"Fully Funded PhD Positions at International Max Planck Research School – Brain and Behavior"

The International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior is a unique collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar (MPINB), the University of Bonn, and the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn. It offers a completely funded international PhD training and research program in neuroscience in Bonn, Germany. The focus of the program is neuroethology. Learn how brain circuits are linked to interesting animals behaviors and be part of the next generation of outstanding neuroscientists!

In a nutshell:

• Apply the latest innovative neuroscience techniques to fundamental neuroethology questions
• Neuroscience Boot Camp
• Possibility of lab rotations
• Mentoring and guidance by a Thesis Advisory Committee
• A multitude of training opportunities
• International and administrative support
• Fully-funded PhD positions are available

We offer:

An exciting opportunity to outstanding Master's degree holders (or equivalent) from any relevant field (life sciences, mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, etc.) to be immersed in a stimulating environment that provides novel technologies to elucidate the function of brain circuits from molecules to animal behavior. The comprehensive and diverse expertise of the faculty in the exploration of brain-circuit function using advanced imaging and optogenetic techniques combined with comprehensive training in fundamental neuroscience provides students with an exceptional level of knowledge to pursue a successful independent research career. Successful candidates can choose to do lab rotations in the first six months of their PhD. Doctoral candidates receive both theoretical training and hands-on training in a large range of cutting-edge techniques. In addition, they are exposed to a variety of research areas all touching on how sensory information is encoded in neural circuits and is ultimately transferred to behavior.

Your profile:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g. neuroscience, biology, physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering). Degree should be concluded before admission to the PhD, latest by September 2026.
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Strong motivation to pursue a career in science
• Passion for neuroethology – the study of neural basis of animal behavior

Your application:

Application portal: https://imprs-brain-behavior.mpg.de/
Application deadline: 31 October 2025
Only online applications through our application portal are accepted.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to an online Selection Symposium in January 2026.
Positions must be started latest in October 2026.
For more information on the application process, please visit our website: https://imprs-brain-behavior.mpg.de/apply