The Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M) and the University of Hamburg (UHH) jointly run the International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling (IMPRS-ESM) to promote high-quality doctoral research into the Earth’s climate system. The School conducts research in four primary research areas: atmosphere, land, ocean, and the human dimension. As part of their research, doctoral candidates may build and apply Earth system models that range in complexity and scale. The IMPRS-ESM offers doctoral candidates prime research facilities, advanced academic training in the Earth system sciences, and a structured supervision program. Candidates enjoy ample opportunities to participate in national and international conferences and publish their scientific results in high-impact scientific journals.
The annual highly competitive IMPRS-ESM selection process favors applicants with strong academic backgrounds and suitable research interests. Successful candidates will graduate with a doctoral degree from the University of Hamburg (Dr. rer. nat. or Dr. rer. pol.) and a certificate from the IMPRS-ESM. IMPRS-ESM alumni have taken up successful careers in both research and business sectors.
Application to the IMPRS-ESM
Outstanding young scientists with a strong interest in climate research, especially in the study and the modeling of the Earth system are encouraged to apply.
Our annual Call is aiming at students holding a Master’s degree (with a written thesis) in physics, geophysical sciences (incl. meteorology and oceanography), chemistry, ecology, mathematics, computer science, engineering, economics, or political science. Also, students currently working on their MSc thesis are encouraged to apply.
Doctoral positions are available starting March 2016. Individual starting agreements will be made with successful candidates. For each position funding of approximately EUR 1,500 monthly net payment (duration up to 3 years) is available through a doctoral contract. This amount is sufficient to cover all basic living expenses.
Online application is possible from 1 July - 15 September 2015.
The selection procedure includes an interview of short-listed candidates.
Interviews occur on 26 + 27 November 2015. Results will be communicated the following week.
Shortlisted candidates will be notified a few weeks before-hand.
Language of your academic documents:
Application documents that are neither in German nor English must be accompanied by a translation into one of these two languages. In the first stage of application to the IMPRS-ESM, unofficial translations serve well. However, upon admission to our doctoral program and for registration as a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Hamburg officially certified translations are required.
Advice for your ‘Letter of Motivation’:
We recommend that you prepare this document very carefully as this is a crucial criterion in the selection process! Apart from a brief, general introduction of yourself and your academic interests, you should elaborate on:
- your motivation for aiming to do Ph.D. research
- your reasons for choosing IMPRS-ESM in Hamburg for your advanced studies
- the research topic(s) in which you are interested
Please give yourself enough time to submit your application and do not wait until the last moment as technical difficulties or other problems might occur. The application period is also a busy time for us - therefore we are not always able to answer immediately.
This opportunity has expired.
It was available under this link
http://www.mpimet.mpg.de/en/science/imprs-esm/application00.html