The International Max Planck Research School for Chemistry and Physics of Quantum Materials (IMPRS-CPQM) is inviting applications for multiple fully funded research positions in quantum materials for 2027. This international PhD program is jointly organized by the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, and the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Open to applicants from all countries, the program offers experimental and theoretical research opportunities in solid-state chemistry and condensed matter physics, competitive compensation, advanced research facilities, and structured doctoral training.
Important Dates / Deadline
- Application deadline: November 30, 2026
- Recruitment year: 2027
- Latest expected start date: September 2027
Organization
- Program: International Max Planck Research School for Chemistry and Physics of Quantum Materials (IMPRS-CPQM)
- Partner institution: Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids
- Partner university: Technische Universität Dresden
- Partner university: University of St Andrews
- Research fields: Solid-state chemistry, condensed matter physics, and quantum materials
Location / Study Destination
Dresden, Germany, and St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom. Research projects are organized across the three participating institutions, with the primary research location depending on the selected project.
Who Can Apply
Applications are encouraged from:
- Students and graduates from any country, including UK, EU, and international applicants.
- Candidates holding an outstanding Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
- Applicants whose academic backgrounds align closely with the program’s research activities.
- Candidates interested in experimental or theoretical research on quantum materials.
- Applicants seeking interdisciplinary doctoral research opportunities in solid-state chemistry and condensed matter physics.
The program encourages applications from women in underrepresented research areas and aims to increase the employment of people with severe disabilities.
Key Benefits / Funding
- Competitive compensation: Successful candidates receive competitive payment based on the primary location of their research project.
- Funded research environment: Access to generously funded research activities in quantum materials.
- Research infrastructure: Use of advanced laboratories, scientific facilities, and institutional research resources.
- International collaboration: Opportunities to work with scientists across three participating institutions.
- Graduate education: Structured graduate courses integrated with doctoral research.
- Professional development: General skills training alongside specialized scientific research.
- Research diversity: Opportunities to pursue experimental or theoretical projects.
- Academic networking: Interaction with internationally recognized researchers in quantum materials science.
Main Requirements
Academic qualifications
Applicants are expected to have an outstanding Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a discipline closely aligned with the research activities of IMPRS-CPQM.
Research interests
Candidates should demonstrate an interest in one or more of the following areas:
- Quantum materials research.
- Solid-state chemistry.
- Condensed matter physics.
- Experimental investigations of quantum materials.
- Theoretical approaches to quantum materials.
- Interdisciplinary research connecting chemistry and physics.
Research activities
Successful candidates will participate in inter-institutional research projects in quantum materials.
The doctoral program combines:
- Independent scientific research.
- Experimental or theoretical investigations.
- Collaboration with researchers at partner institutions.
- Graduate-level coursework.
- General research and professional skills training.
- Access to specialized research infrastructure and facilities.
A complete list of available research projects can be accessed through the program’s research project listing.
How to Apply
Step 1: Explore available PhD projects
Review the experimental and theoretical research opportunities offered by the International Max Planck Research School for Chemistry and Physics of Quantum Materials.
Step 2: Review the application guidelines
Visit the official IMPRS-CPQM website for information about the application procedure and available doctoral projects.
Step 3: Select a suitable research area
Identify research projects that align with your academic qualifications, scientific interests, and preferred research approach.
Step 4: Prepare the application
Follow the application guidelines published by IMPRS-CPQM and prepare the required application materials.
Step 5: Submit before the deadline
Complete the application process by November 30, 2026.
Successful applicants are expected to begin their doctoral research projects no later than September 2027.
Important Notes
- Multiple PhD positions are available for the 2027 recruitment cycle.
- Applications are open to excellent candidates from all countries.
- Applicants should hold an outstanding Bachelor’s or Master’s degree relevant to the program’s research fields.
- Both experimental and theoretical research projects are offered.
- Compensation depends on the primary location of the selected research project.
- The program operates through cooperation among institutions in Germany and the United Kingdom.
- Doctoral research is supplemented by graduate courses and general skills training.
- The program emphasizes a supportive research environment and international scientific collaboration.
- IMPRS-CPQM is committed to improving representation among women in underrepresented fields and increasing employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities.
- Accepted candidates are expected to start their projects by September 2027.