About the position
Matter to Life is an interdisciplinary field that draws on biology, chemistry and physics, with topics such as self-organisation in biological systems. The school runs an integrated programme: a two-year master's in English, followed by a PhD in one of more than 80 faculty labs.
You choose a focus in Complex Systems and Biological Physics in Göttingen, or Molecular Systems Chemistry and Engineering in Heidelberg.
Who can apply
- A bachelor's degree of at least six semesters in a relevant natural science or engineering subject. Master's graduates may apply, but entry is at the master's phase only, not directly at the PhD.
- A GPA of 1.7 or better on the German scale, or a place in the top 5% of your graduating class.
- Half of your credits in natural sciences including mathematics, and a third of those in physics, chemistry or mathematics.
- Proof of English for non-native speakers, unless your earlier programme was taught in English. Results are due by 15 July 2027.
- Degrees from China, India or Vietnam need verification by the Academic Evaluation Center (APS).
What is offered
- No tuition fees and no application fee.
- A stipend during the master's phase and a working contract during the PhD phase.
How to apply
- Apply through the Max Planck Schools portal by 1 December 2026.
- Upload degree certificates and official transcripts in English or German, and a motivation letter written in the portal's template. Reference letters are not accepted.
- Interview rounds run in February and March, and in March and April 2027.