Fully funded PhD Positions in Neuroscience and Translational Psychiatry, with a Residency/PhD track for medical doctors

Fully funded PhD Positions in Neuroscience and Translational Psychiatry, with a Residency/PhD track for medical doctors

Want to dive into molecular and neural complexities, collaborate across disciplines, and accelerate novel breakthroughs in neuroscience and psychiatric research?

We offer fully funded PhD positions that blend research excellence with clinical insights, and offer exceptional training and support for curious and brilliant young scientists and medical doctors. There are no tuition fees for this PhD program. 

Please register and submit your applications through our online application tool: https://applications.imprs-tp.mpg.de from August 15, 2025, on for a start date in 2026. The application deadline is October 31, 2025.

The International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP) offers PhD positions in molecular, cellular, and systemic neuroscience and psychiatric research to outstanding students. During the course of their studies, students are exposed to a wide range of scientific questions and methods covering molecular medicine, neuroscience, and clinical psychiatry. Methods range from molecular genetics in animal models to neuroimaging and computational approaches.

Basic research in a translational setting

In addition to traditional (basic research) PhD positions, IMPRS-TP offers a unique integrated Residency/PhD program in psychiatry to exceptional medical doctors. Highlighting the translational facet, doctoral students will receive insights into clinical aspects of the disease, and trainee medical doctors gain PhD level research expertise in addition to developing their clinical skills.

Our Collaboration Partners

IMPRS-TP is a joint initiative of leading scientists from the Max Planck Institutes of Psychiatry (MPI-P) and Biological Intelligence (MPI-BI), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Helmholtz Center Munich, University of Augsburg and Technical University of Munich (TUM). Further collaborations have been established with the Munich Medical Research School (MMRS), the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), the IMPRS-Biological Intelligence (IMPRS-BI), Germany, and King’s College London, UK.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from highly motivated students from all countries. Applicants must:

• hold/expect to hold a Master of Science (or an equivalent degree) in a relevant field
• or hold/expect to hold a Medical Degree. Applications from trainee medical doctors with laboratory experience are particularly encouraged.
• have a high degree of motivation to work in the field of neuroscience and/or translational psychiatry.

What we offer

• Fully funded PhD positions for at least 3 years
• Financial support for course and conference travel
• Structured curriculum: Core Courses | Lecture Series + networking opportunities with renowned international and local researchers | Methods Workshops | Transferable Skills
• Excellent projects, interdisciplinary collaborations and cutting-edge research facilities
• Research project guidance and support by means of a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC)
• Administrative support through our Coordination and International Offices. 
• An international and inclusive working environment 

How to apply?

All applications have to be submitted in English through our Online Application Tool:  https://applications.imprs-tp.mpg.de. IMPRS-TP can ONLY accept applications submitted through our online application tool. Applications submitted by postal mail or e-mail will not be considered!

The Max Planck Society strives for diversity, equity and inclusion. We explicitly encourage members of under-represented groups/nationalities/genders, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

Deadlines

Please register and submit your applications from August 15, 2025 until October 31, 2025.
Reference letters from your referees must be received until November 7, 2025.

More information: About the Program | How to Apply | FAQs.