PhD Programme in Global Biogeochemical Cycles (IMPRS-gBGC) at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry Friedrich Schiller University Jena in Germany

The International Max Planck Research School for Global Biogeochemical Cycles (IMPRS-gBGC) offers a structured PhD programme in cooperation with Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry. The programme is designed for motivated and highly qualified students from all countries who wish to pursue research in the fundamental understanding of global biogeochemical cycles, including carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen exchanges between land, ocean, and atmosphere. Research activities span field observations, method development, experiments, and modelling, providing a comprehensive platform for a career in Earth System Science.

PhD projects are highly interdisciplinary and may involve (geo-)microbiology, soil science, atmospheric measurement techniques, transport models, remote sensing, model data integration, data mining, ecosystem fluxes, isotope methods, biodiversity, organismic interactions, biological mineral formation, palaeoclimatology, micropalaeontology, and palaeolimnology. The specific research focus depends on the interests of the PhD researcher and the orientation of open positions.

In addition to their research, PhD candidates participate in a broad training programme, including overview courses on biogeochemical cycles, core courses in relevant scientific fields, skills courses, summer schools, workshops, and collaborative research visits to foreign institutions. Outreach activities, such as presenting at international conferences and publishing in journals, are encouraged. The IMPRS-gBGC curriculum is adapted annually to meet the needs of PhD researchers, and students are affiliated with either FSU or MPI for Biogeochemistry, enrolling at FSU.

Supervision is structured, with guidance from direct advisers and a PhD advisory committee that helps set milestones and monitor progress. Annual retreats bring together all IMPRS members for scientific exchange. The programme admits new PhD researchers twice a year through a competitive selection process. Fellowships are offered for three years, and international applicants receive support during their transition to Jena, including German language classes.

Funding is available through either a scholarship (four years, 1,300 EUR/month tax-free plus insurance, travel, and research allowance) or a contract (three years, minimum 3,000 EUR gross/month based on TVöD, with insurance deductions). Living expenses are estimated at 900 EUR/month. Tuition fees are not charged, and no semester contribution is required. Accommodation support is available, with options for off-campus housing and limited student residence rooms.

Applicants must have a 'Diplom' or Master of Science degree in environmental sciences, geosciences, geography, biological sciences, physics, chemistry, computer sciences, or related fields, including a thesis. English proficiency is required, assessed during the application interview, and applicants may submit language certificates. Applications are submitted online, and deadlines are published on the IMPRS-gBGC website. Teaching is not mandatory, and work contracts are full-time. Career advisory services and regular progress assessments are provided.

For more information and to apply, visit the IMPRS-gBGC website or the DAAD programme page. The IMPRS-gBGC is an internationally oriented programme, offering integrated internships, international guest lecturers, and collaborative research opportunities. It is an excellent opportunity for students seeking advanced training and research experience in global biogeochemical cycles and Earth System Science.