Fully funded PhD positions (doctoral researcher) at Max Planck Graduate Center for Quantum Materials (f/m/d)

Thanks to all the academics who submitted their application!

The application deadline has passed and the selection process started. More information for the new call-out will come up during this Autumn 2026. Stay tuned!

Are you interested in working in the rapidly evolving research field of quantum materials? 

The Max Planck Graduate Center for Quantum Materials (MPGC-QM) currently has an open call for multiple fully funded PhD student positions. Deadline for submission of your application is December 10th 2025!

Five Max Planck Institutes (Dresden, Hamburg, Halle and Stuttgart) - all of them world-leading institutions in their respective fields - bring together their expertise in the research on quantum materials and thus offer a truly unique graduate program in this intriguing research area. 

In addition, we offer a limited number of joint PhD projects with Oxford University. Students working on these projects will share their time between Oxford and one of the participating Max Planck Institutes, and will obtain their PhD degree from Oxford University.

We offer:

• Vibrant research environment with access to a large number of world-class research facilities and cutting-edge research projects
• A modern, English-speaking structured PhD program
• Fully funded positions, no tuition costs and additional funding for scientific meetings and trainings
• Individual supervision and mentoring by research scientists who are leaders in their respective fields

Join our network 

Becoming part of our interdisciplinary quantum materials community and our unique program will allow you to establish an international network that will last beyond your PhD. Connecting different research groups at four locations, MPGC-QM also connects diverse research topics with focus on quantum materials and fosters interdisciplinary collaborations.

More than 30 distinguished and internationally recognized group leaders actively participate in the PhD program and offer challenging and cutting-edge PhD projects.

Eligibility

Applicants should hold an MSc (or equivalent degree) with a strong background in physics, chemistry, mathematics or computer science, and have some knowledge of solid-state science, excellent English language skills and a drive to pursue their PhD in an international and multidisciplinary setting.

Outstanding candidates with a first-class four-year BSc degree (or equivalent degree) are eligible to apply for the fast-track option.

Your application

Are you interested?We invite highly motivated students with strong commitment to basic science from all over the world to apply to our international program centered on quantum materials.

Only applications submitted through our online application portal can be considered.

Details on the program, eligibility, and how to apply can be found here:

https://www.quantummaterials.mpg.de/3352/Application

For further information, please browse the answers to Frequently Asked Questions and direct any further inquiries to the MPGC Coordination Office at [email protected]

The Max Planck Graduate Center for Quantum Matter as well as Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in its workforce in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.