MCQST Postdoctoral Fellowhips: Call for Applications 2026

6 October 2026

Apply now and join the Munich quantum community!

Looking to take the next step in your academic career? MCQST offers an outstanding research environment for postdoctoral researchers working at the forefront of quantum science and technology.

Whether you're just embarking on your postdoc journey (Postdoc Fellowship) or are ready to start building your own group (START Fellowship), we look forward to welcoming you into Munich's thriving quantum community.

• Application deadline: 24 October 2026
• Deadline for reference letters: 31 October 2026

Which fellowship is right for me?

MCQST Postdoc Fellowship: shape your own research profile		MCQST Junior Researcher START Fellowship
The years after your PhD are an opportunity to go deep into the topics you care about and develop into the researcher you want to be. The MCQST Postdoc Fellowship gives you room to explore your potential: Freedom - a fully-funded, two-year position that lets you focus on what you're passionate about: research. Guidance - an MCQST Principal Investigator who hosts you in their group, shares their experience, and provides mentorship. Community - full access to MCQST's interdisciplinary research network and support programs. You do not need a confirmed host to apply. You can name 3-5 MCQST PIs whose groups you would be interested in joining.		Are you ready to take the leap and build your own group? MCQST is here to support you along the way: Independence – a budget of up to €300,000 over two years to develop and lead your own research project. Resources – access to the cluster’s support infrastructure, including Seed Funding and international collaborations. Growth – opportunities to develop your leadership skills through training and workshops while managing your own small team. For the START Fellowship, you need an MCQST PI who has agreed to host you. Your host provides the research infrastructure and laboratory or office space your project needs.

More than just a Postdoc position

MCQST cares deeply about cultivating a research environment where everyone has what they need to thrive. We especially welcome applications from women and other underrepresented groups. Our Mentoring Program helps you find and claim the space you deserve. We work to make academia more inclusive from the top down, through tailored training in our PIs for Diversity initiative, and from the bottom up, by encouraging Diversity in Leadership among researchers early in their careers.

Did you know that, of our 15 current and former START Fellows, eight now lead their own groups or have secured professorships? Aisha Aqeel, a 2021 Fellow, went on to establish an Emmy Noether group at the University of Augsburg. Her connection to the MCQST community has endured:

"What I value most about MCQST is that it truly feels like a scientific family: even after moving to another institution, I remain closely connected and continue collaborating with MCQST colleagues.”

Why MCQST is where you belong

• We have the best people. MCQST brings together researchers from LMU Munich, TUM, the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, and the Walther Meißner Institute—two of Germany’s leading universities and renowned research institutions.
• We have resources. Over 500 researchers are part of MCQST. Whichever group you join, you can draw on a whole cluster’s worth of funding, training, and collaborations.
• We are in a good place. Munich is a leading hub for quantum science and technology, where cutting-edge research is embedded in a broad academic and innovation ecosystem. Its vibrant cultural life and beautiful surroundings also make it a great place to live.

Ready to apply? Explore the Postdoc Fellowship or the START Fellowship and submit your application by 24 October 2026.