As Europe’s only intergovernmental research organization in the life sciences and as a leading laboratory in molecular biology, EMBL is dedicated to promoting excellence in the molecular life sciences throughout Europe. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is by inspiring and fostering talented young scientists to turn them into skilled and creative future leaders.

The EMBL International Ph.D. Programme is Europe’s ‘best in class’ Ph.D. programme for the life sciences. 240 students from over 40 countries are carrying out Ph.D. research at EMBL at any time. Every year we admit an average of 60 new students, who belong to the top science graduates in their countries. They are carefully selected from a large multi-national pool of applicants that reached over 1700 applications in 2012.... [-]

Ph.D. in Physics of Biological and Complex Systems

The GGNB doctoral program / International Max Planck Research School "Physics of Biological and Complex Systems" is a member of the Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). It is conducted jointly by the University of Göttingen, the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, and the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization.The research-oriented program is taught in English and open to students who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in the physics, biophysics, chemistry, life sciences, medicine, or related fields.Building upon the increasingly strong links between physics, chemistry and the life sciences, the program aims at advancing the quantitative and molecular understanding of life processes while at the same time exploring new frontiers of physics. Research topics include biomolecular structure and dynamics, biological membranes, motor proteins and pattern formation in systems of interacting cells, neuronal information processing, and hydrodynamics and pattern formation of complex fluids.The program offers cutting-edge advanced microscopy courses and teaches the basics of new cutting-edge techniques essential for studying life processes in combination with quantitative physical approaches and synthetic strategies. An important aim is to overcome traditional barriers between disciplines and expose graduate students to physics, chemistry, and biology for a deeper understanding of all areas preparing students for increasingly interdisciplinary life sciences.... [-]

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology of Cells

The doctoral program "Molecular Biology of Cells" is a member of the Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). It is hosted by the Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB) and is conducted jointly by the University of Göttingen, the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, and the German Primate Center.The research-oriented program is taught in English and open to students who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in the biosciences, chemistry, physics, medicine, or related fields.The program accepts students from diverse areas of previous education who share an enthusiasm for studying cells. Training is aimed at achieving a comparative understanding of how cell fate and topology are determined, a critical sense of how to apply comprehensive genomic analysis tools, and the ability to set up and test conceptual models for cellular functions.... [-]

Ph.D. in Microbiology and Biochemistry

The doctoral program "Microbiology and Biochemistry" is a member of the Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). It is hosted by the Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB) and is conducted jointly by the University of Göttingen and the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry.The research-oriented program is taught in English and open to students who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in the biosciences, chemistry, physics, medicine, or related fields.The Microbiology and Biochemistry program accepts students who are interested in all problems of microbiology and biochemistry. Training is aimed at achieving a comparative understanding of microorganisms work at a molecular level and how they contribute to interactions in their natural environments; a critical sense of how to apply comprehensive genomic analysis tools, and an ability to set up and test conceptual models for molecular functions.... [-]

The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Neural Circuits was established in 2011 and offers around ten fully-paid positions every year for talented students holding a relevant Masters or Bachelors as their highest degree to perform research resulting in a Ph.D. The program is taught in English.

We offer a multidisciplinary program to excellent doctoral students with backgrounds in neuroscience, mathematics, physics, computer science, (bio) chemistry, biology, and medicine as well as research experience in the participating institutions of the Frankfurt Neuroscience community. Students will participate in a tailor-made educational program including research rotations and neuroscience courses but also in training in transferable skills as well as retreats, conferences and summer schools and lecture series. A special fast-track option is offered to students with a Bachelor’s as their highest degree.... [-]