INSTITUTE OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (IMB), MAINZ, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JOHANNES GUTENBERG UNIVERSITY (JGU) AND THE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (UMC)
IMB International PhD Programme (IPP) in Germany
full · phd
- Fully funded PhD positionCore benefit
- Interview travel coveredIncluding intercontinental
- 6 research areasProject fields
- 25-30 interview invitationsShortlist size
- ~EUR 1,000s/month stipend (est.)Doctoral salary
- All nationalitiesWho can apply
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Jan 15, 2027
Deadline
All countries
Country
Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, in partnership with Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) and the University Medical Center (UMC)
Provider
The International PhD Programme (IPP) is a fully funded doctoral programme spearheaded by the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) in Mainz, Germany, run jointly with Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) and the University Medical Center (UMC). It trains PhD students across modern molecular biology, with research groups offering projects in 6 broad areas: ageing and disease, RNA biology, DNA repair and genome stability, epigenetics and nuclear dynamics, bioinformatics and computational biology, and gene regulation and evolution. The consortium combines expertise in biochemistry, genetics, cell and developmental biology, bioinformatics, systems biology and applied physics, with techniques from CRISPR/Cas and next-generation sequencing to mass spectrometry and super-resolution microscopy. The programme is open to applicants worldwide, funds the doctoral position, and covers accommodation and travel, including intercontinental travel, for the roughly 25 to 30 shortlisted candidates invited to a 3-day interview in Mainz. Candidates select up to 5 research groups and arrange at least two referees. Applications for the 2026 entry are expected to close around mid-January 2026. Because stipend rates and dates are set per cycle, confirm the exact current-cycle figures and deadlines on the official IMB IPP page before you apply.
What's covered
- PhD salary / stipend — A funded doctoral position with a monthly salary or stipend in the region of ~EUR 1,500-2,500 (est.) per month, set per cycle under German research-funding norms.
- Interview travel and accommodation — All travel and accommodation costs, including intercontinental travel, for shortlisted candidates attending the three-day interview in Mainz.
- Research training — Structured PhD training, supervision and access to state-of-the-art techniques such as CRISPR/Cas, next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry and super-resolution microscopy.
- Research facilities — Access to the shared core facilities and laboratories of IMB, JGU and the University Medical Center in Mainz.
- Scientific community — Membership of an international graduate community with seminars, courses and collaboration across the partner institutions.
How to apply
Applications are made online in two stages: registration with referee details, then a personalised application form, ahead of interviews in Mainz.
- Register online — Register through the official IPP link, entering your contact details and the details of at least two referees who are reputable scientists familiar with your work.
- Prepare your documents — Assemble your CV (max 3 MB), a single combined PDF of university studies, certificates and transcripts (max 4 MB), and an English-language certificate and school certificate if available.
- Complete the application form — Use the personalised link emailed to you to fill in the application form in English in one sitting, as it cannot be saved; select up to five research groups.
- Submit before the deadline — Submit the completed form and documents before the closing date for the 2026 entry.
- Attend the interview — If shortlisted (around 25-30 candidates), attend the three-day interview in Mainz; the programme covers travel and accommodation, including intercontinental travel.
Eligibility
QualificationsA Bachelor's (BSc) and a relevant Master's (MSc) degree in the life sciences, or these completed before starting; details of both must be provided.
EnglishA strong command of English is required for research and the application.
NationalityOpen to candidates from all countries across the globe.
Application materialsA motivational statement (up to 300 words), publication list in PubMed format (up to 300 words) and a description of awards or distinctions (up to 250 words) are required.
Group selection and refereesApplicants select up to five preferred research groups and provide details of at least two academic referees.
Not all research groups offer projects in every cycle. The online application form must be completed in English and cannot be saved, so prepare all information and documents before starting.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
2026 PhD entry~15 January 2026 (est.)
Selection
The IPP committee reviews complete applications and shortlists roughly 25 to 30 candidates on the strength of their academic record, research experience, publications, motivation and fit with the selected research groups. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a three-day interview in Mainz, involving presentations by group leaders and applicants and in-depth interviews with the groups of interest, after which offers are made.
Verified sources
- IMB International PhD Programmeimb.deofficial
- IMB IPP application pageimb.deofficial
About the provider
The Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) is a research institute in Mainz, Germany, focused on the life sciences, including epigenetics, genome stability and gene regulation. Together with Johannes Gutenberg University and the University Medical Center, it runs the International PhD Programme (IPP), a structured doctoral training scheme for students from around the world.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the IMB International PhD Programme?
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PhD candidates from all countries who hold (or are completing) a Bachelor's and a relevant Master's degree in the life sciences and have a strong command of English.
Is the programme fully funded?
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Yes. It funds the doctoral position and covers travel and accommodation, including intercontinental travel, for shortlisted candidates attending the interview.
How much is the PhD stipend?
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Doctoral positions in Germany typically pay on the order of ~EUR 1,500-2,500 (est.) per month; confirm the exact rate for the current cycle on the official IPP page.
What research areas are available?
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Projects span six areas: ageing and disease, RNA biology, DNA repair and genome stability, epigenetics and nuclear dynamics, bioinformatics, and gene regulation and evolution.
Where is the programme based?
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In Mainz, Germany, jointly with the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) and the University Medical Center (UMC).
How many candidates are interviewed?
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Approximately 25 to 30 shortlisted candidates are invited to a three-day interview in Mainz.
How many research groups can I choose?
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You can select up to five research groups you would like to work with, though not all groups offer projects in every cycle.
How many referees do I need?
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At least two academic referees, who should be reputable scientists such as group leaders or professors familiar with your work.
Can I save the application and finish later?
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No. The online application form must be completed in English in one sitting because it cannot be saved, so prepare everything in advance.
How do I apply?
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Register online with your referee details, then complete the personalised application form and submit your CV and combined PDF of certificates before the deadline.
When is the deadline?
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For the 2026 entry, applications are expected to close around mid-January 2026; confirm the exact date on the official IPP page.
Where can I confirm the current details?
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Confirm the stipend, dates and application rules on the official IMB International PhD Programme page, as they are set per cycle.