Doctoral Positions (m/f/d) | Evolutionary Biology

Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology; Plön; On-site; EUR 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded PhD positions

International environment

German language course for beginners

Job summary

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön invites applications for six doctoral positions (m/f/d) within IMPRS EvolBio. The program starts in September 2027 and offers fully-funded PhD research in evolutionary biology with state-of-the-art facilities.

We welcome applicants holding a Master of Science (or Diploma) and fluent in English, who show motivation and strong research interests aligned with our topics, including molecular evolution, behavioral ecology, and theoretical

Qualifications

• Must hold or expect a Master of Science degree (or Diploma) by start date.
• Demonstrate interests, skills and knowledge matching the chosen doctoral research area.
• Proven high level of written and spoken English.
• Strong motivation and scientific curiosity.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent doctoral research within IMPRS EvolBio topics.
• Contribute to group activities and seminars.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

English proficiency

Motivation

Research interest alignment

Education

Master of Science or Diploma

Job description

Doctoral Positions (m/f/d) | Evolutionary Biology

Young Researchers

Plön

Developmental and Evolutionary Biology & Genetics

Behavioral Sciences

Job Code: IMPRS-Evolbio-2027

Job Offer from October 23, 2026

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön is an internationally oriented institution whose research focuses on the principles, mechanisms and effects of evolutionary change. Around 200 employees from more than 30 nations currently work at our institute in the departments of Theoretical Biology and Microbial Population Biology, as well as in several independent research groups.

We offer

six doctoral positions (m/f/d) at the International Max Planck Research School for Evolutionary Biology.

The program starts in September 2027.

The Graduate School

The International Max Planck Research School for Evolutionary Biology (IMPRS EvolBio) is a joint initiative between the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Christian Albrechts University in Kiel, and the GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research.

The research

IMPRS EvolBio offers a doctoral program that delivers outstanding opportunities for young scientists. It provides an internationally competitive research environment with state-of-the-art facilities. Participating groups work on a wide variety of scientific topics, including molecular evolution, experimental evolution, behavioral ecology, ecological / evolutionary genetics, theoretical and mathematical biology, and major evolutionary transitions. The program includes a six-month training period followed by a three-year doctoral project.

We expect you to

• hold, or expect to hold, a Master of Science degree (or Diploma) by your start date,
• be able to show that your interests, skills and knowledge match well with the chosen area of doctoral research,
• be able to demonstrate a high level of written and spoken English,
• possess a high level of motivation.

We offer

• cutting-edge research projects and excellent facilities,
• fully-funded doctoral researcher positions,
• tailored support from a thesis advisory committee,
• core and optional development opportunities to improve your scientific and transferable skills,
• multicultural environment with English as the working language,
• a free beginners' German language course for international doctoral researchers.

The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled people are expressly welcome. In addition, the Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from any background.