Multiple fully funded PhD positions are available in Plant Biology, Molecular Plant Physiology, Plant Breeding, Plant–Microbe Interactions, and related disciplines at leading European research institutes and graduate schools. Opportunities are open at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology (IMPRS Program), Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ), CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), and the IMCBio International PhD Program at the University of Strasbourg. The IMPRS MolPlant program at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology offers doctoral research under the guidance of directors, group leaders, and senior scientists, with most students enrolled at the University of Potsdam. The program provides a vibrant international environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive doctoral training, including advisory committees, seminars, and transferable skills courses. The application deadline is January 10, 2026. At MPIPZ, five fully funded PhD positions are available in computational, mathematical, and experimental plant sciences. The IMPRS on Interdisciplinary Plant Biology is a collaboration with the University of Cologne, focusing on fundamental biological processes in plants, plant breeding, genetics, and plant–microbe interactions. Training is in English, and positions are funded for three years with possible extension. The application deadline is January 5, 2026. CEPLAS is recruiting 10 fellows for its graduate school, with a focus on plant performance, adaptation, and crop improvement. The application deadline is January 18, 2026. ISTA in Austria offers a highly interdisciplinary, fully funded PhD program in biology, chemistry, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, physics, and related areas. The application deadline is January 8, 2026. Applicants must submit a CV, statement of purpose, transcripts, and referee contacts via the online portal. The IMCBio International PhD Program at the University of Strasbourg provides fellowships across a wide range of molecular biology topics, including integrative biology, nuclear dynamics, regenerative medicine, and regulatory RNA networks. Applicants should hold or expect to receive a Master’s degree (or equivalent) and demonstrate strong motivation, communication skills, and scientific independence. The application window is from November 24, 2025, to January 25, 2026. All programs offer fully funded positions, covering tuition and providing a competitive stipend. The research environments are international and collaborative, with access to advanced facilities and excellent mentoring. Applicants should have a strong background in relevant fields, proficiency in English, and a demonstrated interest in plant sciences and molecular biology. Application processes are online, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.

Multiple fully funded PhD positions are open in Plant Biology, Molecular Plant Physiology, Plant Breeding, Plant–Microbe Interactions, and related disciplines at top international research institutes and graduate schools in Europe. Opportunities are available at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology (IMPRS Program), Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ), CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), and IMCBio International PhD Program in France. The IMPRS MolPlant program at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology offers doctoral research under the guidance of directors, group leaders, and senior scientists, with most researchers enrolled at the University of Potsdam. The program provides cutting-edge training in molecular plant sciences, experimental and bioinformatic approaches, and a lively international environment near Berlin. The application call is open until January 10, 2026, for positions starting in the second half of 2026. At MPIPZ, the International Max Planck Research School on Interdisciplinary Plant Biology collaborates with the University of Cologne, offering five fully funded PhD positions in computational, mathematical, and experimental plant sciences. Research groups study regulatory networks, plant development, immunity, and microbiome effects, using genetics, genomics, biochemistry, imaging, and computational modeling. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a related subject and demonstrate academic excellence and English proficiency. The application deadline is January 5, 2026. CEPLAS is recruiting 10 fellows for its graduate school, focusing on plant performance, adaptation, and crop improvement. The application deadline is January 18, 2026. ISTA in Austria offers a highly interdisciplinary, fully funded PhD program in molecular biology, systems biology, chemistry, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, physics, and related areas. The application portal is open until January 8, 2026. Applicants must submit a CV, statement of purpose, transcripts, and referee contacts. The IMCBio International PhD Program at the University of Strasbourg, France, covers molecular and cellular biology, integrative biology, regulatory RNA networks, and functional genomics. Research is conducted in five institutes, with projects in nuclear dynamics, regenerative medicine, actin-associated neurological complications, and more. Applicants must hold or expect to receive an M2 or equivalent degree and show strong motivation, communication skills, and scientific independence. The application period is November 24, 2025, to January 25, 2026. All programs offer fully funded positions, including tuition and competitive stipends, with support for three years and possible extensions. International and collaborative research environments, state-of-the-art facilities, mentoring, and career development support are provided. Applicants should review each program’s website for specific requirements and deadlines, prepare necessary documents, and apply online. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. Key research areas include plant biology, molecular plant physiology, plant breeding, plant–microbe interactions, systems biology, cell biology, genetics, bioinformatics, and crop improvement. These opportunities are ideal for highly motivated students seeking advanced training and research experience in modern plant science.