Deadline: 30 June 2011
Open to: Master´s degree holders in biology, biochemistry, medicine, bioinformatics or related disciplines
Scholarship: starting from 1000 Euro
The graduate program for a PhD at the IMPRS-HLR takes three years depending on the entrance qualification. The IMPRS-HLR promotes education and training through a comprehensive coursework curriculum, which includes different kinds of lectures and courses. In addition to the school’s own coursework, numerous activities by the several network partners of the cardiovascular/lung research cluster in the region are co-opted by the IMPRS. It is a major aim of the IMPRS-HLR to attract medical students and physicians to biomedical research and provide optimal education for both groups.
Over the course of three years the program supports the student’s independent experimental and theoretical research work with an efficient and rigorous teaching curriculum. Aim of the initial orientation phase is to provide optimal starting conditions for the student. In addition to the adaption of particular interests to the specific research project, the methodological basis for his/her research project is set during orientation phase. The graduation phase provides a major focus on the student´s research project. During this time, IMPRS members also benefit from the course and lecture program. In addition to scientific teaching, the course program also includes a number of soft skills courses, such as German class, presentation skills etc. An annual retreat gives the student the opportunity to present progress of their dissertation research. Accompanied by experts of the cardiovascular field, the interdisciplinary meeting improves scientific communication and competence of the students.
Eligibility
Applications by students of all countries are welcome. The minimal requirement for admission into the IMPRS-HLR is a university degree from an internationally accredited university that would allow the applicants to enter a PhD program in biosciences in the country where the degree was awarded. Therefore, applicants have to hold a Master´s degree or a Diploma or equivalents in biology, biochemistry, medicine, bioinformatics or related disciplines.
It is a pre-requisite to hold the degree at the time of start of the program.
The language in the IMPRS-HLR is English. Therefore, a proof of your English language ability is necessary. German is not required, but international students are encouraged to take German language courses during the program.
Application
Application to the program is a two step procedure:
First you need to send a complete application via mail (info-imprs@mpi-bn.mpg.de). You have to attach ONE printable pdf-file including all requested documents. If after evaluation you become short-listed, you will receive an invitation for an interview.
Incomplete applications or applications including multiple pdf-files will not be further processed.
All applicants are requested to provide the following information. All files have to be summarized in ONE pdf-file:
1. Complete name and address
2. Secondary school leaving certificate
Your secondary school leaving certificate (equivalent to German “Abitur”).
3. Academic records
Submit your official transcripts of academic records from every postsecondary institution attended at least one year as a full-time student. Academic records should give information on the type and content of courses taken (Diploma supplement) and the grades you received. Your rank in class should be noted whenever possible. If the institution does not issue records in German or English, original language records must be submitted with translations. At this stage of the application process you can submit uncertified documents.
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
5. Proof of English language ability
If your native language is not English, proof of an adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission.
Proof can be provided either by:a) a TOEFL certificate – Score requirements: Paper based: 570+ ; Computer based: 230+ ; Internet based: 90+)
b) an IELTS certificate (Score requirements: band 6.5+)
c) a Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE).
d) Applicants who took part in an undergraduated program, in which the language of instruction was English or German, are asked to provide a suitable certificate from their faculty.
6. Statement of Purpose
Write a statement (+/- 500 words) why you wish to become a member of the IMPRS-HLR, your preparation for this field of study and your future career plans. Describe the area of biology you find most interesting, your previous research experience, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admission committee in evaluating your attitude and motivation for the program.
7. Contact details of two referees and two reference letters
You have two options. Either you email (info-imprs@mpi-bn.mpg.de) the letters of recommendation (LOR) or your referees send them to info-imprs@mpi-bn.mpg.de. You then have to write a statement that your LOR will be sent directly to us. Please note, however, that your application can only be considered as complete when we have received both LOR.
Application deadline is June 30, 2011.
Scholarship
Every student who has passed the qualifying examinantion will either receive a scholarship (starting from 1000 Euro) from the IMPRS program or will be paid from resources of the group he/she wants to join (TvÖD contract, third party funding, EU-funding, etc.).
