Postdoctoral Program: Supporting and Empowering Independence
The Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST) offers an outstanding research environment for postdoctoral researchers working at the forefront of quantum science and technology. Our postdoctoral program is designed to support scientific independence, interdisciplinary exchange, and long-term career development within a vibrant, collaborative research community.
Whether you're taking your first steps into 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.
Why Munich?
As one of the world's leading hubs for quantum science and technology, Munich brings together excellent research groups from LMU Munich, TUM, the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, and the Walther-Meißner-Institute — spanning physics, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science, and chemistry. Postdoctoral researchers at MCQST benefit from this density of expertise, along with strong ties to Munich's broader innovation and research ecosystem.
Which fellowship is right for you?
Postdoc Fellowship
For researchers early in their postdoc journey
- Fully funded postdoctoral position for two years.
- Hosted by an MCQST Principal Investigator (PI) and integrated into their research group
- Support in developing your own research profile, with guidance from your host group.
- Full access to MCQST's interdisciplinary research network, resources, and support programs.
© Christoph Hohmann (MCQST) START Fellowship
For postdocs ready to lead their own group
- €300,000 funding to build an independent research group, over two years.
- Independent research, with your own budget. Office/lab space is provided by the hosting group.
- Developing leadership skills - build and manage a small team.
- Full access to the cluster's resources and programs, including seed funding, workshops, and international collaborations.
Why should you apply for an MCQST fellowship?
...have either a professorship or hold a permanent position.
- Mentoring - A hosting and mentoring PI backs every fellow — offering lab and office space, academic guidance, and access to extra resources. Fellows from under-represented groups in science are encouraged to join our Mentoring Program for additional support.
- Benefiting from the cluster - The fellows are integrated into the cluster and benefit from its programs, like seed funding, workshops, and international collaborations.
- Being part of the Munich quantum community — with structured support programs offered by our partners, access to leading and interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship and venture opportunities, and international collaborations.
Munich Quantum Talents Symposium
The symposium is 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 quantum science and technology. The symposium aims to provide a platform for emerging early-career researchers, facilitate knowledge sharing, inspire collaboration, and promote career opportunities in quantum science. Special attention is given to increasing diversity in the field of quantum science, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment that values the contributions of researchers from all backgrounds.
Postdoc Board
New to MCQST?
We are managing a dedicated mailing list for Postdocs in our community. Reach out to support[at]mcqst.de to subscribe and stay informed about various opportunities for funding, networking events (like our Academic Chats series), or trainings for postdocs.
Distinguished Postdoc Fellowship
Bringing the brightest minds to MCQST is a central goal of our support programs. To proactively recruit and attract excellent female scientists, we awarded 16 Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships since 2019. The Fellowship provided two years of funding, split equally between the hosting group and MCQST. So far, a third of our Distinguished Fellows have a group leadership position or professorship.
This fellowship is no longer offered by MCQST, however it is now integrated in the new postdoctoral program.
