Quantum science and technology is a broad, interdisciplinary field with strong potential for future information, sensing, and computing technologies. With numerous experimental and theoretical groups working across physics, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science, and chemistry, Munich is one of the leading research centers in this area.
Supporting early career scientists is a core mission of MCQST. Building on the excellent conditions at LMU and TUM, we foster career development from doctoral training to postdoctoral qualification and the transition to junior research group leadership.
In addition to the MCQST Doctoral Program, PhD positions are also offered through direct recruitment by the research groups. All MCQST doctoral researchers benefit from dedicated support programs and a vibrant research community that promotes networking and scientific exchange as an integral part of doctoral training.
Goals and Motivation
The new MCQST Graduate Program will build upon and extend the framework established by the IMPRS-QST, while broadening participation to the entire MCQST community.
- Broader participation within the MCQST community
- High-quality international recruitment via open calls
- Consistent supervision standards, monitoring, and support across institutions and groups
- Foster career development
Transition
All current IMPRS-QST students will automatically join the new MCQST Doctoral Program. They may decide whether to complete the program according to the IMPRS curriculum or according to the new plan for MCQST, and receive the corresponding certificate.
How to Join the Program?
Apply for a Doctoral Position
For prospective graduate students
The MCQST Doctoral Program invites outstanding and highly motivated students to apply for doctoral positions within MCQST. We are looking for candidates with a strong academic background and a keen interest in areas such as quantum physics, quantum optics, solid-state physics, materials science, quantum information theory, and quantum many-body systems.
Open calls & selection process
The application and selection process is conducted jointly with the
MQV Doctoral Fellowship Program. This joint process ensures high visibility and guarantees excellence, transparency, and diversity in selection.
The next application phase will open in Fall 2026.
Stay tuned!
Register for the Doctoral Program
For PhD candidates already active in MCQST research groups
If you have already started your PhD in an MCQST research group, you are encouraged to register for the MCQST Doctoral Program.
Why register?
Registration gives you access to a comprehensive support portfolio, including funding opportunities, training offers, and networking activities designed to enrich your PhD experience. You will also benefit from clearly defined and consistent supervision standards across the program. All registered members receive the same level of support and opportunities, regardless of their individual funding source.
Registration opens twice per year, in Spring and Fall. The next registration phase will be open from 15 April to 15 May 2026
Highlights
MCQST PhD Award
The MCQST PhD Award honors the best PhD theses in quantum science and technology from the MCQST community, recognizing excellence in research at an early career stage.
PhD Board
MCQST strengthens PhD involvement through a dedicated, self-managed board, representing their community and fostering inclusivity.
Quantum Talents
Symposium designed to bring together outstanding PhD students and early-career postdocs from all over the world to present their groundbreaking research work in the field of QST.
Why Join the Program?
Supervision and Mentoring
- Supervision Agreement & Thesis Advisory Boards (TABs): mandatory with registration. The supervision agreement defines the roles and expectations on each side.
- Annual Progress Reports & Feedback Meetings to ensure structured feedback and continuous monitoring of progress.
- Mid-term check-in with Program Coordinator after ~1.5–2 years. This allows for early identification of challenges and the provision of tailored support.
Events & Training
- Summer School: Organized every two years in collaboration with PhD students and the PhD Board, offering intensive training and networking opportunities.
- Scientific Workshops: Foster interdisciplinary exchange and strengthen connections across MCQST and International research groups
- PhD Board Initiatives: Student-led and funded activities that encourage co-creation, leadership, and active participation.
- Industry Visits: Multiple visits each year to connect with industry partners and explore diverse career pathways.
- Soft Skills Workshops: During Summer School and throughout the year, in collaboration with MCQST support programs
Additional Support
- Guidance & Coaching: Personalized counselling for conflicts, crises, or career decisions, provided by the Program Coordinator or in collaboration with LMU and TUM support services.
- Career Development: Enhanced through industry visits, alumni panels, and mentoring opportunities to help you shape your future in science and beyond.
- PhD Award: Honors the best PhD theses in quantum science and technology from the MCQST community, recognizing excellence in research at an early career stage.
- Supervision Award: Annual recognition of outstanding supervision, based on student nominations, celebrating excellence in mentoring.
Industry Visits in 2026
Industry visits strengthen ties with industry and provide PhD candidates with valuable insights into diverse career pathways. The following visits are planned for this year; additional dates will be announced.
- 28 April 2026 | Qlibri
- 21 May 2026 | DLR
- 10 June 2026 | TOPTICA
Events for PhDs
PhD Retreat: Three Days, 2 Dimensions, and Single Photons
PhD Retreat exploring experimental tools and pathways at the intersection of light and quantum systems, organized by the MCQST PhD community.
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2026 Cal-Bay Quantum School
The Cal-Bay Quantum School brings together California and Bavaria’s researchers to explore the frontiers of quantum computing and simulation.
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MCQST Summer School 2026
Join the first-ever MCQST Summer School! Four days, one mission: bring together all MCQST PhDs for scientific exchange, networking, and deep dives into the latest quantum research.
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Program Structure
Program Committee
Prof. Jad Halimeh, LMU München & Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics
Prof. Alexander Högele, LMU München
Prof. Michael Knap, TUM
Dr. Nadezhda Kukharchyk, Walther-Meißner-Insititute / TUM
Dr. Philipp Preiss, Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics
Prof. Ulrich Schollwöck, LMU München
Doctoral Program Coordinator: Dr. Sonya Gzyl
PhD Board: Elected by students to represent the PhD community. Contributes to decision-making, initiates student-driven activities, and ensures the program remains aligned with student needs.