9 fully funded PhD student positions in the
computational & experimental plant sciences
The Graduate School
Our International Max Planck Research School on Understanding Complex
Plant Traits using Computational and Evolutionary Approaches is a local collaboration between the Max
Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research and the University of Cologne, Germany. International
students are closely supervised by an advisory committee, receive training in professional skills and are
supported to share their scientific insights. All training is in English.
The research
The mission of our IMPRS is to study fundamental biological processes in plants and
to create knowledge and material that can empower innovative plant breeding. More than 30 research
groups study regulatory networks controlling fundamental traits, such as reproductive development,
organ geometry and growth, innate immunity, and microbiome effects on plant performance. They
apply and develop a broad range of interdisciplinary technologies ranging from genetics and genomics
to structural biochemistry, advanced imaging, and computational modelling in various plant species. All
available projects are detailed here where applicants will also find
more information about the host groups.
Your profile
You are a highly qualified and motivated student from any nationality and hold, or
expect to hold, a Master’s degree in a related subject. You have a proved track record of academic and
research excellence and are fluent in written and spoken English.
Our offer
We provide an excellent, international and interdisciplinary research environment with
state-of-the-art facilities and a renowned faculty. Positions are fully funded for three years with possible
extension. We are committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in the workforce
and encourage applications from such qualified individuals. Further, we seek to increase the number of
women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women to
apply.
Your application
- Apply online by December 6th, 2021 at gradschool.mpipz.mpg.de.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews on March 21st–24th, 2022
- Selected applicants will start the PhD between summer and October 1st, 2022
Contact
Dr. Stephan Wagner (IMPRS coordinator) at gradschool@mpipz.mpg.de.