Our Key Features

Why should you join the IMPRS-CBP for your PhD? Click through our picture gallery to learn more about our 10 Key Features. Find out how we provide the best possible support to you in all aspects.

Our PhD students benefit from an excellent infrastructure with sophisticated equipment and the sound methodological and technical expertise of our faculty.

The participating institutions host state-of-the-art facilities for cryo-electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and advanced light microscopy. Our research groups are constantly developing and optimizing their methods to accomplish their research missions.

We unite researchers from several institutes and departments at four different institutions, the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, the Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies.

Our faculty members‘ research areas range from structural biology to biochemistry and theoretical biophysics. This diversity opens up different perspectives and stimulates integrative approaches, interdisciplinary thinking and collaborations.

We ensure financial security! Our PhD students receive employment contracts that cover monthly living expenses, and are part of the German social security system. Costs for research equipment and consumables are covered. Furthermore, we give our students the opportunity to participate in events and courses pushing their professional development.

Our Coordination Office, our International Office and our HR Department are happy to support all current and prospective PhD students with their questions concerning the program or the application, and with all administrative matters such as visa, enrollment, curriculum or exam regulations.

In three three-week lab rotations in different research groups, our students have a unique opportunity of getting to know our faculty, and learning more on different methods, techniques and projects within the IMPRS on Cellular Biophysics before starting their PhD work with one of our PIs.

We offer a dedicated supervision and mentoring concept through individual Thesis Advisory Committees (TACs).

Each PhD student chooses four mentors who provide regular feedback, ensure the progress of the project and support our PhD students in achieving ambitious career goals.

Through its interdisciplinarity and diversity, the TAC opens up different perspectives, fosters scientific discussion, and offers networking opportunities.

Our PhD students work in a collaborative setting of internationally renowned faculty members and build their networks with the international scientific community at conferences and through distinguished lecture series.

Located in the middle of Germany and close to the largest German airport, the Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region is an attractive living environment that is well connected within Europe and to the rest of the world.

Frankfurt is one of Germany‘s most international cities and frequently ranked as very livable. The city is not only famous for its bank district but also for numerous green parks and its cultural offer – 37 museums and 20 stages reside here. In the evening or at the weekend, many pubs invite you to have an „Ebbelwoi“ (famous cider from the Frankfurt area) in good company.

Mainz is the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and well-known for its old town, the Roman remains which can be discovered all over the city, and for its traditional carnival celebrations (the “Fastnacht”). It is located in Rheinhessen, Germany’s largest wine-growing area, which makes you want to explore the beautiful landscapes alongside the Rhine river.

Even before the program start in September each year, we organize virtual get-to-know-events for all prospective PhD students, and connect them with our current students. Right at the start of the program, all new PhD students jointly participate in courses and social events.
During their PhD journey, regular seminars and retreats foster scientific and personal exchange and strengthen the community

We support our PhD students in their professional growth and personal development. Transferable skills courses and career coachings prepare them for the challenges of a professional career on the global market, whether in academia or industry.