7 Fully Funded PhD Student Positions | Computational & Experimental Plant Sciences

The International Max Planck Research School on Interdisciplinary Plant Biology, a collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research and the University of Cologne, offers seven fully funded doctoral positions. The school studies fundamental biological processes in plants to create knowledge and material that can empower innovative plant breeding. More than 30 research groups investigate regulatory networks controlling traits such as reproductive development, organ geometry and growth, innate immunity and microbiome effects on plant performance, using approaches from genetics and genomics to structural biochemistry, advanced imaging and computational and mathematical modelling in a range of plant species.

Doctoral researchers are supervised by an advisory committee and trained in professional skills in English. Positions are funded for three years with the possibility of extension under a Max Planck doctoral contract (TVöD 13, 65%). Applications close on 5 January 2027; shortlisted applicants are interviewed from 15 to 19 March 2027, and successful candidates start between summer and 1 October 2027.

Master's degree (held or expected) in a related subject; proven record of academic and research excellence; fluent written and spoken English. Open to all nationalities.