Application

  1. Before applying, we strongly advise you to read about our research identify your personal interests and get familiar with our different project areas.
  2. Check and read carefully all of your documents before submitting. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please, note: you agree to the transfer and storage of your data on our server when submitting the form. MPG comply with applicable data protection legislation more details here.
  3. Please send us a single pdf file containing all the required documents or apply directly on the online platform if it is stated otherwise. You can also add a list of scientific publications, if you have one, and other documents that might assess your scientific abilities.

Selection process

Candidates are selected in a two-stage process. The first stage consists of an evaluation of the written application by an admissions board composed of professors and academics involved in the BiGmax and proposed research topics (the selection committee). Shortlisted applicants subsequently will be invited to an interview (second stage of the application process). In exceptional cases, interviews may take place via video conference. The selection committee will render its admission decision based on the interview and the written application.

Frequently Asked Questions

   What is a motivation letter?

A motivation letter is not a narration of your accomplishment since high school or in college. It is a brief description of your interest and motivation for a particular position. Explaining to the reader why are you hiring me? Basically, you should briefly write your motivation to take part in our project.  What are your research interests? How your previous work can help you work with us. You need to be precise and brief.

   Do I need to speak German?

No, you don’t. The working language at the MPG is English. Thus, German language skills are not mandatory but can be helpful. Learning German is quite useful for your general integration in Germany. German language courses are offered in most of the Max Planck Institutes.

   Do I need an English certificate?

We expect all applicants to have a good knowledge of the English language, which is at the basis of the research work at all the Max Planck institute. You will make presentations in English and write scientific articles for top-quality scientific publications in English. Thus, a proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL exams) is highly appreciated unless stated otherwise.

   What is a TVöD salary?

Our students and post docs (of any nationality) receive a standard working contract following the rules of the collective wage agreement adopted at the German public service (Tarifvertrag öffentlicher Dienst or simply TVöD). That means you become a regular employee of the Max Planck Institute and pays contributions to health insurance, pension funds, and taxes. Here is link to how to calculate your salary. In general the salary wage in Germany depends on the marital status, the level (years of work in a particular position) and your own experience.

   What title will I have after finishing ?

After successfully finishing your PhD you will be carrying the title Dr. rer. nat.

   Do I need a Visa?

EU-Nationals do not need a visa. More or less every other national needs a so-called national visa (a tourist visa for the interview, but a national visa in order to work here). Please find important information here.

   What is the Housing cost in Germany?

The prices of accommodation varies a lot in Germany depending on the city. Here is a summary of the average monthly rent (AMR*) in different German cities. (Source)

City AMR* City AMR*
Aachen 534.65 € Dusseldorf 672.22€
Augsburg 613.57€ Frankfurt 868.91€
Berlin 795.90€ Hamburg 838.94 €
Bochum 406.67€ Hannover 591€
Bonn 653.75€ Ingolstadt 708.33€
Bremen 560.00€ Leipzig 490.80€
Cologne 727.14€ Mainz 668.00€
Dortmund 460.00€ Munich 1,094.30€
Dresden 533.33€ Paderborn 512.50€
Essen 451.83€ Stuttgart 846.43€
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