Information for apprentices

Would you like to gain exciting insights into the work of a research institute during your mandatory school internship in the 8th or 9th grade? Then the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology is the right place for you!

We offer you the opportunity to spend one of your two internship weeks with us. During this time, you will have the chance to meet scientists from all over the world and collaborate with them. You can gain practical experience in laboratory work, microscopy, and programming – and, depending on availability, also get an insight into science-supporting areas such as the library or public relations.

Since English is our primary language, good English skills are an important requirement for an internship with us.

Well Prepared for the Internship

Before applying, we recommend that you explore our website to learn more about the institute and its various departments. This will give you an initial overview and allow you to tailor your application to your interests.

Your Application

To apply, please send us a motivation letter explaining why you would like to do an internship with us and in which period.

Your application should also include your most recent school report and a tabular CV. Please ensure that your application is complete. Send it either as a PDF via email to praktikum@evolbio.mpg.de or by post to the following address:

Michael Hesse
PR and Public Relations
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology
August-Thienemann-Str. 2
24306 Plön

Online Interview

After receiving your application, we will invite you to an initial online interview. In this interview, we would like to assess your English skills as well as your general motivation for an internship at our institute. This conversation serves to give you a first impression of us and at the same time to ensure that the internship matches your expectations.

University students in advanced semesters and trainees in Biological Technical Assistant (TA) programs have the opportunity to participate in demanding research projects. Our paid assistant positions are advertised regularly, but you can also apply directly to the research group leaders.  

For individual applications, please find the contact details of the research groups that interest you on our website under the "Research" section. Here, you’ll find all the necessary information to engage actively in exciting projects and make a valuable contribution to our research community.  

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology opens the door to a world of research opportunities. Unleash your potential and become part of our dynamic scientific community!