Work with us!

Our institute is dedicated to providing opportunities for scientists at all career stages to pursue an exciting research programme in an open intellectural environment. Details for application procedures are listed in the following.

The Division of Condensed Matter Theory of the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems seeks candidates for the position of a Research Group Leader.

Candidates should have a strong postdoctoral research track record and are expected to build and lead a group to pursue a high-quality research programme. Current research interests within the Division of Condensed Matter Theory range from strongly correlated Fermions and Bosons, spintronics, quantum dynamics in and out of equilibrium, via topological phases of matter to quantum computation and information theory.

We particularly welcome original proposals which lie out side this set of topics and which may involve related scientific disciplines.

The Institute provides a stimulating environment due to an active workshop program and a broad range of research activities ranging from the study of cold plasmas to biological physics. Also, strong experimental groups exist nearby, for example in the adjacent MPI for the Chemical Physics of Solids.

The position has a flexible starting date and is for a five-year period with the possibility of renewal. Remuneration is competitive (TVöD 15) and generous funds are available for hiring post-docs and PhD students. Previous research group leaders have gone on to faculty positions all over the world.

To apply, please fill the online application form at https://pks.mpg.de/rgl26 and upload your CV, publication list, and a description of research accomplishments and future plans in one pdf file. Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be submitted via https://www.pks.mpg.de/reference/ 

We especially encourage women to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more individuals with disabilities, who in the case of equal qualifications will take precedence.

Consideration of applications will start immediately until the position is filled; for primary consideration please submit all materials by 15 February 2026.

The Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems in Dresden announces the opening of one or several Postdoctoral Positions in the area of condensed matter theory to work with Roderich Moessner, Jan-Carl Budich, Marín Bukov, Pieter Claeys, Ashley Cook, Libor Šmejkal, and Alexander Wietek. The areas of research range from strongly correlated Fermions and Bosons in and out of equilibrium, gauge theories, spintronics, frustrated systems and topological/fractionalized phases of matter, via computational many-body physics nonequilibrium quantum dynamics, to quantum computation, quantum information, and machine learning.

The Institute provides a stimulating environment due to an active in-house workshop program and a broad range of other research activities. Strong experimental groups are nearby, in particular in the neighbouring Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids. 

To apply for a position, please fill the online application form (http://www.pks.mpg.de/CMpd26) and upload your application package (cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, statement of research interests and research proposal as well as the three most relevant publications) in one pdf file. Please arrange for at least two letters of reference should be sent by February 6, 2026 preferable to be submitted in pdf format online (http://www.pks.mpg.de/reference/); or by email to visitors[at]pks.mpg(dot)de with subject line CMpd26, or by regular mail: Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Visitors Program, Nöthnitzer Str. 38, 01187 Dresden, Germany.

The Max Planck Institute aims to increase the number of women in scientific positions. Fermale candidates are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.

In the case of equal qualifications, candidates with disabilities will take precedence. 
 

We welcome applications for Ph.D. at any time. Interested applicants can either contact the director, one of the group leaders, which are listed in the members section.

A complete application entails: 
(1) A single PDF file containing a cover letter, your academic Curriculum Vitae, and your latest transcripts from university. The transcripts should contain information regarding courses and university or entrance exams taken and performance in them. Please send this file to Ms. Anna Burger (Condensed Matter secretary).
(2) Two confidential letters of recommendation in support of the application, sent independently and directly to Ms. Burger by the referees.

Alternatively, you can apply to the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Many Particle Systems in Structured Environments, which has two application deadlines per year.

We offer pre-Ph.D. research experience to particularly promising undergraduate students in the penultimate or final year of undergraduate studies. The typical duration is about two months, and the application deadline is 30 November 2025 for internships in the Summer of 2026. More details can be found on the announcement poster and under Research areas.

An outstanding feature of  MPI-PKS is that - besides the usual support for Ph.D. and postdoctoral work - we are very flexible in providing opportunities for scientific visits of differing lengths.

For instance, this may be several-month programmes of collaborative research or sabbaticals for more senior scientists. The condensed matter division of MPI-PKS greatly welcomes such requests and proposals.

The MPIPKS hosts one or two Advanced Study Groups each year. Each group consists of several scientists working on a focused, cutting-edge, theme. The group will attract further shorter term visitors for seminars, lectures, discussions and other meetings. Potential organizers should in the first instance contact the Director (Secretary Email: sec-condmat[at]pks.mpg(dot)de) .

If you would like to visit us, but do not fall into any of the above categories, we try to accomodate any scientifically promising proposition. In that case, please contact either the Visitors Programme directly, or the scientist you expect to collaborate with, or both.