Postdoctoral Fellowship

Since January 2019, the Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST) has operated as a Cluster of Excellence, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). It brings together various institutions, including the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ), the Walther-Meißner-Institute (WMI) and the Deutsches Museum (DM) all with the shared objective of establishing a world-leading center in Quantum Science and Technology (QST). Comprising over 60 research groups spanning a spectrum of disciplines such as physics, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, material science, and chemistry, MCQST is at the forefront of QST. Its research program is organized in seven research units, covering all areas of QST from basic research to practical applications.

MCQST is an equal opportunity employer and it is important to us to make our selection processes as fair and transparent as possible. We are committed to creating a welcoming work environment for everyone, regardless of ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

We offer two different fellowships:

Distinguished Postdoc Fellowship

The Fellowship is aimed to excellent female postdoctoral researchers. MCQST offers funding for one year, on the condition that the host MCQST group commits to funding an additional year through other means.

How to apply

• CV (without photo), list of publications, and talks by the candidate
• Brief research statement describing the envisaged project, written by the candidate
• Declaration by the hosting PI, committing to another year of funding of the candidate
• Letter of recommendation (not from the MCQST host)

Please note that we cannot accept applications without a support declaration by a MCQST PI. If you are not already in contact with one of our PIs, you can find a list of our members here. It is important that an MCQST PI supports your application as they will provide not only funding and academic guidance but also structural support like an office space. We are aware that this adds an extra hurdle for external applicants but this approach has proven very fruitful for a successful outcome of the fellowship in the past. As the host will have to fund one year of your fellowship, not all members will have open positions. 

Please send all application documents to support[at]mcqst.de

Application deadline: January 15, 2024. 

We use an inclusive definition of “woman” and we welcome trans women and non-binary people who are significantly female-identified.
 

Further information: https://www.mcqst.de/support/distinguished-postdoc/

Junior Researcher START Fellowship

The aim of the fellowship is to support young talents on their transition from postdocs to independent researchers. With a total budget of 300.000 € for a funding-period of two years, the fellows have the opportunity to start their own scientific project in one of the research areas of MCQST.

The funds are flexible and may be spent in accordance with DFG rules for instrumentations, staff, consumables, travels as well as for the fellows' own salaries. Laboratory and office space will be provided by one of the MCQST Principal Investigators (PIs).

How to apply

Eligible candidates are at the beginning of their academic career and have completed their doctoral degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, or engineering within the last four years. Research experience in quantum science and technology is of advantage and should be documented by publications in high level academic journals.

Applications should include:

• Curriculum vitae (two pages max, without photo)
• Research outline (two pages max)
• Complete list of publications and talks (please highlight 3 publications that best represent your research)
• Doctoral certificate
• Support letter from MCQST host committing to offer laboratory and office space
• Two letters of recommendation, at least one from an external expert (outside MCQST)

Please send all application documents to support[at]mcqst.de

Please note that we cannot accept applications without a support declaration by a MCQST PI. If you are not already in contact with one of our PIs, you can find a list of our members here. It is important that an MCQST PI supports your application as they will provide not only funding and academic guidance but also structural support like an office space. We are aware that this adds an extra hurdle for external applicants but this approach has proven very fruitful for a successful outcome of the fellowship in the past.

Application deadline: January 15, 2024. 

For those who are invited, we are planning interview days on February 20/21, 2024.

Further information: https://www.mcqst.de/support/start-fellowship/
If you have any inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at support@mcqst.de.