Supporting Family Life
MCQST strives to create a family-friendly framework in order to enable academic careers. Whether you are taking care of your children or parents, we can support with:
- Childcare scholarship for excellent MCQST researchers
- Financial support for home office equipment
- Laboratory assistance during pregnancy
- Childcare during MCQST events and KidsBox
- Support for other people with care responsibilities
Every child and parent is different, so we are happy to help you find the right solution for your family.
We also cooperate with the family services offered by LMU, MPQ, and TUM. They organise childcare solutions, like backup daycare and holiday programs for kids during the summer holidays. Please refer to your institution's website for further information:
LMU Family Service
MPQ - Working & Living
TUM - Kids, Family and Elder Care Center
Childcare scholarship for excellent MCQST researchers
About the scholarship
To support parents pursuing an academic career at MCQST, we offer a childcare scholarship. This addresses all parents regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation.
Outstanding researchers can apply for a childcare scholarship covering up to 500 € per month for the duration of one year. The scholarship can cover part of childcare cost for children up to 12 years old. The amount of financial support depends on the child's age and the actual cost of childcare (see below).
Please note that a separate application must be filled out for each child.
The scholarship supports the financing of regular childcare costs, thus enabling the parents to work in research.
Level of Assistance:
- For children of up to 3 years of age, a maximum amount of € 500 per month can be provided for childcare (upon proof of actual monthly costs).
- For children between 3 and 6 years of age, a maximum amount of € 300 per month can be provided for childcare (upon proof of actual monthly costs).
- For children between 6 and 12 years of age, a maximum amount of € 200 per month can be provided for childcare (upon proof of actual monthly costs).
- Additionaly, annual financial support of up to € 300 per child (up to six years of age) may be granted. This is to be used for work-related, outside regular hours childcare expenses or childcare in extraordinary situations (including business trips to conferences or meetings). Please note additional costs in your letter of application.
The childcare scholarship depends on the availability of funding and through a competitive selection process. Funds can only be used to support actual childcare costs, and not food or diaper costs charged separately by the facility.
How to apply
To apply, please submit the following documents:
- Written letter of application, including a statement that describes the current childcare situation and demonstrates that a grant will improve the applicant's professional situation.
- CV and list of publications
- Written approval by the group leader
- Birth certificate(s) of child/children or confirmation of pregnancy/expected birth date (if applicable)
- Official confirmation of the monthly costs from the daycare
- Working contracts of both parents (if applicable)
Please email your completed application to support[at]mcqst.de.
Home Office Equipment for Parents
MCQST can finance home office equipment for parents, if working from home improves their working conditions considerably.
Requirements
Application letter
- Describe your current situation (position, working hours, childcare) and why working from home will allow you to more effectively combine family life and your career in QST. How would it enhance your research and career? Please note that the Covid-19 pandemic is not a sufficient reason for this scholarship.
- Describe which equipment you are using now and provide specific reasons why you need new equipment. How would your research benefit from the new equipment?
Other required documents:
- Working contract
- Signed statement that you are provided with a computer financed by your institution (financed by “Grundausstattungsmittel”)
- List of required equipment, including prices
- Copy of birth certificate of child/children
- Written approval by the group leader
- CV and list of publications
If the support is granted, please contact your respective institute’s IT group and inform them about your equipment requirements. They will order the equipment for you and MCQST will pay the bill.
Laboratory Assistance during pregnancy and early childcare
Excellent junior researchers can apply for support by the employment of laboratory assistance during pregnancy and/ or upbringing of their children until the age of 6. If granted, MCQST will cover up to € 400 per month.
Please contact support[at]mcqst.de for information on how to apply.
Childcare during events or business trips
Childcare during events
MCQST can provide financial support for childcare during MCQST events, conferences, and other research related business trips. Please contact the Diversity Coordinator in advance of the respective event.
KidsBox
During MCQST live events that take place in the Schellingstr. 4 (LMU Physics), parents are welcome to use the MCQST KidsBox. This mobile children’s room includes a bed, everything neccesary for changing dipers, and is equipped with many books (including classics such as Quantum Entanglement for Babys), toys, and many other adventures.
Support for other people with caring responsibilities
MCQST also supports other people with caring responsibilities. Please contact the Diversity Coordinator for more information on how we can support you.
Contact & Applications
All required documents for applications should be sent to Ian Stewart at support[at]mcqst.de.
Questions? Don't hesitate to reach out! We want to help support your career and are happy to answer any questions you may have.