Informationen for PostDocs
After their PhD exam junior research scientists can apply for a postdoctoral stipend or a temporary position at the institute directly to perform a research project. Note that even if at a given point in time, we might not have advertised scientific openings, we still may accept speculative applications, provided they are outstanding. Applicants for a special research area (which shall be third party funded, e.g. by Marie-Curie or ERC program) can contact the departments directly. A short stay as guest researcher is also possible.
EU Office
The EU Regional Office offers support for career development and provides information on other funding opportunities such as third-party funding.
Max Planck Research Groups
Since 1969 the Max Planck Society supports particularly talented young scientists by means of fixed-term Max Planck Research Groups. There is a great deal of competition for the position of head of these groups, as they allow the young researchers selected from the international competition to lay the foundations for a successful scientific career on the basis of a limited, but secure budget in the first phase of their independent research activities.
With the goal of recruiting innovative minds, independent of already established research fields and existing Institutes, calls for applications for Max Planck Research Groups have also regularly been initiated on an open-topic basis since 2004. Candidates for these posts can put forward their own individual project proposal and apply to work at Max Planck Institutes of their own choice. These calls for applications meet a strong international response. They cover all sections and generally take place in the autumn of each year.
With the goal of recruiting innovative minds, independent of already established research fields and existing Institutes, calls for applications for Max Planck Research Groups have also regularly been initiated on an open-topic basis since 2004. Candidates for these posts can put forward their own individual project proposal and apply to work at Max Planck Institutes of their own choice. These calls for applications meet a strong international response. They cover all sections and generally take place in the autumn of each year.
Lise Meitner Excellence Program
From 2018, up to ten Lise Meitner Groups per year will be advertised to recruit and promote exceptionally qualified female scientists as part of this new excellence program.
Research Group Leader Network: LeadNet
LeadNet provides a forum for common scientific and organizational issues and promotes collaborations and synergies among research groups within Max Planck Society.