Applications are invited for doctoral studentships in the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) in Cologne, Germany. These studentships will be awarded for a research project on “Understanding complex plant traits using computational and evolutionary approaches”. The program is taught in English and open to students from all countries holding a Master’s or equivalent degree. Up to three doctoral studentships are awarded for a period of three years. Applications should be submitted till August 18, 2014.

Study Subject(s): Studentships are awarded for a research project on “Understanding complex plant traits using computational and evolutionary approaches” in the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) in Cologne, Germany.
Course Level: Studentships are available for pursuing PhD research program.
Scholarship Provider: The Max-Planck-Institute for Plant Breeding Research, the University of Cologne and the
Heinrich Heine-University Dusseldorf, Germany
Scholarship can be taken at: Germany

Eligibility: The program is taught in English and open to students from all countries holding a Master’s or equivalent degree. Once you get accepted you will be enrolled at a University, which is usually the University of Cologne or Düssedorf. To be accepted as a doctoral student you must hold a Master’s degree, comparable to the German diploma (4,5 years of university studies in relevant areas). It is not necessary to hold the degree at the time of application. However, you must have been awarded your degree prior to the start of the program. The quality of the degrees (i.e. eligibility) will be checked by the University of Cologne or Düsseldorf on a case-by-case basis. The entire doctoral program is in English. Therefore, a good knowledge of English is absolutely required. We encourage you to support you candidature with scores of internationally valid language exams like TOEFL, IELTS or other tests. However, they are not mandatory.

Scholarship Open for International Students: The program is open for students from all countries.

Scholarship Description: The Max-Planck-Institute for Plant Breeding Research, the University of Cologne and the Heinrich Heine-University Dusseldorf invite applications for three-year doctoral fellowships in the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) in Cologne, Germany. The IMPRS is intended for highly motivated students with a strong training in plant molecular sciences. The constellation of participating institutions provides excellent conditions in the area of plant sciences with expertise in molecular plant genetics, plant biochemistry, cell biology, bioinformatics, and mathematical modelling of biological processes.

Number of award(s): Three doctoral studentships are offered.

Duration of award(s): These doctoral studentships are awarded for a period of three-years.

What does it cover? Not Known

Selection Criteria: Students will be selected according to their written application, grades and the letters of recommendation. Selected candidates will be invited for a personal interview. During the interview shortlisted candidates will be asked to present a 10 minute scientific presentation about the research of their Master’s project or most recent research followed by a short panel discussion.

Notification:  Shortlisted applicants will be invited to Selection Symposium in September/October. Successful applicants start their PhD projects latest in December.

Online Application: The mode of applying is online. Required Documents
-Curriculum Vitae (CV)
-Certain documents that prove your specifications in your online application form. Documents that are not in English or German need to be completed with a translation.
-Your academic background is verified by certificates of relevant university examinations (e.g. BSc and MSc degrees), and a detailed record of study / transcript (a list of attended courses and – if applicable – corresponding grades). Please include an explanation of the grading system at your university, since we get applications from all over the world but do not know all the different university grading systems (obviously, the German grading system does not need to be explained).
-The official teaching language of our IMPRS is English. Therefore you need to convince us that your English proficiency is sufficient for immediately starting with your research work. The best and most reliable way is an acceptable result in an internationally recognized test (e.g. TOEFL). Nevertheless, a verifiable higher education in English, or a reasonably long stay in an English speaking country are also convincing. However if you wish to prove your English skills, we need it documented by a third party.
-Add further certificates that prove the given information in the application. But please, only provide documents which are important to support your application. Do not overload your application with certificates and documents of minor significance.
-Further recommended documents:
-High school degree transcripts (school leaving certificate, Abitur) or equivalent
-scholarships, prizes and awards (if applicable)
-copy of passport (international applicants only)
-portrait picture

Scholarship Application Deadline: The application deadline is August 18, 2014.

Further Official Scholarship Information and Application