In the realm of studying abroad, securing scholarships and fellowships holds immense value for aspiring researchers seeking to broaden their academic horizons. The Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme exemplifies an extraordinary opportunity for talented postdoctoral researchers, combining the prestigious Max Planck Society in Germany with the revered Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. This collaborative initiative not only encourages interdisciplinary research but also paves the way for international networking and knowledge exchange among scholars from diverse natural science disciplines.

The Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme embodies the essence of global research collaboration, fostering an environment that nurtures innovation and facilitates groundbreaking discoveries. The participating institutions offer world-class research facilities, cutting-edge resources, and a vibrant intellectual community that promotes academic excellence and the exploration of novel ideas. By joining this program, postdoctoral fellows gain access to a rich tapestry of academic expertise and unparalleled opportunities for growth.

Open to researchers in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and computer science, the Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme propels fellows into the forefront of their respective fields. This diverse range of disciplines not only enriches the academic landscape but also cultivates an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving, encouraging cross-pollination of ideas and innovation. Postdoctoral fellows are empowered to challenge existing boundaries and embark on ambitious research endeavors that have the potential to revolutionize their fields of study.

In conclusion, the Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme is a gateway to international research excellence, offering a unique opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to thrive academically and professionally. Through its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, state-of-the-art resources, and prestigious affiliations, this program unlocks the potential for groundbreaking discoveries and intellectual growth. By providing scholarships and fellowships in diverse natural science disciplines, it serves as a catalyst for global academic engagement, nurturing the next generation of research leaders who will shape the future of scientific knowledge.

Brief Description

  • Organization: The Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme
  • Universities: Germany and Israel
  • Areas/Major: Given Below
  • Course Level: Post-doctoral
  • Award: Fully Funded
  • Application Mode: Online
  • Number of Awards: Not known
  • Nationality: International
  • The program can be taken in Germany and Israel
  • Application Deadline: 1 November 2023

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Background: Applicants must have obtained a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a relevant field of natural sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, or computer science. The degree should be awarded before the start of the postdoctoral fellowship.

Research Experience: Candidates should possess a strong research background and demonstrate exceptional potential for independent scientific investigation. Previous research experience, including publications and presentations, is highly valued.

Research Proposal: Applicants are required to submit a detailed research proposal outlining their proposed project during the postdoctoral fellowship. The proposal should demonstrate originality, scientific rigor, and alignment with the research interests of the Max Planck Society and the Weizmann Institute of Science.

Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is essential since it is the primary language of communication in the program. Applicants should have excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively engage with the international scientific community.

Mobility: The program encourages mobility and international collaboration. While applicants from all nationalities are welcome, priority may be given to candidates who have not resided in Germany or Israel for an extended period. This criterion promotes diversity and cross-cultural exchange among the postdoctoral fellows.

Alignment with Research Interests: It is essential for applicants to demonstrate a clear alignment between their research interests and the ongoing research conducted at the Max Planck Society and the Weizmann Institute of Science. Familiarity with the research conducted by faculty members and research groups at both institutions is highly recommended.

Recommendations: Applicants are typically required to provide letters of recommendation from established researchers familiar with their work. These recommendations should attest to the candidate’s research abilities, potential, and suitability for the Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme.

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Research Areas

The Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme welcomes researchers from various fields of natural sciences. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research and encourages collaboration across different disciplines. While the specific research areas may evolve over time, here are some of the broad research fields and topics that are typically covered:

  • Physics: The program encompasses a wide range of physics research areas, including condensed matter physics, particle physics, quantum physics, astrophysics, and biophysics. Topics may include the study of novel materials, quantum phenomena, cosmology, high-energy physics, and biological physics.
  • Chemistry: Research in chemistry covers diverse areas such as organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical biology, and materials chemistry. Topics of interest may include catalysis, drug discovery, materials synthesis, theoretical chemistry, and bioorganic chemistry.
  • Biology: The field of biology encompasses various sub-disciplines, including molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, neuroscience, and systems biology. Research topics may include genomics, protein structure and function, cell signaling, neural circuits, developmental processes, and computational biology.
  • Mathematics: The program welcomes researchers in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and mathematical physics. Topics may span algebra, analysis, geometry, topology, number theory, mathematical modeling, and mathematical physics.
  • Computer Science: Research areas in computer science encompass artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, algorithms, data science, computational biology, and computer graphics. Topics may include data mining, natural language processing, computer vision applications, algorithm design, and optimization techniques.

It’s important to note that the Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme encourages interdisciplinary research and collaboration across these fields. Therefore, applicants with research interests that span multiple disciplines or those seeking to apply their expertise in one field to another field are also welcome to apply.

The specific research topics and projects within these broad areas may vary depending on the ongoing research at the Max Planck Society and the Weizmann Institute of Science. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the research profiles of faculty members and research groups at both institutions to find alignment between their research interests and the available opportunities.

Highlights of the Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme:

Duration: The Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme offers a comprehensive four-year research experience, with an equal division of time between the Max Planck Society (MPG) and the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS). This unique structure allows postdocs to leverage the expertise and resources of both institutions, enabling them to conduct in-depth research and complex experiments. Throughout the four-year program, postdocs have the opportunity to make significant contributions to their respective fields and publish relevant research outcomes.

Position: Successful candidates selected for the program will receive a four-year appointment, providing them with ample time to focus solely on their research projects. The employment contracts adhere to German guidelines and consider the postdoc’s level of experience. The program offers two levels of employment:

  • Level 2: Postdocs at this level receive an annual salary of 62,822 €, reflecting their experience and expertise.
  • Level 3: Postdocs at this level receive an annual salary of 67,946 €, acknowledging their advanced skills and accomplishments in their field.

Global Research Collaboration: The Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme fosters a collaborative and global research network, offering selected postdocs the opportunity to work closely with leading scientists from the MPG and the WIS. This global collaboration promotes the exchange of ideas, expertise, and diverse perspectives, enriching the research experience and expanding the scope of potential discoveries. Through collaborative efforts, postdocs can engage in interdisciplinary projects and leverage the collective knowledge of esteemed researchers from both institutions.

By providing a four-year duration, generous salaries, and a platform for global research collaboration, the Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme offers a highly rewarding opportunity for postdocs to delve deep into their research, forge valuable connections with renowned scientists, and contribute meaningfully to their fields of study.

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Application Procedure

Collaborative Project: It is crucial to initiate contact with researchers at both the Max Planck Society (MPG) and the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS) to explore potential collaborative projects (List of Universities given below). These projects should involve researchers from both institutions who can act as joint hosts for the postdoctoral candidate.

Detailed CV: Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive CV that includes their academic background, research experience, list of publications, awards, and other pertinent information related to their research area.

Letters of Recommendation: Each application must include a minimum of three letters of recommendation, with one ideally coming from the applicant’s doctoral supervisor or a supervisor’s mentor. These letters should be from individuals familiar with the applicant’s research and capable of evaluating their potential as a postdoctoral researcher in their respective field.

Letters of Support: Letters of support from the MPG and WIS visiting scientist are also required. These letters can be combined into a joint letter and should highlight the collaborative nature of the proposed research project.

Project Outline: Applicants must provide a clear and concise project outline that explains the research project’s nature and its collaborative aspects between the MPG and WIS. The project outline should be limited to a maximum of two pages.

Division of Institutes: Applicants should include a statement indicating the planned division between the Max Planck Society and the Weizmann Institute of Science for the four-year duration of the postdoctoral assignment. It should specify the starting institute (MPG or WIS) for the postdoctoral position.

Application Confirmation: After completing the application questionnaire and submitting it, applicants will receive a confirmation email. This email will contain links for each of the reviewers designated by the applicant. Reviewers will use the provided link to access the system and submit their letters of recommendation.

By adhering to these application requirements, applicants can present a well-rounded profile that highlights their research achievements, demonstrates their collaborative potential, and aligns with the joint goals of the Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme.

Application Form

Online Application Form

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Contact

If you have any inquiries or require assistance regarding the joint Max Planck Society (MPG) and Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS) postdoctoral programme, our dedicated programme coordinator, Mr. Michael Nagel, is available to provide support and guidance. Mr. Nagel will serve as your primary point of contact and will be there to assist you throughout the application process as well as during your participation in the programme.

To get in touch with Mr. Nagel, you can reach him using the following contact information:

Email: postdoc@gv.mpg.de

Phone: +49-89-2108 1258

Whether you have questions about the application requirements, need clarification on specific aspects of the programme, or seek guidance on any other matter related to the joint MPG-WIS postdoctoral programme, Mr. Nagel will be happy to assist you. His expertise and experience will ensure that you receive the necessary support and information to make your participation in the programme a smooth and successful experience.

Feel free to reach out to Mr. Nagel via email or phone, and he will provide prompt and reliable assistance to address your queries and provide guidance throughout your journey in the joint MPG-WIS postdoctoral programme.

Fellowship Benefits

Travel and Conference Funds: The Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme recognizes the significance of scientific networking and the dissemination of research results. As part of the program, postdoctoral fellows are granted up to 3000 euros per year specifically allocated for attending conferences, workshops, and seminars. This financial support enables them to present their work, engage in fruitful discussions with peers, and establish valuable professional connections within their respective fields.

Full Benefits Package: The selected postdoctoral fellows are entitled to a comprehensive benefits package that encompasses various aspects of their well-being. This package includes coverage for relocation expenses, ensuring a smooth transition to the host institutions. Moreover, postdocs receive health, nursing, pension, and unemployment insurance, safeguarding their physical and financial security during their tenure in the program. Additionally, they gain access to institutional resources and state-of-the-art research facilities, providing them with the necessary tools and infrastructure to conduct their research at the highest level.

Housing Allowance: While staying at the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS) in Israel, employees of the Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme are eligible for a housing allowance. This allowance helps alleviate the financial burden associated with accommodation, ensuring that postdoctoral fellows can focus on their research and fully immerse themselves in the vibrant scientific community at WIS.

By providing travel and conference funds, a comprehensive benefits package, and a housing allowance, the Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme demonstrates its commitment to supporting postdoctoral fellows in various aspects of their professional and personal lives. These provisions enable them to engage with the broader scientific community, access state-of-the-art resources, and maintain a comfortable living environment, all of which contribute to their overall growth, productivity, and success during their postdoctoral tenure.

Official Announcement

Click Here to See the Official Announcement

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Muhammad Usman

Postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Science (formally Tokyo Tech).

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