International Max Planck Research School PhD Fellowships, Germany

Deadline: 14 June 2011
Open to: excellent holders of a a Master’s degree (exceptionally, a Bachelor’s degree) in molecular biology, ecology, microbiology, (bio)chemistry, entomology,  neuroethology, bioinformatics or a related field
Allowance: from 1,200 EUR to 1,300 EUR/month

Max Planck Research School is offering 8 PhD fellowships

The International Max Planck Research School in Jena, Germany is an international graduate program to train excellent students in the use of molecular and chemical techniques to experimentally explore ecological interactions under natural conditions. The main focus is on the interactions between plants, animals, and their environment, as well as the behavioral consequences of these interactions.

The Research School is a joint initiative of:

* Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology,
* Friedrich Schiller University of Jena,
* Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology
* Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research

Participants are provided with excellent research conditions in an interdisciplinary environment within a structured, three-year training program including practical courses, lectures, seminars, and participation in internal and international conferences. The courses of the IMPRS are held in English. The program of study of the IMPRS in Jena can also be downloaded here.

Eligibility

Applicants must have or be about to obtain a Master’s degree or a qualification equivalent to the German Diploma in molecular biology, ecology, microbiology, (bio)chemistry, entomology,  neuroethology, bioinformatics or a related field. The applicant’s academic performance must be excellent. Students holding a Bachelor’s degree from a research-oriented institution can also be admitted to the program, if they have shown outstanding ability (e.g. a refereed first author publication).

In addition, a strong interest in examining traits of ecological interactions with molecular and chemical techniques is required. Please read the research statement to check if your research interests match the overarching topic of the IMPRS.

Candidates should demonstrate adequate competence in the English language.

Allowance

Unless students obtain their own support, students with a Master’s or Diploma degree receive a scholarship which is free of tax and social insurance. The monthly allowance for the first year is  1,200 EUR and for the second year 1,300 EUR. The fellowships are offered for 2 years with a possible 1-year extension. The monthly allowance of the third year is 1,340 EUR. The average time-frame for PhD studies in Germany is 3 years.

Application Procedure

Deadline for applications is June 26, 2011.

The following documents are required for the application. Any incomplete application or applications reaching the IMPRS coordination office after the deadline cannot be taken into consideration.

* 2 letters of reference: letters from two academic or professional supervisors who are able to evaluate your personality, academic experience and intellectual merit (to be sent by e-mail to the IMPRS coordinator). It is your responsibility to ensure that the reference letters are sent to us by the referees before the deadline.
* Complete and validated application data: Please fill in forms 1-6 carefully and pay particular attention to the question about your areas of interest for graduate research.
* A Curriculum Vitae
* Copies of the last relevant academic certificate (usually MSc) including your transcripts of study (study record).
* Proof of proficiency in English (non-native speakers) (TOEFL scores or equivalent; a signed letter from your University or one of  your academic teachers stating that English was the medium of instruction and that the student’s English proficiency is excellent (reading, writing, listening) will be accepted.  Click here for frequently asked questions on this topic).
* Registration Number. You will receive a registration number by e-mail, if you have successfully submitted your application data on our website.

Please register HERE to fill out forms 1-6!

All documents sent to the office (IMPRS, Beutenberg Campus, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, D-07745 Jena, Germany) must be in English or German. Certified copies of documents are not desired at the time of submission. All applicants who have qualified for the group recruitment  may be asked for certification of relevant documents before admission to the program is granted.

The official webpage.