International Max Planck Research School for Global Biogeochemical Cycles

Overview

The International Max Planck Research School for Global Biogeochemical Cycles (IMPRS-gBGC) in cooperation with the Friedrich Schiller University Jena offers a PhD program in global biogeochemistry and related Earth System sciences. The overall research and teaching focuses on:

Improved understanding of biogeochemical processes with an emphasis on terrestrial ecosystems

Development of observational techniques to monitor and assess biogeochemical feedbacks in the Earth system

Theory and model development for improving the representation of biogeochemical processes in comprehensive Earth system models

What are global biogeochemical cycles?

Biogeochemistry is the study of how the elements essential to life are distributed among the components of the Earth system - atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, land and oceans. The study of these global biogeochemical cycles takes on particular importance in the face of ongoing global environmental change and the recognition that they are linked to past and current climate change. Understanding and predicting the response of the Earth system requires a broad base of scientific knowledge and the skills to evaluate the importance of processes at a range of spatial and temporal scales.

Are there any fees?

Costs for the IMPRS are completely covered by the German government except for a nominal enrollment fee at Friedrich Schiller University twice per year of around 180 Euro (which has benefits like free local public transport, discounts on food in university restaurants, etc.). Costs for consumables and equipment are covered by the host lab.

How does the funding for students look like?

Unless students obtain their own support, students with a Master's or Diploma degree receive a scholarship which is free of tax and social insurance. The monthly allowance for the first year is 1,100 EUR and usually increase during the second and third year. The fellowships are offered for 1 year with a 2-year extension after positive evaluation by the students PhD Advisory Committee. The average time-frame for PhD studies in Germany is 3 years.

Application

Twice a year the International Max Planck Research School for Global Biogeochemical Cycles accepts applications for PhD stipends.

Did you have had a look at our website (including the available PhD projects)? If you are interested in joining us, please apply according to the instructions below.

Your application consists of two steps:

Online registration & submission of application documents until July 15, 2011
(Possibly) Participation in a recruitment event in Jena

Click here for a step-by-step explanation of the application procedure, then fill in the application form below.

Contact

Coordinator	Assistant Coordinator	Directions
Anna Görner Fon: +49 3641 576260 Fax: +49 3641 577260 Room: A2.010	John Schmidt Fon: +49 3641 576382 Fax: +49 3641 577382 Room: A2.010	MPI for Biogeochemistry Hans-Knöll-Str. 10 Beutenberg Campus 07745 Jena Directions to the MPI for Biogeochemistry