How to apply for an IMPRS-gBGC PhD position

If you are already a funded doctoral researcher at either the FSU Jena or the MPI for Biogeochemistry, you may be eligible for admission to the IMPRS-gBGC as an associated member. In the application form, please select ‘Already PhD researcher’ for ‘6. Research interest’. Feel free to contact the IMPRS office for more information.

We call for applications twice per year. Our selection is highly competitive (usually about 25% of the PhD projects are filled). Third-party funded projects are open until the position is filled.

1. Check if ...

... the IMPRS-gBGC is the right choice for you

Browse this website to learn more about us and the curriculum of our PhD program. If what you see meets your interest, continue with the paragraph below.

Otherwise, you may wish to have a look at other International Max Planck Research Schools or at international PhD programs in Germany in general.

... you fulfill the requirements

Applications for the program are open to highly motivated and qualified candidates from all countries. A prerequisite is a diploma or master of science degree in geophysical sciences, environmental sciences, biological sciences, physics, chemistry, computer sciences or a related field, including a corresponding thesis. Proficiency in English is required as English is the official language of the program.

The requirements for the individual PhD projects can be found in the project descriptions.

2. Apply online

From July 1 until August 6, 2026 (23:59 CET), fill out the application form on this website and submit all your regular application documents as PDF (within the online application process).

After completing the online registration form, you will receive a link to a website where you can upload your application documents. Your application package is considered complete once we receive the following documents:

The completed online application form below
Letter of motivation and research interests (in English).
Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume.
(Preliminary) Documents relating to your Master's degree (or the national equivalent that requires a corresponding thesis): title and abstract of your thesis, copy of your MSc certificate, copy of your MSc transcript (list of courses/lectures you took, including marks).
If applicable: documents relating to your Bachelor's degree (redundant with 'Diplom'): copy of your BSc certificate, copy of your BSc transcript (list of courses/lectures you took).
Proof of English skills, if possible.
Any additional documents you deem important for your application (e.g. publications, references, certificates of workshops etc.) can be included in your CV-PDF.

Documents that are not in English or German must be translated into one of these two languages. Unofficial translations are sufficient during the application process. However, officially certified translations are required for admission and registration as a doctoral researcher at Friedrich Schiller University Jena.

If you are shortlisted by a project advisor, the IMPRS coordinator, or a steering committee member, reference letters will be requested via email.

3. Wait for a notification

The project PIs, the IMPRS steering committee and the IMPRS coordinator will review all applications and select the promising candidates. The referees of these candidates will then receive an email from the IMPRS office requesting for a letter of recommendation. The most promising candidates will be interviewed via phone or video conference.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome of the pre-selection process approximately three weeks after the application deadline.

The top candidates will then be be invited to take part in the selection symposium that takes place in Jena. The IMPRS will cover all travel expenses related to the event.

If you require a visa to travel to Germany, please be prepared to apply for one once you have received your invitation to participate in the selection symposium. Make sure you have a valid passport. You can find the German embassy or consulate is closest to your place of residence on this website.

4. Attend the selection symposium

An icebreaker activity and a guided tour of the MPI-BGC with our PhD researchers will be offered.
The IMPRS-gBGC will be introduced.
You will be asked to give a short talk on your previous research experience and your research interests.
- 3-min-talk (with slides) and a discussion
- in English
You will be interviewed by the project advisors and a member of the IMPRS steering committee.
- about 45 min.
- a question on the understanding of the Earth system
- room for your questions
You will have a chance to talk potential colleagues and see the facilities where you might work.
Feel free to explore the city of Jena.

You will be informed about the final decision about two weeks after the event.

Successful candidates will be offered a comprehensive mentoring program in a highly communicative scientific environment and PhD funding for three years*.

_{* unless they already have started their PhD project and specifically apply for associated membership}