Overview of the IMPRS for Brain & Behavior Selection Process
- Application round opens: The application round opens on 31 August 2026, when the application portal becomes available and you can create an account. The application deadline is 15 October 2026.
- Create an account: Click “Create new account” to register and begin working on your application.
- Complete the online application: Fill out and submit the online application form. You will be asked to nominate up to 3 hiring PIs.
- Nominate two referees: You will be asked to provide the names and contact details of two referees. Please inform your referees about your application and ask them to follow the instructions they will receive by email. You will be notified once your referees have submitted their reference forms. Your application is not considered complete until both reference forms have been submitted. Submission deadline for the referees is 20 October 2026.
- Online One-on-one interviews: After the application deadline, the Selection Committee will review all complete applications and invite shortlisted candidates to online one-on-one interviews. Interviews will take place online from mid-November to the end of November.
- Online Selection Symposium: Successful applicants will be invited to attend an online Selection Symposium on 26th January 2027. The format of the symposium includes a panel presentation and panel interviews with the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will determine eligibility for admission to the IMPRS for Brain & Behavior program and will announce decisions by email shortly after the Selection Symposium.
- Matching phase / On-site visits in Bonn: Candidates who successfully pass the Selection Symposium will move on to the matching phase and be invited to Bonn for an on-site visit. The visit will include individual interviews with hiring Principal Investigators (PIs), lab tours, and opportunities to meet lab and team members as well as other IMPRS PhD students. The dates will depend on visa requirements. Travel costs, except visa costs, will be covered by the IMPRS for Brain and Behavior.
- Admission to the IMPRS for Brain and Behavior: In order to get admitted to the IMPRS for Brain & Behavior program, candidates need to establish a match with a hiring PI and fulfill the matrictulation requirements of the University of Bonn. .
- Start of the PhD: Accepted candidates will start their PhD no later than 1 October of the following year. Positions can start at any time from March 2027, but no later than October 1, 2027. The IMPRS for Brain and Behavior program will start on 1st October 2027.
- Applicants who are not shortlisted will be notified by early February.