Are you interested in molecular biology and want to contribute to groundbreaking research? The International PhD Programme (IPP) in Mainz accepts applications from international PhD applicants for 2025.

The IPP is a collaborative initiative between the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), and the University Medical Center (UMC). With over 50 participating laboratories, the program focuses on critical scientific themes such as Gene Regulation, Epigenetics, and Genome Stability. Applicants can work on exciting projects in areas like aging and disease, RNA biology, DNA repair and genome stability, Epigenetics and nuclear dynamics, Bioinformatics and computational biology, Gene regulation and evolution, Proteostasis and phase separation.

By joining this program, students gain access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship from leading experts in the field.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: April 3, 2025 (noon CEST)
• Onsite Interview at IMB: June 23–24, 2025
• Studies Start: August 2025 and January 2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Host Institutions: Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), University Medical Center (UMC), Mainz
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Master’s graduates in molecular biology or related fields
• Focus Areas: Gene Regulation, Epigenetics, Genome Stability, Bioinformatics, RNA Biology, and more
• Study Level: PhD
• Duration: Typically 3-4 years
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Germany

Benefits

The IPP will provide the scholars with the following benefits:

• Fully funded PhD projects with access to cutting-edge research facilities.
• Supervised by top scientists and a dedicated Thesis Advisory Committee.
• Advanced training in research techniques, career development, and skills.
• Membership in a vibrant IPP community of 200+ PhD students from 40+ countries.
• Support from the IPP Office for enrollment, thesis preparation, and well-being.
• Student-elected IPP Representatives to address concerns and improve the program.
• Regular networking events, retreats, and symposiums for scientific exchange.
• Access to IMB Core Facilities with specialized equipment and expertise.
• Career mentoring through IMB’s Mentoring Programme for Junior Researchers.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the IPP, applicants must:

• The application is open to all nationalities
• Complete the application form submitted before the deadline
• Provide a Master’s degree (or equivalent) completed or expected before enrolment
• Two referees (one must have supervised your research)
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

Research Topics

The IPP provides a wide range of research opportunities across multiple disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Ageing and Disease
• RNA Biology
• DNA Repair and Genome Stability
• Epigenetics and Nuclear Dynamics
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Gene Regulation and Evolution
• Proteostasis and Phase Separation

PhD projects

Several exciting PhD projects are available under the following research themes:

Molecular Mechanisms in Genome Stability & Gene Regulation:

• DNA repair via break-induced replication – Roopesh Anand (IMB)
• R-loops & genomic instability in human cells – Petra Beli (IMB)
• DNA damage response in genome & chromatin organization – Petra Beli & Vassilis Roukos (IMB)
• Neurodegenerative disease mechanisms – Dorothee Dormann (JGU/IMB)
• Genomic parasite regulation by small RNAs – René Ketting (IMB)
• Protein interactomes & structural biology – Katja Luck (IMB)
• Ant olfactory system evolution – Carlotta Martelli (JGU)
• Epigenetics in aging & embryos – Christof Niehrs (IMB)
• Computational biology of nucleic acid modifications – Christof Niehrs (IMB)
• R-loop associated DNA modifications – Christof Niehrs (IMB)
• Chromatin remodelers in gene regulation – Sandra Schick (IMB)
• Deciphering the ubiquitin code – Helle Ulrich (IMB)
• Alternative splicing regulation in plants – Andreas Wachter (JGU)

Molecular Biomedicine & Ageing:

• Trained immunity in dendritic cells – Johannes Mayer (UMC)
• Dendritic cell bias in skin infection & cancer – Johannes Mayer (UMC)
• Hematopoietic system & bone marrow aging – Wolfram Ruf (UMC)
• Metabolic pathways in T-cell aging – Tim Sparwasser (UMC)
• Therapeutic strategies for retinal dystrophies – Uwe Wolfrum (JGU)

How to Apply?

• Explore Projects: Check available projects in Molecular Mechanisms or Molecular Biomedicine (or both).
• Submit Application: Apply via our online platform using the link below.
• Interview Invitation: Top candidates will be invited for IPP Interview Days after evaluation.

Apply Now

For more details, visit the official IPP website or check out the FAQs.

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