Positions available

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.

The positions

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. Candidates may apply up to three selected departments or research groups from the following disciplines:

• Molecular Anthropology
• Human History, Evolution and Ecology
• Language, Culture and Cognition 

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.

Requirements

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 2026.
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.

What we offer

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.

Application

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 2026
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025

For queries, please contact: leipzig-school@[>>> Please remove the text! <<<]eva.mpg.de
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.