Want to study how the brain controls animal behaviour at one of Germany’s leading neuroscience research centres — with a paid PhD position and travel to the final interview covered?
The Max Planck Society’s International Max Planck Research School for Brain & Behavior is currently accepting applications for its next PhD cohort in Bonn, Germany. The programme is explicitly described as fully funded, with a competitive salary throughout the PhD and additional training, mentoring and travel support.
Overview
The IMPRS for Brain & Behavior combines research at the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar, University of Bonn and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE).
The research school focuses on neuroethology and neuroscience, investigating how neural circuits generate behaviour using experimental and computational approaches.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity type: Fully funded PhD
- Host: International Max Planck Research School for Brain & Behavior
- Partner institutions: Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar, University of Bonn, DZNE
- Location: Bonn, Germany
- Countries involved: International
- Funding status: Fully funded
- Salary: Approximately €2,000 net per month, increasing over the years
- Employment level: Approximately 65% of TVöD Bund/Land remuneration group 13
- Travel: Travel to Bonn for the individual interview is covered by IMPRS
- Training: Methods workshops, courses, travel grants and soft-skills training
- Application fee: None
- Age requirement: None
- Nationality: International
- Degree: Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field
- Work experience: Not specified; relevant practical experience and skills can be highlighted
- English: C1-level written and spoken English
- Application opens: 31 August 2026
- Application deadline: 15 October 2026
- Reference deadline: 20 October 2026
- Start: No later than 1 October 2027
Research Areas
The programme focuses on:
- Neuroethology
- Neuroscience
- Brain circuits
- Animal behaviour
- Neural computation
- Experimental neuroscience
- Computational neuroscience
- Behavioural analysis
- Neural circuit reconstruction
The programme combines experimental and computational approaches to understand how brain circuits control behaviour across species.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Have a strong interest in pursuing a PhD in neuroethology.
- Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field before October 2026.
- Demonstrate C1-level English proficiency.
- Meet the admission requirements of the University of Bonn faculty awarding the doctoral degree.
Relevant academic backgrounds can include:
- Neuroscience
- Biology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Cognitive science
- Psychology
- Related disciplines
Nationality
The programme is international. More than half of its PhD students come from outside Germany.
Financial Support
Selected candidates receive:
- Competitive salary for the full duration of their studies
- Approximately €2,000 net monthly salary initially
- Salary increases over the years
- Training opportunities
- Methods workshops
- Soft-skills courses
- Travel grants
- Mentoring
- Career development support
- International and administrative support
- Family support
- Travel to Bonn for individual interviews covered by IMPRS
Application Process
- Create an account on the online application portal.
- Complete the online application.
- Prepare your Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates/transcripts.
- Write the motivation letter.
- Select two preferred Principal Investigators.
- Prepare research statements explaining your scientific interests.
- Nominate two referees.
- Submit the application by 15 October 2026.
- Ensure referee forms are submitted by 20 October 2026.
- Shortlisted candidates proceed to online interviews.
- Successful candidates are invited to the selection process in Bonn.
Important Notes
- This is a paid doctoral position, not a tuition-funded scholarship.
- The programme is highly competitive.
- The Master’s degree must be awarded before October 2026.
- Candidates who pass the selection process receive travel support for the Bonn interview.
- German is not required for the programme; English is the working language.
- The exact doctoral duration is not specified on the current application page.
Official Application Link
IMPRS Brain & Behavior — Application
IMPRS Brain & Behavior — Official Programme
Don’t Miss the Next Hidden Gem
Subscribe to Potenue for fully funded fellowships, paid research opportunities, scholarships, global programmes, grants, internships, and other high-value opportunities.
Don’t just search for opportunities. Let Potenue find them for you.