6 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Infection Biology, Immunology, Parasitology, and Medical Biotechnology (IMPRS-IDI) Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology in Germany

The International Max Planck Research School for Infectious Diseases and Immunology (IMPRS-IDI) is offering up to six fully funded PhD positions for highly motivated candidates interested in infection biology, immunology, parasitology, and medical biotechnology. Successful applicants will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment and work on innovative projects at leading institutions in Berlin, including the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, German Rheumatology Research Center (DRFZ), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Technische Universität Berlin. The available PhD projects for 2026 cover topics such as innate immune recognition in the gastrointestinal epithelium using organoids (Bartfeld lab), immune-metabolic adaptation in pregnancy and its implications for offspring health (Diefenbach lab), variant surface antigen expression in chronic Plasmodium falciparum carriage (Portugal lab), molecular pathways of NK cell memory and clonality (Romagnani lab), and variable allele usage regulating inflammation (Weiss lab). IMPRS-IDI is an international doctoral program with about 75 students from over 25 countries, offering cutting-edge research opportunities, access to state-of-the-art facilities, a strong scientific network, a project-adapted curriculum, and a vibrant PhD student community.

The program supports travel for scientific presentations and provides a stimulating, multi-disciplinary environment on a thriving campus in Berlin. Applicants should have an excellent M.Sc. or equivalent degree in biological sciences, biochemistry, biophysics, or related fields.

Candidates with strong quantitative skills are encouraged to apply for specific projects. The degree must be completed before the project start, but is not required at the time of application. The application deadline is 10 December 2025, with interviews scheduled for February/March and successful candidates starting their doctorate between May and December 2026. For further details on projects, eligibility, and application procedures, visit the IMPRS-IDI website or contact the Coordination Office.