IMPRS-BAC Doctoral Program 2027 (Biology and Computation) – Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin

Job Description

We seek exceptional graduates from around the globe and are delighted to offer them the ideal environment for advancing their scientific careers. The International Max Planck Research School for Biology and Computation (IMPRS-BAC) graduate program provides interdisciplinary training for doctoral candidates at the intersection of molecular life sciences and computational sciences. This program offers comprehensive perspectives and mentorship in both experimental and computational fields, catering to graduates in molecular biology, biochemistry, mathematics, bioinformatics, and related disciplines.
If you possess a strong understanding of genome science and a passion for areas such as epigenetics, developmental biology, gene regulation, RNA biology, protein biochemistry, stem cells, bioinformatics, sequence analysis, mathematics, statistics, molecular evolution, or biophysics, and wish to work at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics or Freie Universität Berlin, this doctoral program is your ideal pathway!
A new call for applications will be announced in October 2025.Our call for applications 2025 has just ended and we are in the process of selecting our new doctoral candidates.-->
Apply now
Frequently Asked Questions
Check if your question is answered here.
Available PhD Projects 2027
Doctoral projects are available only in the recruiting groups listed here.
Selection Procedure
The selection of doctoral candidates is highly competitive and entirely based on qualification, motivation for doctoral studies at the interface between molecular life sciences and computational sciences, the quality of the application and interviews, and references. The IMPRS-BAC is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the IMPRS-BAC strives for gender equality and diversity and aims for a balanced composition with respect to gender and regarding national and international candidates. We seek to increase the number of women in areas where they are underrepresented, so we explicitly encourage women to apply.
You have
- an above-average master's or comparable degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, mathematics, bioinformatics or any related areas, awarded by September 2027;
- some experience with computational or biological research;
- knowledge in biology or computation with a willingness to gain the other;
- very good written and spoken English;
- a project proposal that aligns with the research interests of our recruiting faculty.
We offer
- cutting-edge research in a variety of areas in biology and computation, with possible specializations in genomic and molecular biology techniques as well as in algorithms, statistics and artificial intelligence for molecular genetics;
- 3 years funding to work on your doctoral project;
- a degree from the Freie Universität Berlin;
- excellent structured supervision through a thesis advisory committee;
- a diverse community to exchange ideas with;
- a flexible and challenging curriculum of scientific courses and transferable skills;
- an international graduate program in one of Europe's most exciting cities;
- financial support to learn German.
Online Application
For your online application please:
- fill out the application form
- indicate the name of the faculty member at IMPRS-BAC you would like to work with (see FAQ Application process and documents)
- submit your certificates and transcripts of records in German or English. You should gain your degree before October 2027.
- submit the contact details of two willing referees for references. Please provide institutional email addresses (see FAQ Referees and references)
The registration portal is hosted on the website of the Dahlem Research School | Freie Universität Berlin. Once you click on the "Apply now" button, you will first have to register on this website by entering your first name, last name and email address. You can also find data protection information. You will then receive an email from [email protected] with a link to create a password. Please also check your spam folder. You will then be able to access the application form itself. Keep this email since it contains the link to edit your application.
There is no application fee.
Please check our FAQ.
Use of AI and plagiarism policy
Applicants must prepare their application materials independently. The application must reflect the applicant’s own ideas, creativity, and intellectual work.
The use of artificial intelligence tools is permitted only for minor language correction or polishing, and only if used sparingly, with the utmost integrity, and in accordance with the principles of good scientific practice. Any such use must be explicitly declared.
Any use of AI beyond this limited purpose, e.g., for generating content, is strictly prohibited and will nullify the application. Applications will be checked for plagiarism and the use of AI. Any occurence of plagiarism or the undeclared use of AI will result in the immediate disqualification of the application.
Timeline
- The deadline for candidates to submit written applications is December 7th, 2026 (23:59 CET).
- The deadline for referees to submit reference letters is December 14th, 2026 (23:59 CET).
- All candidates will be informed of the status of their application by the end of January 2027.
- First round of admission: Longlisted candidates will be asked to upload a video presentation describing a research project in which they were involved. The deadline for uploading this presentation is February 2nd, 2027 (23:59 CET). Online Q&A sessions (20 minutes per candidate) with our selection committee about the uploaded presentation will take place from February 15th to February 18th, 2027.
- Second round of admission: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to Berlin from March 15th to March 17th, 2027 for personal interviews with our recruiting faculty members, a journal club-like paper discussion, lab tours, and meetings with our current doctoral candidates. If visa restrictions make it impossible for you to travel, participation via video call will be possible. Travel costs (up to a given upper limit) and accommodation costs will be covered by the IMPRS.
- Candidates will be assessed based on their performance throughout the selection process. Decisions on acceptance will be communicated in April 2027. Accepted candidates will then have two weeks to accept or decline the offer. Candidates who are accepted can start their doctorate between May and November 2027, in agreement with their supervisor, so that they can all attend the Welcome Week for new doctoral candidates in November 2027.
For additional inquiries, please check the application FAQ and feel free to contact the PhD coordinator

Qualifications

• An above-average master's or comparable degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, mathematics, bioinformatics or any related areas, awarded by September 2027
• Some experience with computational or biological research
• Knowledge in biology or computation with a willingness to gain the other
• Very good written and spoken English
• A project proposal that aligns with the research interests of the recruiting faculty

Additional Information

Always verify vacancy details and availability on the employer’s official website. Jobs Bio Help Learning is an independent job-discovery platform and does not process applications.