Life Sciences Internship at Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Germany | Apply Now & Get €1,400 Stipend

What could three months in an international research laboratory add to your scientific journey? This Life Sciences internship at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology offers supervised research experience, scientific training and support for future PhD applications. The program specifically supports international students whose access to higher education is limited by personal, financial, regional or societal challenges.

  • Program: International Summer Internship (MPIIB-ISI)

  • Location: Berlin, Germany

About the Institute

The Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology is a research institution in Berlin. Through its International Summer Internship program, students work on research projects under experienced scientists and gain access to the institute’s facilities and Berlin’s scientific community.

Life Sciences Internship: Program Overview

Interns will spend three months contributing to a supervised research project relevant to their academic background and interests. Alongside practical research, a complementary training program will help participants prepare for future academic opportunities.

Activities include scientific presentation courses, research-question development and application training. The program also offers opportunities to visit other Berlin research institutes, attend social events and receive administrative support before and during the placement.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

  • Be currently enrolled at a university.

  • Have completed at least four semesters of study at the time of application if they have not yet received their bachelor’s degree.

  • Have a strong academic record.

  • Study a relevant field, such as Biology, Medicine, Biochemistry, Epidemiology or a related discipline.

  • Have a good command of English.

  • Explain their motivation for both the program and their chosen research project.

  • Demonstrate significant circumstances limiting their access to high-quality higher education.

  • Be available for the entire September 1–November 30, 2027 period.

The placement must be voluntary. Students who need internship credit points to meet course requirements are not eligible.

Applications from students living in low- and middle-income countries are strongly encouraged.

Financial and Practical Support

The program provides a €1,400 stipend to support living expenses in Berlin, along with travel compensation and accommodation near the institute. The supplied announcement does not specify whether the stipend amount is monthly or for the full placement.

Interns also receive administrative assistance, scientific mentorship and training focused on research communication and PhD applications.

Selection Process and Timeline

Selection involves application review, shortlisting and an online interview. Successful candidates will receive an official offer by email.

  • Application deadline: November 27, 2026.

  • Final selection and commitments: February 2027.

  • Notification guidance: Applicants who have not been contacted by March 1, 2027 should assume they were not selected.

  • Internship begins: September 1, 2027.

  • Internship ends: November 30, 2027.

  • Duration: Three months

Applicants should check their spam folders regularly. Individual application feedback will not be provided.

For students whose circumstances have limited access to research opportunities, this Life Sciences internship offers practical experience and support for the next academic step. Use your application to connect your scientific interests with a specific project and explain how the program could help you pursue your research goals.

APPLY ONLINE HERE