Graduate Program
The iBehave PhD program offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary training program for graduate students in neuroscience. The program is designed to prepare students for successful careers in academia or industry by providing them with a cutting-edge education and research training in emerging interdisciplinary research areas.
Open PhD Positions
Explore available PhD opportunities within the iBehave Network and alongside our affiliated Principal Investigators on Career page. Immerse yourself in cutting-edge research and play a part in progressing neuroscience forward.
We encourage you to connect directly with our PIs. We enthusiastically encourage proactive individuals who are eager to drive their careers forward in the field of Neuroscience.
Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC)
Each iBehave PhD student will have several advisors, including a main PI who is primarily responsible for their supervision, a co-PI, and a group of advising PIs who will form the Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC). The TAC will oversee the student’s progress, evaluate their work, and provide guidance and feedback to help them succeed in their research and academic pursuits. iBehave PhD students will be registered in existing graduate schools at their respective institutions and complete TAC reports according to their respective Graduate School requirements. However, we recommend that you submit your reports to iBehave Coordination office via this
email: ibehave@uni-bonn.de. This will help us to stay updated on your progress and provide any additional support or guidance that you may need.
Seminars, Workshops and Wet-lab Trainings
The program also offers a seminar series on iBehave topics to complement the curricula. “Wet-lab” students will receive basic training in computational neuroscience to foster direct communication across disciplines. Conversely, students with a computational background will have access to classes in iBehave’s Master programs to deepen their understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of behavior. The program will also offer trainings through the technology platforms/makerspaces, from general electronics basics and principles of setup design to specific programming to benefit from iBehave-developed iBOTS platform. The aim is to equip students with the skills needed to successfully conduct their research using the latest tools and technologies available in the field of neuroscience.
Summer School
iBehave PhD students will also have the opportunity to participate in a yearly meet-up in Summer School. The summer school is a gathering of all iBehave PhDs and PostDocs where they can learn about the research interests of the various PIs in the network, as well as learn about the research projects of their peers. The retreat is designed to provide scientific background in the topics covered by iBehave, and also to foster peer-networking at the junior level. This can be an invaluable opportunity for students to learn about new research developments, exchange ideas with their peers, and potentially form new collaborations.
Overall, the iBehave PhD program provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary training program to prepare students for successful careers in neuroscience, academia, or industry. The program aims to provide a supportive and collaborative environment for students to develop their skills and knowledge, collaborate with peers and mentors, and make important contributions to the field of neuroscience.
Useful Links
Life in Germany
Facts about Germany
Mobile phone accounts
Transport in Germany
Machine learning
MIT OpenCourseWare
Funding opportunities
Scientific writing and Ten simple rules for structuring papers
In addition to the resources provided above, here are some additional resources for PhD students about life in Germany:
Health insurance: In Germany, it is mandatory to have health insurance. PhD students can either opt for the public health insurance or the private health insurance. Public health insurance is more common among students and is generally more affordable than private health insurance. It is recommended to compare different health insurance providers to find the one that suits your needs best.
Address Registration: In Germany, it’s mandatory for anyone staying for over three months to register their address with the Resident Registration Office. This office is responsible for keeping track of all residents within their jurisdiction. During registration, you’ll need to provide your passport, visa (if you have one), and proof of address such as a rental contract. It’s important to update your address with the office if you move or leave Germany to prevent any legal issues or problems with receiving important documents. If you need assistance, you can contact your institute secretary or the iBehave Coordination office.
Bank accounts: To receive your salary and manage your finances, you will need to open a bank account in Germany. Most banks offer student accounts with lower fees and special benefits.
Residence permit: Non-EU/EEA students will need to obtain a residence permit to study in Germany. This can be done at the local Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) after arrival in Germany.
Language: Although many Germans speak English, it is recommended to learn at least some German to navigate daily life and integrate into the local community. The Goethe Institute and other language schools offer German courses for foreigners at various levels.
Culture and lifestyle: Germany has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and there are many museums, art galleries, theaters, and other cultural institutions to explore. It is also known for its beer, sausages, and bread, and has a vibrant nightlife scene. However, it is important to keep in mind that Germans tend to be punctual and value efficiency and orderliness.
Accommodation: Housing in Germany can be quite different from what you’re used to. Unfurnished flats or rooms are truly empty, without even lighting fixtures. Furnished flats for a single person cost approximately €450 per month. All-inclusive rents are not the norm, and Nebenkosten, which include incidental expenses like waste disposal and street cleaning, are added to the basic rent. It is important to confirm whether Nebenkosten includes heating and water. Each tenant usually makes their own contracts for electricity and internet, paying a monthly estimated amount that is settled once a year. When you move in, you will need to pay a deposit (Kaution) equal to 2x or sometimes 3x the basic rent. This deposit will be refunded after necessary repairs or renovations have been made, which may take several months.
To find available housing, you can search online portals such as https://www.kalaydo.de/, http://www.immobilienscout24.de/, http://www.studenten-wg.de/, and http://www.wg-gesucht.de/. On these portals, you can choose between “WG-Angebote” for shared living spaces or “Wohnungsangebote” for one-room offers and select “Bonn” as your location.
Medical Emergency: If you experience a medical emergency in Germany, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. If possible, you should first contact your general practitioner (Allgemeinmediziner) and explain the urgency of the situation. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist if necessary. If the emergency occurs outside of regular doctors’ hours, you can call 116117 for information on the nearest emergency center. If the situation is life-threatening, do not hesitate to call 112 for an ambulance. If the emergency is related to a work accident or illness, make sure to inform the doctor’s reception desk.
Support for families: Researchers with young families are provided with various types of support. For instance, they can apply for a babysitter or child care services. If you need help finding child care services, you can contact the iBehave coordination office for advice. Additionally, assistance can be provided in applying for the state-granted child subsidy known as the “Kindergeld”.
Personal liability insurance: This is a common type of insurance in Germany and is usually quite affordable, with annual premiums ranging from around 50 to 100 euros. It can be purchased from a variety of insurance providers, both online and offline. When choosing a policy, it’s important to check the coverage limits and any exclusions, as well as any deductibles that may apply. It’s worth noting that personal liability insurance only covers damages caused to others, not to your own property. If you want coverage for your own belongings, you may need to purchase additional insurance, such as contents insurance (Hausratversicherung) for your apartment or house.
Overall, Germany offers a high quality of life, excellent research opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it an attractive destination for PhD students.
