2026 Max Planck Institute PhD Scholarship in Evolutionary Biology

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön is an internationally oriented institution whose research focuses on the principles, mechanisms and effects of evolutionary change. Around 200 employees from more than 30 nations currently work at our institute in the departments of Theoretical Biology and Microbial Population Biology, as well as in a number of independent research groups. The International Max Planck Research School for Evolutionary Biology (IMPRS EvolBio) is a joint initiative between the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Christian Albrechts University in Kiel, and the GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research.

IMPRS EvolBio offers a doctoral program that delivers outstanding opportunities for young scientists. It provides an internationally competitive research environment with state-of-the-art facilities. Participating groups work on a broad variety of scientific topics including molecular evolution, experimental evolution, behavioral ecology, ecological / evolutionary genetics, theoretical and mathematical biology, and major evolutionary transitions. The program includes a six-month training period followed by a doctoral project of three years.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJanuary 11, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorMax Planck Society for the Advancement of Science
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Cutting-edge research projects and excellent facilities,
• Fully-funded doctoral researcher positions,
• Tailored support from a thesis advisory committee,
• Core and optional development opportunities to improve your scientific and transferable skills,
• A multi-cultural environment with English as the working language,
• A free beginners' German language course for international doctoral researchers.

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold, or expect to hold, a Master of Science degree (or Diploma) by your start date,
• Be able to show that your interests, skills and knowledge match well with the chosen area of doctoral research,
• Be able to demonstrate a high level of written and spoken English,
• Possess a high level of motivation.

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Application Deadline

January 11, 2026

How To Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science on www.evolbio.mpg.de to apply

• The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled people are expressly welcome. In addition, the Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from any background.

For more information, kindly visit Max Planck Institute webpage.