Call for applications

Max Planck Gesellschaft (MPG) Research programmes in Germany 2026

The Max Planck Society is inviting applications for several PhD and Postdoc programmes.
See the details of the open programmes including application deadlines below:

The International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling (IMPRS-ESM) 

The IMPRS-ESM offers a structured, interdisciplinary and international PhD programme for graduate students with a focus on advancing understanding of processes and dynamics in the Earth system as well as improving prediction skills. IMPRS-ESM is a joint program by the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M) and the Universität Hamburg (UHH).

  • It is open to researchers of all nationalities holding a Master’s degree (with written thesis) in physics, geophysical sciences (incl. meteorology and oceanography), ecology, mathematics, computer science, engineering, economics, or political science.
  • Doctoral candidates receive financial support of around 2,150 Euros/month for a period of 3 years.
  • Funding will begin in March 2027.
  • Application deadline: 15.09.2026 | Learn more

The International Max Planck Research School on Astrophysics

The IMPRS on Astrophysics at the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich is a joint PhD programme of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics (MPA), the University Observatory of the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (USM) and the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The research areas cover subjects from planets, stars, and galaxies to cosmology.

  • It is open to researchers of all nationalities holding a 5-year Master’s degree (including an Integrated Master’s degree) in physics or astrophysics with at least the grade ‘good’.
  • PhD Grant includes a work contract of about 1.770 Euros/month for a period of three to four years.
  • Funding will begin in September 2027.
  • Application deadline: 01.11.2026 | Learn more

Postdoctoral programme at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) 

The MPIfG is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in the social sciences to join its new Research Group on Technology and Statehood. The group examines how states pursue technological competitiveness and how these strategies vary across technologies, countries, and time.

  • The position is open to scholars of all nationalities who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the starting date.
  • Projects focusing on contexts such as Brazil or India are particularly welcome.
  • The funded position is for two years.
  • Starting date: March/April 2027, or by agreement.
  • Application deadline: 18.09.2026 | Learn more

The Max Planck Society with its 85 Max Planck Institutes and facilities, is one of the international flagship research institutes in Germany. It conducts basic research in the natural sciences, life sciences, and humanities and has 31 Nobel laureates in its ranks.