Max Planck Partner Groups worldwide for Postdocs / Junior Faculty

Max Planck Association invites applications from junior scientists or postdocs to form Partner Groups. A Partner Group is set up for a duration of five years and provides a high-level and visible framework to the Partner Group Leader aiming at strengthening collaboration, building up a research group as well as international networking.

Partner Groups enable Max Planck Institutes (MPIs) to stay connected with outstanding former MPI researchers who often become leading scientists in their respective fields and regions. Heading a Max Planck Partner Group is a distinction as it is conferred by the President of the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft formally upon recommendation/nomination by one of its Scientific Members.

Nominee Qualifications

  • Outstanding early-career researchers at the postdoctoral or junior faculty level.
  • Holds a doctoral degree obtained within the past 7 years and has spent at least 6–12 months at a Max Planck Institute (MPI).
  • For candidates with a medical doctorate, the degree must have been obtained within the past 9 years.
  • Demonstrates strong research achievements and potential in their field.
  • If not currently working at a research institution/university in the prospective host country, the nominee is expected to secure such a position within 6 months of Partner Group approval.

Funding

  • Each Partner Group receives €20,000 per year, plus any applicable VAT incurred in Germany.
  • The funds can be used for travel expenses, workshops, PhD students, Postdoctoral researchers, and small equipment.

Only Directors of a Max Planck Institute are eligible to nominate a candidate; therefore, as a first step, candidates need to contact a Director of a suitable Max Planck Institute.

Deadline to submit nomination: 1 October 2026

Learn more here