Gene Center Campus

München, Bavaria, Germany

At the Gene Center Campus of the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML), the focus is on molecular mechanisms of gene expression and regulation, integrated within the broader molecular life sciences framework. Affiliated with the LMU Munich Gene Center and the Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM), this site offers rigorous PhD training combining experimental molecular biology with computational and structural approaches. The program features a dynamic curriculum tailored to advance students' expertise in cutting-edge research methodologies.

Gene Expression and Regulation: Courses delve into transcription, RNA processing, translation, and epigenetic modifications, using techniques like ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, and single-cell analysis to investigate regulatory networks.
Structural and Chemical Biology: Training in high-resolution methods including crystallography, cryo-EM, and mass spectrometry to study RNA-protein complexes, chromatin structure, and small-molecule interactions.
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics: Modules on algorithm development, machine learning for biological data, protein structure prediction, and systems modeling to interpret large-scale omics datasets.
Protein Science and Engineering: Labs on protein design, directed evolution, and synthetic biology for creating novel biomolecules, with emphasis on therapeutic applications.
Developmental and Cellular Biology: Exploration of gene function in development, stem cell biology, and disease models, incorporating advanced imaging and genetic screens.

Students benefit from weekly seminars, lab rotations, and interdisciplinary workshops that enhance collaboration across the Munich research network. The program stresses ethical research practices, diversity, and global perspectives through international exchanges. Research projects are hypothesis-driven, allowing customization to student interests, and are supported by world-class infrastructure. PhD candidates defend their theses after 3-4 years, earning degrees from LMU or TUM. Beyond technical skills, the curriculum includes professional development in presentation, publication, and leadership. This campus fosters an innovative atmosphere, where discoveries in molecular life sciences translate to impacts in medicine, biotechnology, and beyond, preparing alumni for leadership roles in science and industry. The close-knit community, with access to shared resources like high-performance computing and animal facilities, ensures a supportive environment for groundbreaking research.

LMU Biocenter Campus

Planegg, Bavaria, Germany

The LMU Biocenter Campus within the IMPRS-ML framework hosts PhD training centered on integrative biology, emphasizing molecular interactions in cellular contexts and disease. As part of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München's biomedical cluster in the Martinsried area, this location integrates university resources with Max Planck excellence, offering a multifaceted educational experience in molecular life sciences.

Integrative Cell Biology: Courses on intracellular transport, signaling cascades, and multicellular interactions, utilizing confocal microscopy, optogenetics, and proteomics for functional studies.
Molecular Medicine: Training in pathogenesis mechanisms, host-pathogen interactions, and translational research, including model organism genetics and drug discovery pipelines.
Biomolecular Interactions: Advanced modules on ligand-receptor binding, allosteric regulation, and network biology, employing surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.
Genomics and Personalized Medicine: Lectures on population genomics, variant analysis, and pharmacogenomics, with hands-on experience in clinical data integration and ethical considerations.
Plant and Microbial Molecular Biology: Specialized tracks on symbiotic interactions, stress responses, and synthetic microbial systems, bridging eukaryotic and prokaryotic models.

The program incorporates a structured first-year curriculum with electives, followed by thesis research, and includes mandatory retreats, progress reports, and career seminars. Faculty from diverse backgrounds mentor students, promoting cross-disciplinary projects that span from fundamental science to applied outcomes. With access to the Biocenter's core facilities for sequencing, imaging, and flow cytometry, students tackle complex biological questions. The 3-4 year PhD track culminates in a public defense and publication of findings. Emphasis is placed on work-life balance, inclusivity, and international networking through partnerships. Graduates emerge as versatile scientists ready for academia, pharma, or startups. This campus's strategic location enhances collaborations with nearby institutes, creating a hub for innovation in life sciences. The curriculum evolves with scientific advances, ensuring relevance and depth in training future leaders who address global challenges like antibiotic resistance, cancer, and neurodegeneration through molecular insights.

Martinsried Campus

Planegg, Bavaria, Germany

The International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) at the Martinsried Campus provides an interdisciplinary PhD program focused on unraveling the molecular basis of life processes. This campus, home to the Max Planck Institutes of Biochemistry and Neurobiology, emphasizes research-driven education in molecular biosciences. Students receive comprehensive training through a blend of theoretical courses, hands-on laboratory work, and seminars led by renowned scientists.

Structural Biology and Biophysics: In-depth courses cover advanced techniques such as X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), and single-molecule imaging to elucidate protein structures, dynamics, and interactions at the atomic level.
Cell and Molecular Biology: Modules explore cellular signaling pathways, membrane trafficking, organelle biogenesis, and cytoskeletal dynamics, with practical sessions on live-cell imaging and fluorescence microscopy.
Genetics and Genomics: Training includes modern genetic tools like CRISPR-Cas9 editing, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics for genomic data analysis, and functional genomics to study gene regulation and evolution.
Biochemical Mechanisms: Lectures and labs on enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, protein folding, and post-translational modifications, integrating chemical biology approaches for probing molecular functions.
Neurobiology and Systems Biology: Specialized courses on neural circuit development, synaptic transmission, and computational modeling of biological networks, bridging molecular insights with systems-level understanding.

The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and innovation, with mandatory journal clubs, ethics workshops, and international conferences. Students conduct independent research projects under expert supervision, culminating in a doctoral thesis. Collaborative environments encourage cross-institute interactions, and transferable skills training in scientific communication, grant writing, and career development is integral. The program duration is typically 3-4 years, leading to a PhD degree from partner universities like LMU Munich or TUM. This holistic approach equips graduates for careers in academia, industry, or biotechnology, contributing to breakthroughs in health and life sciences. With state-of-the-art facilities, the campus supports diverse research from basic mechanisms to applied biomedicine, promoting a vibrant, inclusive community of over 100 PhD students and faculty.