PhD positions at the IMPRS The Leipzig School of Human Origins

Max-Planck-Institut für evolutionäre Anthropologie

04103 Leipzig

Bewerbungsfrist: 2026-11-30

Overview

The International Max Planck Research School The Leipzig School of Human Origins (IMPRS LSHO, www.leipzig-school.eva.mpg.de) is a unique PhD program combining different disciplines to study the evolutionary history and origins of humans and other primates.
The IMPRS LSHO is based at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and Leipzig University which are both located in Leipzig, Germany.
We offer several PhD positions to highly motivated and excellent young scientists who wish to work towards a Ph.D. in anthropology, biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, evolutionary genetics, human behavioral ecology, psychology, and related fields.

Graduate students will be accepted to only one of these areas but will have the opportunity to take part in courses and seminars in all of them.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in one of the above, or related, fields.
It is not necessary to hold the degree at the point of application. However, you must have been awarded your degree prior to the start of the program.
The structured interdisciplinary training program will start in September 2027.
Candidates have to be fluent in written and spoken English.
German is not required but international students will be offered opportunities to take German language courses.

Ph.D. students are supported by Max Planck support contracts (65 percent of Pay Group 13 of the Collective Wage Agreement for the Civil Service, TVöD) which are provided by the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, by Ph.D. contracts provided by the University of Leipzig; or by third-party funding.

Candidates are invited to apply with:
- Motivation letter, explaining your research experience and interest in the department or research group you are applying with (max. 1 page)
- Your CV, including your publications (if applicable)
- Undergraduate transcript and proof of most recent degree
- Names and contact information (including e-mail) for 2 referees
Term of Appointment: September 2027
Application Deadline: 30 November 2026

The Max Planck Society is committed to employing individuals with disabilities and especially encourages them to apply.
Additionally, we seek to increase diversity of our workforce in areas where it is underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women and members of underrepresented groups to apply.
We look forward to receiving your completed online application. Further information on the research agenda of the Leipzig School of Human Origins is available on our website: www.leipzig-school.eva.mpg.de.