Six Doctoral Positions (m/f/d) – International Max Planck Research School for Evolutionary Biology

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön, which studies the principles, mechanisms and effects of evolutionary change in its departments of Theoretical Biology and Microbial Population Biology and several independent research groups, offers six doctoral positions in the International Max Planck Research School for Evolutionary Biology (IMPRS EvolBio). IMPRS EvolBio is a joint initiative of the institute, Kiel University (Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel) and the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research.

Participating groups work on molecular evolution, experimental evolution, behavioural ecology, ecological and evolutionary genetics, theoretical and mathematical biology and major evolutionary transitions. The fully funded programme starts in September 2027 with a six-month training period followed by a three-year doctoral project, with support from a thesis advisory committee, English as the working language and a free beginners' German course.

Applicants choose up to two of the advertised projects and submit a separate, project-specific application for each by 10 January 2027; first-round interviews are held online between 12 January and 12 February 2027, and the selection symposium takes place at the institute on 26 and 27 April 2027.

Master of Science (or Diploma) in a relevant subject such as evolutionary biology, genetics or biochemistry, awarded before the September 2027 start; interests and skills matching the chosen project; high level of written and spoken English. One single-PDF application per project, at most two projects.