PhD Program
The International Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMPRS-MCB) was started in 2006 based on the initiative of scientists from the University of Freiburg and the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics headed by Professor Rudi Grosschedl.
Since its inception the PhD program has been growing and currently has 35 students, of whom 18 are from outside of Germany.
The idea of the research school is to provide a broad scientific education in the areas of molecular and cellular biology as well as immunobiology and epigenetics, while being able to focus on a specific research project.
The PhD students pass an extensive education program covering:
• practical experimental skills in molecular and cellular biology
• theoretical knowledge and in-depth analysis of scientific literature
Besides the scientific program which takes place during the first year of studies, we organize additional courses for advanced students (e.g., statistics or bioinformatics) and support their participation in special external courses and scientific conferences.
Our students acquire a broad range of complementary skills necessary for a successful scientific career, such as scientific writing, oral and poster presentation, ethics in biosciences as well as German and English language proficiency.
Among the distinctive aspects of the program is a three months rotation period in three different laboratories prior to starting the PhD project. This way the students become familiar with the range of methods and scientific research themes present in the different laboratories. While on rotation the group leaders can review the students’ preferences, and afterwards students are able to select a laboratory for their PhD work. This rotation period also strengthens communication and networking within the institute.
The school fosters collaboration between the University Institutes and the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, as well as within the MPI itself.
We intend to remain a program for a maximum of 70 students which permits us to provide individual attention and supervision on the highest level.
Carrying out your PhD studies at the IMPRS Freiburg Program provides the student with a broad training in different scientific areas, enabling to drive an exciting PhD project in a first class research environment in one of the most desired locations in Germany.
More information can be found at www.imprs-mcb.mpg.de
