PhD positions are open at the Institute for Ophthalmic Research (IOR) in Tübingen, Germany, and the Institut de la Vision (IDV) at Sorbonne Université, Paris, through the limits2visionresearch training network. Funded by the DFG and DFH-UFA, the iRTG limits2vision PhD Positions 2026 program focuses on neuroscience and ophthalmology, exploring how the retina balances high energy demands with information processing. The structured program offers mentoring, skill development, and research secondments between Tübingen and Paris. Graduates will earn a doctorate (Dr. rer. nat.) from Tübingen or a PhD from Sorbonne. Applications close on October 5, 2025, with positions starting January 1, 2026.

Basic Information about the iRTG limits2vision PhD Positions 2026

• Name of the Program: iRTG limits2vision (International Research Training Group “Energy vs. Information: Identifying the Limits that Determine the Function of the Retina and the Visual System”, GRK 3130/1)
• Type: Fully funded PhD positions / Full PhD scholarship (or employment contract)
• Number of Positions: 17 open PhD positions
• Start Date: 1 January 2026
• Duration: 42 months (3.5 years)
• Application Deadline: 5 October 2025

University / Institution Details

• Host Institutions:
  • Institute for Ophthalmic Research (IOR), University of Tübingen, Germany
  • Institut de la Vision (IDV), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
• Funding Bodies / Partners: German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG), the Franco‐German University (DFH‐UFA / Université franco‐allemande)
• Research Training Network: limits2vision is the international research training group (iRTG 3130) focused on vision science, retina research, and the intersection of energy metabolism and information processing in visual systems.

Study Areas / Available Program Names

These PhD positions are offered under interrelated study / research areas, combining several disciplines. Possible / typical project domains include:

• Neuroscience / Neurobiology of the retina
• Biochemistry and molecular biology (metabolism, genetics)
• Data science, computational modelling, information processing, possibly machine learning or computational neuroscience
• Ophthalmology and visual system research

The awarded degree will be either Dr. rer. nat. at University of Tübingen or PhD at Sorbonne Université, depending on the location/partner institute.

iRTG limits2vision PhD Positions Benefits

What successful candidates will receive:

1. Full Funding / Financing: The PhD positions are financed via stipend or full employment contract (depending on the German / French rules) so that the candidate can focus fully on research.
2. Structured PhD Program / Training: Including support, mentoring, career development opportunities.
3. International Mobility / Secondments: Mandatory research stay (or stays) at the partner institute (between Tübingen and Paris) provide exposure to both labs and different research cultures.
4. Top Research Infrastructure & Collaboration: Access to excellent vision research labs at IOR and Institut de la Vision. Working with experts in ophthalmology, neuroscience, genetics, etc.

Benefits Not Included

As with many PhD scholarships / positions, there are certain costs that are not covered or which candidates may need to manage themselves:

• Travel to / from home country for the initial relocation (unless specific mobility grant covers this).
• Some personal expenses like visa fees, health insurance (though sometimes health insurance is partially or fully covered depending on institution policy and contract).
• Accommodation costs (though some universities may offer subsidized housing or help in finding accommodation, but this is not guaranteed by the scholarship itself).
• Living costs in high cost‐areas beyond those accounted by stipends / salary (if lifestyle is more expensive).
• Possibly costs for conferences, publication fees, unless separate travel or research budgets are available.

Eligibility Criteria for iRTG limits2vision PhD Positions

To apply for the limits2vision PhD positions, you must meet several eligibility requirements:

• Academic Qualifications:
  • Completed Master’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant disciplines
  • English fluency (C1+); French or German is a plus
  • Willingness to do extended research stay abroad
  • Mobility experience is an asset
• Skills / Qualifications:
  • Strong background in cell biology and/or neuroscience
  • Experience in biochemistry, genetics, computer science, or data science is a plus
  • Motivated, flexible, integrative, able to work in multi-national/multi-cultural teams
• Language Proficiency: English proficiency (at least C1) is mandatory. German or French knowledge is desirable but not required.
• Mobility: Willingness to spend extended research stays (secondments) abroad (i.e. in the partner institute).
• Personal Attributes: Motivation, flexibility, ability to work in international / inter‐cultural / multi‐disciplinary teams.

Required Documents for the Application

You will need to prepare and submit the following documents (often in one single PDF file unless stated otherwise):

1. One-page CV
2. One-page motivation letter (state PhD interest, research fascination, two preferred projects)
3. Copies of bachelor’s and master’s certificates & transcripts
4. Two letters of recommendation
5. Filled key information form (PDF)
6. Other relevant certificates (optional)
7. Submit as single PDF; photos optional unless required

iRTG limits2vision PhD Positions Application Process (Step‐by‐Step Guide)

Here is a suggested process / timeline to apply successfully:

Step	What to do	Notes / Tips
1. Early Preparation	Identify which project(s) under limits2vision interest you most. Research IOR in Tübingen and Institut de la Vision in Paris. Start gathering transcripts, certificates, language test scores, references.	Aim to have everything ready well before deadline.
2. Check Eligibility	Ensure you meet the academic requirements, language proficiency, and are ready for mobility (secondments).
3. Prepare Motivation Letter and CV	Customize the motivation letter: mention why the research in retina’s energy/information balance appeals, which two project topics you favor, how your skills match. Make your CV polished, highlight relevant experience.
4. Secure Letters of Recommendation	Contact professors / mentors well in advance, provide them your CV and project preferences so they can write strong, specific letters.
5. Gather Transcripts & Certificates	Translate if necessary; ensure official copies are acceptable; verify whether notarized or certified copies are required.
6. Fill / Download Application Form / Key Information Form	From limits2vision portal; fill carefully.
7. Compile All Documents into Single PDF	Many applications require a single PDF to upload; ensure files are legible, appropriately sized.
8. Submit the Application Before Deadline	5 October 2025
9. Wait for Shortlisting & Interviews	After submission, shortlisted applicants may be invited for online interviews / presentation of thesis work etc.
10. Final Selection and Start PhD	Successful candidates will begin on 1 January 2026.

Tips for a Successful Application

To maximize your chance of being selected:

• Match your skills and interests clearly to at least two of the proposed PhD project topics. Showing you have thought about the science and where you can contribute helps.
• Demonstrate interdisciplinary strength: since limits2vision combines neuroscience, genetics, metabolism, computation, etc., highlight any interdisciplinary work or skills (e.g. programming, data analysis, lab work).
• Strong motivation & clarity: In your motivation letter, be specific—not generic. Explain why retina energy vs information processing is an exciting question, how your research will fit, what you hope to contribute.
• Good recommendations: Letters from people who know your work well (thesis supervisors, lab mentors) and can comment on your research capacity, motivation, ability to work independently and in teams.
• Language & communication skills: Even if French or German are not required, showing any knowledge of them is a plus; English must be strong. Be clear, well‐written.
• Early planning: Especially with international applications, visa, relocation, all might take time. Also getting transcripts translated etc. might take time.
• Pay attention to presentation: Single PDF, well organized, no typos, neat layout. Use headings, clear labelling of project preferences.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)

While the scholarship covers salary / stipend, you should plan your living cost. Below is an approximate estimate for a PhD student living in Tübingen (Germany) or Paris (France) in 2026, converted roughly into USD (estimates; actual costs depend on lifestyle, exchange rates).

Item	Tübingen, Germany	Paris, France
Rent (shared apartment / studio)	$500 – $800	$800 – $1,200
Utilities (electricity, heating, internet)	$100 – $200	$150 – $250
Food / groceries	$250 – $400	$300 – $500
Transportation (public transport)	$50 – $80	$80 – $120
Health insurance / medical	$80 – $150	$100 – $200
Miscellaneous (books, clothing, leisure)	$100 – $200	$150 – $300
Estimated Total Monthly Cost	≈ $1,000 – $1,500	≈ $1,400 – $2,400

Note: Depending on whether the stipend / contract is salary‐based or scholarship‐based, some benefits (insurance, taxes) may reduce net income. Always verify with the institution.

Why Choose This Fellowship? (Minimum 5 Reasons)

Here are at least five compelling reasons why the iRTG limits2vision PhD Program is an excellent choice:

1. Fully Funded & Secure Financing: The program ensures you are fully supported financially for the entire PhD period, allowing you to focus entirely on research without financial distraction.
2. International & Dual‐Institution Exposure: You will work across two premier research institutes (Tübingen, Germany & Institut de la Vision, Paris, France), with mandatory secondments—thus exposing you to diverse lab techniques, research cultures, and networks.
3. Top‐Tier Research in Retina & Vision Science: limits2vision tackles cutting‐edge problems in how retina balances energy demands with visual information processing—a field of high scientific and clinical relevance.
4. Structured Training & Career Development: Beyond research, there is structured mentoring, workshops, career support. This is especially valuable for PhD candidates planning academic or highly research‐intensive careers.
5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The program spans neuroscience, genetics, biochemistry, computational/data sciences. If you have a mix of lab work, data science, or computational modeling, this allows learning & applying across disciplines.
6. Prestige & Recognition: Earning a PhD from Tübingen or Sorbonne, under this Franco‐German research training group, with collaborations, gives strong visibility, good publications, and strong career potential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I apply if I don’t have previous research experience in vision science?
A: Yes, as long as you meet the academic requirements (Master’s degree in a relevant field) and can show strong interest, motivation, and foundational skills (for example in biology, neuroscience, computation). Previous experience in vision or retina is a plus but not strictly mandatory

Q2: Is knowledge of German or French mandatory?
A: No. English (minimum C1) is required. German or French knowledge is an advantage but not required.

Q3: What is a secondment? Will I have to move?
A: A secondment means a required temporary research stay at the partner institute (e.g. Tübingen ⇄ Paris) so you will likely spend part of your PhD period in the “other” location. Moving might be involved, usually just temporarily, and support is offered.

Q4: Is there tuition fee to be paid?
A: In Germany and France, PhD tuition is often minimal or zero for public universities; since this is a funded research‐training group, any fees are usually covered or negligible. But double check with each institution about possible semester fees.

Q5: Can I apply if I am from outside EU / non‐European country?
A: Yes. The program is open to international applicants. The working language is English and admission is global. However, visa, relocation, health insurance, etc., will require you to make arrangements.

Q6: What happens after the PhD – what are the career prospects?
A: Graduates will have strong credentials—experience in international labs, interdisciplinary skills, mentors, networks. Opportunities include academic research, postdoc positions, industry (especially biotech / ophthalmology companies, neural engineering, computational neuroscience), or science policy, etc.

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Conclusion

If you are an international student with a Master’s degree in life sciences, neuroscience, genetics, data science or related fields, and you are interested in pushing the boundaries of how vision and energy intersect in biology, then iRTG limits2vision is one of the best PhD opportunities available in Europe in 2026. Fully funded, internationally oriented, with top research supervision and cutting‐edge questions, this program offers not only financial security but the chance to grow as a researcher on the global stage.