Good to keep in mind

Registration with the University of Freiburg

All IMPRS-MCB fellows have to register as PhD students at the Faculty of Biology NO LATER than 6 MONTHS after joining the lab. Please read more here.

Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC)

Within the first 6-9 months of the doctorate each fellow has to assemble a Thesis Advisory Committee and arrange the first meeting of the TAC. Please read more here.

Conference support

Each IMPRS fellow can apply to IMPRS for financial support of up to 1500€ to attend a conference(s). If you would like to make use of your 'conference fund' please contact the IMPRS office BEFORE going to the meeting.

Moving to Freiburg

The city

Freiburg, known as the capital of the Black Forest, is located in the southwestern region of Germany, near the borders with France and Switzerland.

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Accommodation

For the first three months of your PhD you can stay in the institute's guest house, so that you don't have to worry about where to sleep before arriving in Freiburg. Once you are here, the housing section of the Student Portal of the University might be helpful in finding a room or flat.

PhD overview

Our program provides outstanding students with excellent research-oriented interdisciplinary training in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Epigenetics, Immunobiology and Molecular Biology. We train students to become self-reliant and to acquire and utilize the knowledge necessary for their research project. Students have the chance to interact with experts in various fields both to extend their scientific knowledge and to learn critical thinking as well as acquire problem-solving skills.

The IMPRS-MCB fellows have 3 to 4 years to obtain their degree. Most of this time they work on their individually supervised research project. In addition to the experimental part all fellows have a possibility and are obliged to participate in curricular activities of the programme. These are:

scientific and soft skills courses
institute seminars
PhD retreat
supervision of undergraduate students
conference attendance
career evenings

Our students receive student contracts according to the guidelines by the Max Planck Society for the duration of their PhD (3-4 years). The payment is sufficient to cover the monthly living costs in Freiburg. There are no tuition fees to be paid.

Graphical overview of your PhD at IMPRS-MCB

Zoom Image

This diagram summarizes the activities that are required for IMPRS-MCB students. Yellow - prePhD phase and University interactions; Green - Thesis Advisory Committee (TACs); Orange - mandatory IMPRS-MCB curriculum; Red - University requirements; Pink - Language classes; Purple - Institute Seminars; Blue - PhD retreat and conferences [less]