Application FAQ

How does the online application work?

First of all, register here, providing your details and email address. You will then be asked to validate your email address and set a password. Once that is done, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your registration number (=login name). Use the registration number and your password to access the application form. The application form is divided into several sections (personal data, educational background, research experience, etc.). You can login, edit and upload data as many times as you wish before you finally submit the application. Submission is possible only when all sections are marked by a green check mark.

Please notice that once you click on the submission button, no further editing is possible. Once you have submitted, you will receive immediately a confirmation email with attached the application as a PDF document. Using the login data, you can review at any time the status of your application. The status will change to “application in review” only after we have received both reference letters.

What documents are required?

• A curriculum vitae
• transcripts/marksheets and certificates for your bachelor and master degree. The transcript is a record of your academic qualifications (containing the list of the attended courses with the corresponding grades) while the certificate is the final academic title. The master degree certificate is not mandatory for those applicants that have not concluded their master course yet. If this is the case, please don’t forget to indicate the date when you expect to finish your master studies.

What additional information will I have to upload?

In the application form you will be asked to provide:

• a list all your research experiences, specifying dates, duration, institution and supervisor’s name,
• a summary of your MSc or last research project,
• a short description of the methods and techniques you are familiar with,
• name and contact details of two referees,
• a list of honors/scholarships/prizes/advanced courses you have obtained or attended (if relevant to this application),
• information about your last work experience (if relevant).

Where do I find the list of available positions?

Please check the list of recruiting faculty here. Each group has selected a set of keywords that reflect their research focus and the topics of the projects on offer. In your application, you may select up to four labs you would like to join (three of which are mandatory and should reflect your order of preference). We encourage you to carefully review the lab profiles and choose the groups whose science you are genuinely interested in.

For each lab that you select, explain in the available text box, your reasons for applying. We’re not looking for polished, AI-generated statements. Instead, we want to understand what truly drives you. This is your opportunity to tell us what moves you, what keeps you asking questions, and why the labs you have chosen are the right place for your scientific development. Please notice that filling only one text box, significantly reduces the chances of landing a position due to competition. Keep your options open!

Please notice that the group leaders you selected are likely to be those that evaluate your application and, if you are invited to the online interview, to be members of the interviewing panel.

Project details will be shared later, exclusively with candidates invited to the onsite visit.

Should I contact the group leader/s that I am interested in?

You may contact one or several group leaders if you have a specific, well-considered question about their research and ongoing projects. However, please note that this is not required, and there is no possibility of negotiating a position prior to the interviews. Candidates invited to the interviews will receive detailed information about the available labs and projects.

We strongly discourage sending generic or “empty” emails without a clear purpose. Such messages are unlikely to be helpful and may reduce the impact of your application. Instead, take the time to carefully review the group’s research profile and craft a concise, targeted message that demonstrates genuine interest and understanding. This approach will make your communication more effective and leave a positive impression.

Do I need to have transcripts and certificates translated into English?

Transcripts and certificates should be either in German or in English or translated into English. For the online application, please upload originals AND a translation done by yourself. Official certified translations will be required to join the IMPRS-LM PhD program and for the enrolment at the German university.

What should I do, if I am attending a BS-MS integrated study program and I do not have a BSc certificate?

Simply repeat the same information in the First- and the Second-Degree sections and upload twice the marksheets of your BS-MS integrated program.

Can I apply to the PhD program without a Master degree?

We accept applications from students that have completed (or are completing) a 4-years Bachelor degree that includes a 6-months full time research project.

Please notice that your final BSc grade needs to be equal or better than the german 1.5, “very good” (use this grade converter). Before starting the application procedure please send us the overview of your Bachelor course and your transcripts. We will contact the competent offices at the universities to confirm your eligibility for PhD studies in Germany.

Does the IMPRS-LM PhD program have language requirements?

The language of the IMPRS-LM PhD program is English, therefore a good command of spoken and written English is a requirement. Formal proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL, IELTS) is not mandatory but recommended. Should the coordination office consider it necessary, applicants may be contacted for language assessment. Knowledge of German is not required, but foreign students will be offered the opportunity to attend German language classes.

Are GRE General and Subject tests required?

GRE General and Subject tests are not mandatory. However, if you did take any of these tests for other purposes, we would be happy if you uploaded the certificates you have obtained.

When will I know if I’m invited to the online interviews?

About 10 days before the online interviews you will receive either an invitation to the online interviews or a notification that your application was not selected.

When should I inform my referees of my application?

Before submitting your application, contact your referees to ask them if they would support you and would have time to complete the reference letter (check the referee deadline in the timeline). If they are willing to support you, then you can add their names to your application. When you submit the application, your referees will be automatically contacted via email and provided with the link to upload their recommendation. Please notice that it is your responsibility to remind your referees about the deadline. Applications lacking references will not be considered.

Can I add a third referee?

No, it is not possible. You can exchange a referee if for unforeseen reasons one of your referees is no longer able to provide you a reference. To do so please write to us, providing the contact details of the new referee.

What should I do if I misspelt the email of my referee?

Please contact us immediately. We can update the email address and resend the reference request.

Will I receive financial support during my PhD?

All PhD students are employed under a fixed-term contract for three years, funded by the research group they join. The salary is determined according to the German public sector pay scale (TV-L) and corresponds to TV-L 13, either at 50% or 65% of full-time employment (gross monthly salary can be calculated here). Contract extensions beyond the initial three years are possible, but depend on the research group’s financial capacity and the progress of the project.