Undergraduate Internship Program

Our internship program offers outstanding students in their last two years of undergraduate studies and recent graduates, an opportunity to work at one of the most prestigious research institutes in the world. The Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing (MPI AGE) is a leading scientific institute dedicated to ageing and age-related studies. MPI AGE’s mission is to unravel the aging process and age-related diseases through cutting edge research with the ultimate goal of extending healthy lifespan.

Kontakt

International Strategy Office

Helen Antebi

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The application portal is closed for the 2023 summer internship. Please visit us again in October 2023 for the next round of applications for the summer internship 2024.

Through the program, students receive hands-on training in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology.  Interns participate in basic laboratory research (bench work) and its applications.  In addition, the students have an opportunity to attend seminars, lectures and workshops at the MPI AGE, CECAD and the University of Cologne.

The Max Planck Undergraduate Internship Program is designed to encourage talented students to pursue a career in biological research with focus on aging or age-related diseases.

Our undergraduate program is highly competitive and selective. Students applying to the program must demonstrate academic rigor and experience working in the lab as well as stellar recommendations.

You can apply by clicking on to the application portal. Here you can upload the required documents.

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Personal statement, 200-350 words
  • Copy of official transcript from current school
  • Recommendation letter*

*The recommendation letter can be sent directly to the program head, Helen Antebi:  helen.antebi(at)age.mpg.de

Application filing period: October 15th – December 31st 2022
Notification period: January 15th – 31st 2023

The duration of the program is about 12 weeks starting mid to end of May. The exact start and end date will be arranged with the individual PI’s.

During the program and throughout the year, the MPI AGE and its partner institutes offer numerous lecture and seminars from leading scientists in the field. The interns have an opportunity to interact with graduate students, postdocs and junior group leaders from the regional cluster of institutes and universities. The graduate seminars are also open to selected interns.

At the conclusion of their internship, each participant will submit a report summarizing their work at the MPI AGE.  The participant, up on successful completion, will receive a certificate of participation from the Max Planck Society.

There will be organized tours to regional landmarks and cities as well as cultural outings in Cologne/Bonn.

The participant will receive a monthly salary of 1000 €. Our Human Recources department will check whether you will need to contribute into the German social security system and will provide all necessary information on that. Health insurance is required when living and working in Germany. You have a few options:

  • take out a travel insurance from Germany
  • take out a travel insurance from your home country
  • continue with your current insurance if it is covered overseas

You can check your status with our HR department in case you have additional questions.

The internship does not cover housing or travel costs. Each student is responsible for his/her accommodation and travel arrangements. One room apartment in the city center and around the institute range between €600-€1000. You can also live in a shared space which can reduce the rent in half.

The following links provide housing options for short-term stay in Cologne:
Jugendherberge (German hostel site)
Just landed (English)
EasyWG (English)
Medici Living (English)
Wimdu (English)
City Wohnen (English)
Clickflatshare (English)
Sublet.com (English)
The Local (English)
Nestpick (English)
Tempoflat
ImmobilienScout24
Immowelt
Wohnungsbörse
WG-Gesucht
Studenten WG (Non-student options also available)
Wohnungsmarkt24
Immobilo
Nestoria
e-Rent
ZeitWohnen
Craigslist Cologne
Xpat Rentals (English)

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