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• A unique PhD program in neuroethology and neuroscience so you can become an expert in linking brain circuits to behavior
• A unique, multidisciplinary approach and state-of-the-art equipment
• Competitive salary for the whole duration of your studies
  (approx. monthly net salary around 2000 EUR, increasing over the years)
  (corresponding to approx. 65% of the remuneration group 13 of the TVÖD Bund / TVÖD Land)
• Possibility of lab rotations during the first six months
• A multitude of training opportunities: methods workshops, courses, travel grants, soft skills courses, etc.
• Mentoring and guidance by a Thesis Advisory Committee
• Career development opportunities
• International and administrative support with a dedicated Coordination Office
• Family support

You can apply if you meet the following requirements:

• Strong interest in pursuing a PhD in Neuroethology
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field [Master degree needs to be awarded before October 2026]
• Fluency in written and spoken English [level C1 required]

Note: The right to confer degrees remains with the University of Bonn and you must meet all the admission and degree requirements of the faculty where you choose to study. You can check the regulations here:

• For a PhD in Neuroscience:  Medical Faculty PhD Office  
• For the degree Dr. rer. nat: Mathematics and Natural Sciences PhD Office

• Prepare your official documents:
  You will need to provide your Bachelor's certificate and transcript. If you have already completed a Master's degree, you will also need to include your Master's certificate and transcript. If your academic records are not in English, you must submit translations along with the original documents. At the online application stage, unofficial translations are sufficient. However, if you are accepted into the program, you will be required to provide official translations into English.

• Prepare your motivation letter:
  Your motivation letter should be addressed to the Selection Symposium. It should clearly explain why you are applying to the IMPRS for Brain and Behavior program specifically. Why is this program the right fit for you? Why are you a good fit for the program? Highlight any relevant practical experience and skills you have already gained that will prepare you for a successful PhD.

• Learn about our faculty members and select two Principal Investigators
  Please read about our faculty members and identify two Principal Investigators whose research interests you most. In the Selection round 2026/2027 the following four Faculty members are recruiting: Tobias Ackels, Kevin Briggman, Jason Kerr and Tobias Rose. In your research statements, explain why you would like to pursue your PhD in each of these labs. The research statements will be read by the Selection Committee, so they should be written in a general format—not addressed to individual PIs. Which research questions fascinate you? What kind of research would you like to pursue in each of these labs? Please note: If you successfully pass the Selection Symposium, you can select a PI among all hiring faculty members: the choice you make during the application process is not binding..

• Identify two referees:
  Please contact your potential referees early—ideally before you start the application process. Choose your referees carefully and ensure they are willing to fill in a reference form online before the deadline. Reference forms must be filled out directly by the referees; applicants cannot upload or view these reference forms.

1. The application round starts on 31 August. This is when the application portal will open and you can create an account. Submission deadline is 15 October.
2. You can click "Create new account" to register and work on your application.
3. Fill out the Online Application.
4. You will be asked to name two referees in the application. Inform them about your application and ask them to follow the instructions they will receive via email.
5. You will be informed when your referees have submitted the reference forms. Your application is not complete without submitted reference forms!
6. After the deadline, the Selection Committee will review all complete applications.
7. Successful applicants will be invited to a selection symposium in late January of the following year. Applicants who did not get shortlisted will be notified by February.
8. All candidates who passed the Selection Symposium will be invited to Bonn for individual interviews, lab tours and to meet the lab and team members as well as other IMPRS PhD students. Dates will depend on visa requirements, travel will be covered by the IMPRS for Brain and Behavior.
9. Accepted candidates will start their PhD no later than 1st October in the following year.