by the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, and Frankfurt Institute of Advanced Studies in Germany. The program offers an interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of physics, biology, chemistry, and quantitative sciences, supported by cutting-edge facilities and internationally renowned faculty.

PhD students complete three lab rotations before selecting their doctoral research group, allowing them to explore different scientific approaches and research questions.

Applications are accepted exclusively through the online application portal. We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming the next generation of researchers to IMPRS-CBP.

Location: Frankfurt/Mainz, Germany
Position: Fully Funded PhD positions – Starting September 16, 2025                     

Application deadline: March 11, 2025

Program website: https://imprs-cbp.mpg.de/

What We Offer

• A wide range of state-of-the-art techniques in biophysics, e.g. cryo-electron microscopy, NMR, mass spectrometry, high-resolution light microscopy, and large-scale computing
• An interdisciplinary research environment connecting biological sciences (structural biology, cell biology, neurobiology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, computational biology) with physics, mathematics, and chemistry 
• Excellent working conditions with fully funded PhD positions and assistance in all organizational matters
• An outstanding supervision concept with multiple experienced and engaged supervisors
• The opportunity to build lasting networks in a collaborative research environment with ~30 internationally renowned PIs from the participating institutions
• An attractive living environment with the Rhine-Main region around Frankfurt/Mainz being an international scientific, financial, and cultural hub in Germany 
• A strong community of PhD students jointly attending graduate courses
• An innovative teaching concept with professional and transferable skills workshops 

Our Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for young scientists who are enthusiastic about biophysics and life sciences. If you are:

• Passionate about pushing the boundaries of cellular biophysics and contributing to world-class research
• Skilled in scientific methods, with a strong academic background in fields like biology, biochemistry, physics, molecular biology, microbiology, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, and related areas 
• Ready to be part of a collaborative, dynamic team and connect with peers and mentors across disciplines
• Motivated to learn, innovate, and grow in an international, English-speaking environment