Max Planck Postdoc Program – Germany
Job Description
Organization: Max Planck Society
Faculty/Department/Division: Various Max Planck Institutes and research departments
Location: Germany
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher – Max Planck Postdoc Program
Project Overview
The Max Planck Postdoc Program provides talented early-career researchers with opportunities to advance their scientific careers through postdoctoral positions across the Max Planck Society.
Positions are advertised collectively twice a year, with calls beginning on 1 March and 1 September. The current call runs from 1 September to 13 October 2026, with additional vacancies potentially being posted until 22 September 2026.
The online application platform allows researchers to explore available postdoctoral positions and filter opportunities by location and subject area. Candidates may apply for multiple positions during the same call.
Key Responsibilities
The specific research responsibilities depend on the individual postdoctoral position and the host Max Planck Institute. Successful candidates will undertake independent research within their selected research group and contribute to the scientific activities of the host institute.
Depending on the position, researchers may:
- Conduct original scientific research within their selected field.
- Develop and pursue research projects in collaboration with principal investigators and research teams.
- Analyse and communicate scientific findings.
- Contribute to scientific publications and other research outputs.
- Collaborate with researchers within and outside the host institute.
- Participate in mentoring, career development and professional development activities.
Required Qualifications
- PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification appropriate to the selected postdoctoral position.
- Early-career research profile appropriate for postdoctoral research.
- Previous research experience relevant to the specific position.
- Motivation to pursue a scientific career and undertake research at a Max Planck Institute.
Specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the individual vacancy.
Preferred Qualifications
Requirements and preferred qualifications are determined by the respective postdoctoral position and host institute.
Applicants should review the individual vacancy on the Max Planck Postdoc Program application platform before applying.
Employment Details
Successful candidates receive a postdoctoral position with a guaranteed contract duration of at least three years.
The program offers a structured career-development environment, including targeted mentoring and opportunities to explore career paths in academia, industry and entrepreneurship.
Candidates who apply for multiple positions may receive offers from several Max Planck Institutes if they are successful in more than one application.
Salary & Benefits
The supplied program information does not specify a standard salary amount.
Program benefits include:
- Guaranteed contract duration of at least three years.
- Targeted mentoring, including opportunities for mentors from other research institutes or industry.
- Career workshop within the first two years.
- Access to career development and coaching through the Planck Academy.
- Guidelines for mentoring and supervision designed to support high standards of postdoctoral supervision.
- Opportunities for career development in science, industry and entrepreneurship.
Application Documents
Applicants need to upload their application documents in English through the online portal.
The application includes:
- Cover letter.
- CV including a list of publications.
- Summary of previous research experience.
- Statement explaining interest in the selected position.
- Email addresses of 2–3 references, where required by the respective postdoctoral position.
Applicants submit their documents once and may use the application to apply for multiple positions.
English Language Requirement
Applications must be submitted in English.
Supervisor / Contact
The relevant principal investigator for each selected position reviews the applications after the application deadline.
A specific supervisor depends on the individual postdoctoral vacancy selected through the Max Planck Postdoc Program.
Application Deadline
13 October 2026 at 12:00 PM CEST.
Additional vacancies may be posted on the application platform until 22 September 2026, so applicants are advised to check the platform regularly.
Starting Date
Not specified. The starting date depends on the individual postdoctoral position and host Max Planck Institute.
Reference
Max Planck Postdoc Program – Current Call 2026
