Deadline: November 26, 2023
Do you want to experience cutting-edge research and learn from leading scientists at an internationally renowned institution? Then the 2024 International Summer Internship at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology is for you!
The MPIIB-ISI program aims at enabling talented students who have faced or are facing significant difficulties in their scientific education to pursue an academic career. Interns come to Berlin for three months to work on research projects under the supervision of experienced scientists. The internship is paid and covers travel expenses. Students gain access to a leading scientific institution, hands-on research experience, and benefit from the extensive scientific network in Germany’s capital.
The second key feature of the internship is the complementary program. It is designed to equip interns with the necessary soft skills for a successful PhD application. For example, they will offer courses on scientific presentations, how to find a research question, or application training. In addition, the MPIIB-ISI provides the opportunity for excursions to other research institutes in Berlin and other social events. Interns can count on administrative support before and during the internship, especially with the sometimes confusing German public administration.
Stipend
- They offer three-month internships from August to October 2024 for international Bachelor’s and Master’s students. You will receive a stipend (€1,300) covering living expenses in Berlin.
- Additionally, they will provide travel compensation and accommodation close to the Institute.
Eligibility
The MPIIB-ISI program is specifically designed for motivated students who are constrained by personal, financial, regional or societal issues that negatively affect their future education.
The internship is open to students who:
- Are enrolled in a university. Without enrollment, it is not possible to obtain a visa.
- Students who have not yet received their Bachelor’s degree must have completed at least 4 semesters (i.e. 2 years) of their studies at the time of application.
- Have a strong academic record.
- Have a background in a field relevant to the proposed projects (e.g. biology, medicine, biochemistry, epidemiology or any other related field).
- Have a good command of the English language.
- Can express their motivation for both the internship program and the specific project(s) they are applying for.
- Have strong reasons why their access to first-class higher education is constrained.
- Are available for the entire duration of the internship between August 1 and October 31, 2024 (due to visa regulations you cannot extend your stay in the country beyond the duration of the internship).
- Are doing a voluntary internship. They cannot accept interns who need credit points as part of their course requirements.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of three main stages:
- Pre-selection: All applications are evaluated and a shortlist of suitable candidates is compiled.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an online interview.
- Acceptance: If you are selected following the interview, you will receive an email with your official MPIIB-ISI offer letter.
Application
You will be required to provide personal information and the following documents:
- CV (max. 2 pages)
- Motivational letter (use the template provided)
- General motivation to pursue a career in science and to participate in this internship
- Description of previous projects
- Motivation for up to two MPIIB-ISI projects in order of preference (refer to the available projects)
- Statement on factors that may limit the applicant’s access to higher education at an internationally renowned institution, e.g. financial, regional or personal circumstances
- A letter of reference from a professor or postdoc
- Transcripts of all your undergraduate and graduate records (if your university does not provide official English translations, provide one yourself)
- Diploma (if you have already completed your bachelor’s degree)
For more information, visit MPIIB-ISI.
