Promoting Excellence
The MCQST Postdoc Fellowship offers outstanding early-career researchers the opportunity to pursue their research within the MCQST community. Candidates apply to the fellowship independently of a specific research group. During the selection process, shortlisted candidates have the opportunity to connect with MCQST PIs and identify a suitable host group.
The fellowship provides funding for a two-year postdoctoral position, offering fellows the opportunity to deepen their expertise, develop their research profile, and build collaborations across the MCQST community.
The fellowship is particularly aimed at attracting outstanding international researchers to Munich and connecting them with the MCQST research community.
Fellowship at a Glance
- Position: fully funded postdoctoral position
- Duration: two years
- Research environment: hosted by an MCQST PI and integrated into their research group
- Start date: no later than 1 January of the year following selection
- Fellowships available: up to two per call, subject to available funding
Eligibility and Application Requirements
The MCQST Postdoc Fellowship is open to early-career researchers who hold, or expect to obtain, a PhD in physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, engineering, or a related field. Applicants who have not yet completed their PhD are eligible to apply, provided they expect to obtain their degree before the start of the fellowship.
Applicants should have a research background relevant to MCQST’s research program. Applications are welcome from researchers worldwide, with the fellowship particularly aiming to attract outstanding researchers who are not currently part of the MCQST community.
Who would you like to work with?
As part of your application, you can name 3–5 PIs whose groups you would be interested in joining. Explore potential hosts on our MCQST members page.
How to Apply
The application for 2027 will open soon.
Please prepare:
- CV (max. 2 pages, no photo)
- Research statement (max. 2 pages)
- List of publications and talks, highlighting three publications that best represent your research profile
- Doctoral degree certificate
- Further degree certificates
- Other relevant documents (optional)
The following documents must be submitted separately by your host/referees:
Two letters of recommendation from experts outside MCQST.
The referees will be contacted automatically through our application system. Please contact them and obtain their agreement before providing their names in your application.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated by a selection committee in a multi-stage process:
- Application review: The committee evaluates the submitted application materials and selects candidates for the interview stage.
- Contacting potential host groups: Shortlisted candidates are strongly encouraged to meet with PIs whose research groups they are interested in joining. MCQST PIs will reserve time for these meetings during a designated period; exact dates will be announced soon.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to an online interview with the selection committee. Interviews will take place in November/December 2026; exact dates will be announced soon.
- Host confirmation and fellowship offer: Successful candidates receive a fellowship offer once an MCQST PI has agreed to host them.
Applications are evaluated based on:
- scientific excellence and track record
- quality and originality of the proposed research
- research fit with the MCQST research program
- potential for further scientific development
Equal Opportunities
MCQST is committed to a fair, inclusive, and transparent selection process. We welcome applications from researchers of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups that are underrepresented in quantum science and technology. We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive research environment regardless of ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, social background, or age.