Deadline: June 26, 2025
Applications are open for the Max Planck — Weizmann Joint Postdoctoral Program 2025. The Max Planck Society (MPG), based in Germany, and the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS), located in Israel, present an exceptional postdoctoral program that enhances scientific collaboration and encourages interdisciplinary research.
This unique initiative offers an extraordinary opportunity for talented researchers to engage in groundbreaking projects, benefit from the vast expertise of two prestigious institutions, and actively contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective disciplines. The program not only facilitates significant research advancements but also fosters a vibrant academic community, enabling participants to build essential professional networks across various scientific fields.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Research Support: Fellows benefit from substantial institutional resources at both MPG and WIS, including state-of-the-art lab facilities, diverse scientific expertise, and an established framework for innovative research.
- Generous Financial Package: At WIS, Postdocs receive a tax-exempt fellowship with full family health insurance, nursing care subsidies, vacation days, relocation support, and subsidized housing. During their time at MPG, Postdocs are salaried per the German Postdoctoral guidelines, including health, nursing, and pension benefits.
- Independent Research Travel Funding: An annual travel allowance of €3,000 allows fellows to attend conferences and seminars, supporting networking and professional growth on an international level.
- Global Research Collaboration: The program promotes interdisciplinary work and international collaboration, engaging fellows with leading scientists from both institutions and across various fields such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Earth Science and Life Sciences.
Eligibility
- Applicants must begin the program within four years of completing their PhD or MD (the earlier of the two in case of candidates with both degrees).
- Current WIS postdocs are eligible to apply, but must commence the program before the end of their first year at WIS.
- Commencement into the program is contingent upon PhD thesis submission.
- Applicants cannot apply in collaboration with their PhD advisor.
Application
The next application deadline is June 26, 2025, for positions starting between September 2025 and March 2026.
- Contact researchers at MPG and at WIS, to discuss potential collaborative projects for which the researchers from both institutions can serve as joint hosts.
- Provide a detailed CV highlighting your academic background, research experience, list of publications, list of invited talks, awards, and any other relevant information specific to your field of research.
- Arrange for at least three letters of recommendation (one should be from the PhD advisor). These letters should come from individuals familiar with your research work and can assess your potential as a postdoctoral researcher in your specific field.
- Support letters from the MPG and WIS host researchers (can be a joint letter).
- Please note: as at each institute the costs are split between the institute and the PI, the PIs should declare that they have available funds to support the candidate.
- A Research statement explaining the project and its collaborative nature between the MPG and WIS (Length: up to 2 pages, Margins: 2 cm, Font size: 11 pt)
- A statement about the planned split between the institutes (MPG and WIS) for the duration of the 4 years. This should indicate at which institute (MPG or WIS) you will begin your four-year position. The four years should be split equally between the institutions. Several transfers are allowed, but generally not for a duration of less than a year. This plan should be based on scientific justification given the expertise and infrastructure at both institutions. This plan can be changed during the program upon the program committee approval.
- Upon completing the session and clicking the “Submit Application” button, you will receive an email verifying your application. Note: this email also contains unique links for each of the referees you have listed. You may send each referee their unique link, which will allow them to access the system and submit their letter of recommendation.
For more information, visit MPG-WIS Joint Postdoctoral Program.
