Join the 2026 IMPRS-CBP PhD Cohort!
Push the boundaries of cellular biophysics in one of Europe’s leading research hubs. The International Max Planck Research School on Cellular Biophysics (IMPRS-CBP) offers fully funded PhD positions in an interdisciplinary, world-class research environment across Frankfurt and Mainz.
Key Application Dates
Application portal opens: January 23, 2026
Application deadline: March 11, 2026
Referee deadline: March 17, 2026
Online interviews: May 18–22, 2026
Acceptance notifications: End of May 2026
Program start: September 16, 2026
Check out this year’s application timeline here.
Applications for the 2026 IMPRS-CBP cohort are now closed.
Shape the Future of Cellular Biophysics
Join an international and interdisciplinary program combining structural biology, biophysics, computational science, and advanced imaging. At IMPRS-CBP, you will have access to cutting-edge research labs and a community of experts tackling fundamental questions about how cells are built, organized, and dynamically regulated.
Our program offers a three-rotation system, giving you the opportunity to explore different labs, research questions, and methods before choosing your PhD project.
Why Choose IMPRS-CBP?
Fully funded PhD positions with excellent working conditions
A cutting-edge research environment spanning cryo-EM, cryo-ET, super-resolution microscopy, NMR, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, computational modelling, and more
An international, English-speaking community with ~30 faculty across four institutions
Interdisciplinary training uniting biology, physics, chemistry, and computer science
A strong supervision concept, including Thesis Advisory Committees and structured mentoring
Graduate courses, transferable skills workshops, and peer-to-peer learning
Located in the Frankfurt/Mainz Rhine-Main region, one of Germany’s most international scientific and cultural centers
Learn more about our application process here!
The application deadline for the 2026 cohort was March 11.
We’re Looking For You!
We welcome applications from ambitious and curious scientists who want to push conceptual and technological boundaries in cellular biophysics.
We are looking for candidates that are
Passionate about pushing cellular biophysics and contributing to world-class research
Skilled in scientific methods, with a strong academic background
Eager to join a collaborative, international environment
Ready to grow as an independent researcher
Visit our elegibility page here!
Join a Collaborative Research Network
IMPRS-CBP brings together leading expertise from:
Max Planck Institute of Biophysics
Goethe University Frankfurt am Main
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies
All of our students benefit from access to advanced facilities, shared research initiatives, and the broader scientific community of the Rhine-Main region.All of our students benefit from access to advanced facilities, shared research initiatives, and the broader scientific community of the Rhine-Main region.
The application period for the 2026 cohort closed on March 11, 2026
Be part of one of Europe’s most dynamic PhD communities and contribute to pioneering research in cellular biophysics.
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