Summary
The International Max Planck Research School for Chemistry and Physics of Quantum Materials (IMPRS-CPQM) is inviting applications from highly motivated and academically excellent candidates for PhD research. The program offers a stimulating interdisciplinary research environment covering chemistry, physics, quantum materials, superconductivity, magnetism, topological materials, and related areas.
Excellent applicants from all countries are encouraged to apply. Candidates with an outstanding Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a field aligned with the school’s research activities are eligible. Bachelor’s degree holders admitted to the program will undertake additional graduate-level coursework equivalent to Master’s-level preparation.
The current recruitment cycle accepts applications until 30 November 2026. Students admitted through this cycle are expected to begin their PhD project no later than September 2027.
Designation
PhD Researcher / PhD Student – IMPRS-CPQM
Research Area
The available PhD projects span a broad range of research areas, including:
- Quantum Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Experimental and Theoretical Physics
- Materials Chemistry
- Superconductivity
- Topological Materials
- Quantum Magnetism
- Spin Liquids
- Magnetic Quantum Materials
- Strongly Correlated Materials
- Quantum Circuits
- Nanofabrication
- Thermodynamics and Transport
- Advanced Materials Synthesis and Characterization
The program currently lists projects such as altermagnetic and antialtermagnetic multiferroics, chiral superconductivity, hybrid quantum circuits, topological superconductivity, quantum magnetometry, spin liquids, designer quantum materials, magnetic tunnel junctions, and theoretical studies of topological superconductors and magnets.
Location
Dresden, Germany
Research is conducted through the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids (MPI-CPfS) and participating partner universities. PhD projects have at least one supervisor at MPI-CPfS and one at a partner university, with students potentially spending research time at either institution.
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should:
- Have an outstanding Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
- Hold a degree in a field that is well aligned with the research activities of IMPRS-CPQM.
- Demonstrate a strong academic record and motivation for PhD research.
- Applicants from any country are encouraged to apply.
- Bachelor’s degree holders may be admitted with the requirement to complete additional graduate courses to reach an equivalent Master’s level.
- Candidates should identify and apply for research projects that match their academic and research interests.
The program also emphasizes a pleasant working environment, friendly cooperation, and increasing the representation of women in areas where they are underrepresented.
Job Description
Selected PhD researchers will undertake doctoral research within one of the available IMPRS-CPQM projects under the guidance of supervisors from MPI-CPfS and partner universities.
Depending on the selected project, research may involve:
- Experimental or theoretical investigation of quantum materials.
- Materials synthesis and characterization.
- Studies of superconductivity and magnetism.
- Investigation of topological and strongly correlated materials.
- Quantum-material imaging and spectroscopy.
- Nanofabrication and quantum-device development.
- Theoretical modelling of quantum materials and magnetic systems.
- Collaboration between chemistry and physics research groups.
The program provides an interdisciplinary research environment in which students work actively with supervisors from participating institutions.
Selection Procedure
Applications are reviewed by the supervisors of the selected projects and by a team of principal investigators from participating institutions.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, which may take place by video conference, in person, or both.
For the 2026/27 recruitment cycle, an in-person selection workshop in or around February 2027 is planned at the MPI-CPfS in Dresden. If participation in the workshop is inconvenient because of the timing of an application, alternative opportunities may be provided.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their complete application through the official IMPRS-CPQM online application form.
Important: Applications submitted by email will not be considered, and applicants should not send applications directly to individual Principal Investigators.
Applicants should review the application guidelines and available PhD projects before submitting their application.
Online Application:
https://imprs-cpqm.mpg.de/108972/online-application
Available PhD Projects:
https://imprs-cpqm.mpg.de/projects
Application Guidelines:
https://imprs-cpqm.mpg.de/101795/Guidelines
Last Date to Apply
30 November 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their complete applications as early as possible. Students admitted through the current recruitment cycle are expected to start their PhD project no later than September 2027.
Applications are also accepted throughout the year and may be processed individually outside the main recruitment cycle.
