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PhD – International Max Planck Research School "The Leipzig School of Human Origins" at Leipzig University

Leipzig University, Germany

Programme overview

The IMPRS The Leipzig School of Human Origins is a three-year PhD programme at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and Leipzig University, studying the evolutionary history and origins of humans and other primates across three disciplines.

Department: Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology / Leipzig University  |  Duration: 3 years  |  Intake: September; application deadline 30 November 2026 (Call 2026)  |  Study mode: structured doctoral programme  |  Location: Leipzig, Sachsen, Germany

What you will study

Candidates choose a topic in Molecular Anthropology; Human History, Evolution and Ecology; or Language, Culture and Cognition, and attend workshops and expert input beyond their field.

Career pathways

Evolutionary research and beyond.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants need a Master's degree or equivalent (four or more years of academic training including an original research project and written thesis) in anthropology, biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, computational biology, evolutionary genetics, linguistics, primatology, psychology, statistics, zoology or related fields; the degree may be awarded before the September start. Bachelor's degree holders are not eligible. Fluent written and spoken English is required; German is not. Applications are collected until 30 November, reviewed January to April, followed by a recruitment event in Leipzig in April/May.

Intake: September; application deadline 30 November 2026 (Call 2026)

Duration: 3 years

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