IMPRS-IDI 2026 PhD Program – Fully Funded Opportunities in Infectious Diseases and Immunology (Berlin, Germany)

IMPRS-IDI 2026 PhD Program – Fully Funded Opportunities in Infectious Diseases and Immunology (Berlin, Germany)

Application Deadline: 10 December 2025, 23:59 CET
Number of Positions: 6
Funding: Fully Funded (tuition + monthly stipend)
Location: Berlin, Germany
Apply Online: https://www.imprs-idi.org/home/application

About the IMPRS-IDI PhD Program

The International Max Planck Research School for Infectious Diseases and Immunology (IMPRS-IDI) invites applications for its 2026 PhD cohort. This fully funded program offers six positions for exceptional young scientists eager to pursue groundbreaking research in infection biology, immunology, and related life science disciplines.

Situated in Berlin, IMPRS-IDI provides a vibrant international research environment that brings together over 75 doctoral students from more than 25 countries. The program offers comprehensive academic training, professional development, and mentorship in one of Europe’s most dynamic scientific hubs.

IMPRS-IDI is jointly organized by four leading institutions:

Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology (MPIIB)
German Rheumatology Research Center (DRFZ)
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)

Together, these institutions foster an interdisciplinary approach to studying infectious diseases and the immune system, creating an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.

Why Choose IMPRS-IDI

The IMPRS-IDI PhD program is more than a research position—it is a gateway to an international scientific career. Students receive the support, training, and mentorship necessary to develop as independent researchers and future leaders in biomedical science.

Key Features:

Fully Funded: All positions come with full tuition coverage and a competitive monthly stipend.
Comprehensive Training: Includes workshops on scientific and transferable skills, seminars, and career development sessions.
World-Class Facilities: Access to cutting-edge laboratories and core facilities in molecular biology, imaging, genomics, and bioinformatics.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside experts from immunology, microbiology, parasitology, and computational biology.
International Community: Join a diverse PhD network in Berlin—one of Europe’s most vibrant research and cultural centers.
Travel Support: Funding for conference attendance and short-term research visits abroad.

Research Areas

IMPRS-IDI supports a wide range of research topics addressing critical challenges in infectious disease and immunology. Students can choose from projects across the following focus areas:

Host–pathogen interactions and immune defense mechanisms
Molecular and cellular biology of infections
Immune regulation and vaccine development
Systems biology and computational modeling of infections
Microbiome dynamics and host health
Antimicrobial resistance and pathogen evolution
Parasitology and vector-borne diseases

Each doctoral candidate will design and conduct a research project under the supervision of leading scientists, contributing to discoveries with global implications for human health.

Eligibility Criteria

The IMPRS-IDI program welcomes highly motivated applicants from all countries who have a strong academic background and a passion for research in the life sciences.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree in biology, biomedicine, biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or a related field.
Demonstrate academic excellence and a strong foundation in experimental or computational research.
Have proficiency in English, the working language of the program.
Show motivation and curiosity for scientific discovery and collaboration.

There are no restrictions on nationality. The program actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups and fosters a supportive, inclusive academic environment.

Application Procedure

Application Deadline: 10 December 2025 (23:59 CET)
Apply Here: https://www.imprs-idi.org/home/application

Steps to Apply:

Explore Research Projects: Review available PhD projects on the IMPRS-IDI website to identify those aligned with your interests.
Prepare Application Materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter (explaining your research interests and career goals)
- Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
- Contact details of at least two referees (letters of recommendation will be requested directly).
Submit Online: Upload all documents via the IMPRS-IDI application portal before the deadline.
Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews in February–March 2026.
Admission: Final offers will be made shortly after interviews. Successful candidates may begin their PhD between June and December 2026.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Program Structure

The IMPRS-IDI PhD program combines independent research with structured academic training to provide a balanced and comprehensive doctoral experience.

Core Components:

Advanced scientific courses and lectures in infection biology and immunology
Methodological workshops (e.g., microscopy, genomics, computational biology)
Transferable skills training (e.g., science communication, project management)
Annual retreats, seminars, and conferences
Regular progress evaluations and mentoring sessions

This structured approach ensures that students receive both the technical and professional development support required for success in academic and non-academic careers.

Career Prospects

Graduates of IMPRS-IDI go on to pursue successful careers in academia, pharmaceutical research, public health, and science communication. The program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and professional growth provides an excellent foundation for a broad range of career paths.

Through the IMPRS network and its close links with Max Planck Institutes, Charité, and international collaborators, students gain exposure to a global research community and long-term professional opportunities.

Why Apply

The IMPRS-IDI PhD program offers an outstanding opportunity to:

Work with internationally renowned scientists in one of the world’s top biomedical research hubs.
Conduct cutting-edge research that addresses global health challenges.
Receive full financial support while developing as an independent researcher.
Join a diverse and dynamic community of scientists dedicated to advancing knowledge in infection and immunity.

If you are driven by curiosity, committed to excellence, and eager to make a meaningful contribution to biomedical science, this program provides the ideal platform to start your research career.

Quick Summary

Program Title	IMPRS-IDI 2026 PhD Program
Host Institutions	Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, DRFZ, Charité, TU Berlin
Location	Berlin, Germany
Number of Positions	6
Funding	Fully funded (tuition + stipend)
Language	English
Application Deadline	10 December 2025 (23:59 CET)
Interviews	February–March 2026
Program Start	Between June and December 2026
Application Link	imprs-idi.org/home/application

Final Note

The IMPRS-IDI 2026 PhD program offers a unique, fully funded opportunity to join one of Europe’s premier research communities in infectious diseases and immunology. With world-class facilities, a collaborative environment, and a commitment to excellence, this program is designed to prepare young scientists for impactful careers in biomedical research.

Start your journey toward becoming a global scientific innovator — apply now by 10 December 2025 via https://www.imprs-idi.org/home/application.