Fully Funded International PhD Scholarships in Bioinformatics, Genomics, Computational Biology, AI/ML, and Life Sciences Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Germany

Multiple fully funded international PhD scholarships are available in the fields of bioinformatics, genomics, computational biology, AI/ML, systems medicine, and related life sciences. These opportunities span a wide range of research areas including plant sciences, quantitative biology, genome science, microbiology, biophysics, epidemiology, public health, neuroscience, cancer biology, metagenomics, and proteomics. The positions are hosted at leading research institutions such as the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (Germany), Westlake University (China), and other top universities and research centers worldwide.

The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) on Interdisciplinary Plant Biology offers a collaborative environment between the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research and the University of Cologne. Research focuses on fundamental biological processes in plants, regulatory networks, plant immunity, and microbiome effects, utilizing interdisciplinary technologies from genetics and genomics to advanced imaging and computational modeling. All training and research are conducted in English, and international students are closely supervised by an advisory committee. Positions are fully funded for 3 years, with salaries based on the Max Planck Society doctoral funding contract (TVöD 13, 65%).

Westlake University in Hangzhou, China, offers PhD programs in biology, chemistry, physics, quantitative biology and complex systems, electronic science and technology, materials science and engineering, information technology in AI, sustainability science, and mathematics. The university emphasizes academic freedom, research excellence, and international collaboration. Applicants from all nationalities are welcome, and programs are open to those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field.

Other highlighted programs include the International Max Planck Research School for Genome Science (IMPRS-GS), DFG Research Training Group GönomiX, and various Marie-Curie and MRC studentships. Research topics cover metabolic microbiome modeling, machine learning for omics data, functional genomics, synthetic biology, cancer immunology, infection biology, and more. All positions are fully funded, with net monthly salaries typically ranging from €1,300–1,600, and additional benefits such as family-friendly environments and professional development courses.

Eligibility requirements generally include a strong academic background in a relevant field, research experience, motivation, and proficiency in English. Application processes are online, with deadlines varying by program (e.g., January 5, 2026, for IMPRS). Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews, and selected applicants can expect to start between summer and October 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the respective program websites or contact the listed coordinators.