Applications are now open for up to six fully funded PhD positions at the International Max Planck Research School for Infectious Diseases and Immunology (IMPRS-IDI) in Berlin, Germany. This globally recognized program provides an exceptional platform for highly motivated students to pursue cutting-edge research in infection biology, immunology, parasitology, and medical biotechnology. The selected candidates will join an interdisciplinary and international scientific community working at leading institutions, including the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, German Rheumatology Research Center (DRFZ), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Technische Universität Berlin. Science Careers
Available PhD Projects (Starting in 2026):
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Innate Immune Recognition in the Gastrointestinal Epithelium—Organoids as Host Model (Bartfeld Lab)
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Immune–Metabolic Adaptation in Pregnancy: Implications for Offspring Health (Diefenbach Lab)
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Variant Surface Antigen Expression in Chronic Plasmodium falciparum Carriage (Portugal Lab)
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Dissecting the Molecular Pathways of NK Cell Memory (Romagnani Lab)
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Dissecting the Molecular Pathways of NK Cell Clonality (Romagnani Lab)
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Variable Allele Usage Regulates Inflammation (Weiss Lab)
Program Highlights:
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A prestigious graduate school program offering full funding and a stimulating research environment.
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Access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge training opportunities.
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A project-adapted curriculum including scientific, technical, and transferable-skills courses.
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A strong international community of about 75 doctoral students from over 25 countries.
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Travel support for conferences and scientific networking.
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Located in Berlin, a global hub for science and innovation.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Candidates of all nationalities and academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
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Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or related disciplines.
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For some projects, strong quantitative or computational skills are preferred (see project-specific requirements on the website).
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Applicants must demonstrate creativity, motivation, and commitment to independent research.
Application Process:
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Applications must be submitted via the online application platform by 10 December 2025.
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Shortlisted candidates will be invited to online interviews in February–March 2026, followed by in-person interviews in Berlin.
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Successful candidates will begin their PhD projects between May and December 2026.
Further Information & Contact:
For detailed project descriptions, eligibility guidelines, and the application link, please visit the IMPRS‑IDI website.
For inquiries, contact:
IMPRS-IDI Coordination Office: imprs-office@mpiib-berlin.mpg.de
Closing Date: 4 December 2025
Location: Berlin, Germany
Discipline: Life Sciences, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Immunology
Organization Type: Academia
Program Type: Fully Funded PhD Program
