The International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP) is inviting applications for fully funded PhD positions in Neuroscience and Translational Psychiatry, with a unique Residency/PhD track for medical doctors.
The program is designed for highly motivated young scientists and medical doctors interested in understanding the molecular, cellular, systemic, and clinical mechanisms underlying neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Students will work in an interdisciplinary research environment combining molecular medicine, neuroscience, computational approaches, neuroimaging, and clinical psychiatry.
There are no tuition fees for the PhD program.
Applications for positions starting in 2027 will open on 15 August 2026, with the application deadline on 31 October 2026.
Research Areas
IMPRS-TP provides PhD research opportunities across a broad range of neuroscience and psychiatric research areas.
The program exposes doctoral researchers to diverse scientific questions and experimental approaches, including:
- Molecular neuroscience
- Cellular neuroscience
- Systems neuroscience
- Translational psychiatry
- Molecular medicine
- Psychiatric research
- Neuroimaging
- Computational neuroscience
- Molecular genetics
- Animal models
- Clinical psychiatry
The program emphasizes research that can connect basic scientific discoveries with clinical applications, creating a strong translational research environment.
Basic Research in a Translational Environment
One of the major strengths of IMPRS-TP is its integration of basic neuroscience research with clinical psychiatry.
In addition to conventional PhD research positions, the program offers a distinctive Residency/PhD track for exceptional medical doctors.
Through this integrated approach:
- PhD students gain exposure to clinical aspects of psychiatric and neurological diseases.
- Medical doctors receive advanced research training alongside their clinical development.
- Researchers can work across molecular, cellular, systemic, and clinical levels.
- Participants develop interdisciplinary skills relevant to modern translational medicine.
This structure is particularly suitable for candidates interested in connecting laboratory discoveries with patient-oriented research.
Partner Institutions
IMPRS-TP is a collaborative research initiative involving leading academic and research institutions in Germany and the United Kingdom.
The main partners include:
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry (MPI-P)
- Max Planck Institute of Biological Intelligence (MPI-BI)
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU)
- Helmholtz Center Munich
- University of Augsburg
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
The program also maintains collaborations with:
- Munich Medical Research School (MMRS)
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN)
- IMPRS-Biological Intelligence (IMPRS-BI)
- King’s College London, United Kingdom
These collaborations provide students with access to a broad international scientific network and interdisciplinary research opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
IMPRS-TP welcomes applications from highly motivated candidates from all countries.
Applicants should meet one of the following academic requirements:
Master’s Degree Applicants
Candidates should hold, or expect to obtain, a Master of Science (MSc) degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
Relevant academic backgrounds may include disciplines related to:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular biology
- Biomedical sciences
- Medicine
- Psychology
- Computational sciences
- Other relevant life-science or medical disciplines
Medical Degree Applicants
Candidates who hold, or expect to obtain, a Medical Degree are also eligible to apply.
Applications from trainee medical doctors with laboratory research experience are particularly encouraged because of the program’s integrated Residency/PhD pathway.
Motivation
Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest and motivation to conduct research in:
- Neuroscience
- Translational psychiatry
- Molecular medicine
- Psychiatric research
- Related interdisciplinary fields
What the Program Offers
Successful candidates will receive a comprehensive research and training package.
Fully Funded PhD
The program offers fully funded PhD positions for at least three years.
There are no tuition fees associated with the PhD program.
Research and Conference Support
Students receive financial support for eligible:
- Courses
- Scientific conferences
- Research-related travel
Structured Training Program
Participants benefit from a structured curriculum that includes:
- Core courses
- Lecture series
- Methods workshops
- Transferable skills training
- Networking opportunities
- Interaction with renowned international and local researchers
Interdisciplinary Research
Students can work on excellent research projects using modern approaches and benefit from collaboration across different scientific disciplines.
Thesis Advisory Committee
Each doctoral researcher receives research guidance and support through a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC).
The TAC provides an additional framework for scientific supervision, project development, and doctoral training.
International Research Environment
IMPRS-TP provides an international and inclusive working environment where students can interact with researchers from different scientific backgrounds and countries.
Administrative assistance is also available through the program’s Coordination and International Offices.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online and in English through the official IMPRS-TP application system.
Official Application Portal
IMPRS-TP states that it can only accept applications submitted through its online application tool.
Applications submitted by:
- Postal mail
will not be considered.
Important Application Dates
| Application Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 15 August 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| Reference Letter Deadline | 7 November 2026 |
| Expected Start | 2027 |
| Funding Duration | At least 3 years |
Applicants should ensure that their referees submit the required reference letters by the separate 7 November 2026 deadline.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Max Planck Society promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its research environment.
Applications are particularly encouraged from members of underrepresented groups, nationalities, and genders, as well as individuals with disabilities.
Why Apply?
The IMPRS-TP PhD program offers an attractive opportunity for researchers who want to combine advanced neuroscience research with translational and clinical perspectives.
Key advantages include:
- Fully funded PhD positions
- No tuition fees
- Research opportunities in neuroscience and psychiatry
- Interdisciplinary scientific training
- Access to leading German research institutions
- International research collaborations
- Cutting-edge research facilities
- Support for courses and conference travel
- Structured doctoral curriculum
- Thesis Advisory Committee supervision
- Opportunities for medical doctors through the Residency/PhD track
- International and inclusive research environment
Application Deadline
The application period runs from 15 August 2026 through 31 October 2026.
Reference letters must be received by 7 November 2026.
Candidates interested in joining the program in 2027 should prepare their academic documents, research background, and referee information well before the application deadline.
Scholarship / PhD Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP) |
| Opportunity | Fully Funded PhD Positions |
| Research Areas | Neuroscience & Translational Psychiatry |
| Special Track | Residency/PhD for Medical Doctors |
| Degree Requirement | MSc or Medical Degree |
| Eligible Applicants | Students from all countries |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Tuition Fees | No tuition fees |
| Duration | At least 3 years |
| Application Language | English |
| Applications Open | 15 August 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| Reference Deadline | 7 November 2026 |
| Start Date | 2027 |
| Application Method | Online application only |
| Application Portal | applications.imprs-tp.mpg.de |
Key Takeaway
The IMPRS-TP Fully Funded PhD Program in Neuroscience and Translational Psychiatry is an excellent opportunity for highly motivated researchers and medical doctors seeking advanced training in modern neuroscience and psychiatric research.
With fully funded positions, no tuition fees, interdisciplinary training, international collaborations, and access to leading research institutions, the program provides a strong environment for developing an academic career in translational neuroscience and psychiatry.
Medical doctors with laboratory research experience may also benefit from the unique Residency/PhD track, which combines clinical training with advanced doctoral research.
Applications for the 2027 intake open on 15 August 2026, and the final application deadline is 31 October 2026.