PhD positions in Astrophysics / Solar Physics / Planetary Sciences
Job Summary
Göttingen
Germany
Braunschweig
Germany
Job Description
International Max Planck Research School for Solar System Science
The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Göttingen conducts fundamental research in the field of solar system physics. With its approximately 300 staff members, it is one of the leading institutes in the field of solar physics and planetary research. In particular, the institute is involved in numerous international space missions.
The International Max Planck Research School for Solar System Science at the University of Göttingen and TU Braunschweig ("Solar System School") offers a research-oriented doctoral programme in Solar system science.
In the context of this IMPRS, the MPS offers PhD projects in three main areas: ''Sun and Heliosphere'',
''Solar and Stellar Interiors'', and ''Planetary Science''. Solar System School students collaborate with
leading scientists in these fields and graduates are awarded a doctoral degree from the University of
Göttingen or the TU Braunschweig.
The MPS invites applications for PhD Positions in Solar System Science
The Solar System School is open to students from all countries and offers an international three-year PhD program in an exceptional research environment with state-of-the-art facilities on the Göttingen Campus. Successful applicants will be offered a 3,5-year doctoral support contract with remuneration dependent on TVöD (75% E13) according to the German public salary scale, as well as postdoc wrap-up funding.
The language of the structured graduate program is English, with complimentary German language courses offered (optional). The program includes an inspiring curriculum of scientific lectures and seminars as well as advanced training workshops and provides relocation costs and travel funds to attend international conferences.
The positions are awarded on a competitive basis. All PhD positions offered to successful applicants are fully funded.
The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. The Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of individuals of underrepresented genders and therefore explicitly encourages individuals of underrepresented genders to apply.
The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more individuals with severe disabilities. Applications from individuals with severe disabilities are explicitly encouraged.
Compensation and Benefits
Fully funded PhD positions at a pay scale adequate to cover costs of living in Germany. No tuition fees. Semester fees apply.
Mandatory deductions from salary for tax and for social security contributions: health insurance, nursing care, pension and unemployment insurance.
Benefits if applicable: maternity leave, parental leave. Subject to negotiation: Relocation support, recruitment bonus. See https://www.mps.mpg.de/phd/funding
Also available: Access to free language courses, access to the services of the international office including short-term guest house accommodation: See https://www.mps.mpg.de/guests
The range for the compensation amount is for the yearly gross salary. Depending on the individual tax bracket and on social security contributions, the net monthly salary after deductions can be expected to amount to approximately 2400 EUR.
For details about remuneration in the context of doctoral support contracts according to the civil service pay scale in Germany, see https://www.mps.mpg.de/phd/funding
Application Details
Applicants must submit the following documents through the online application portal between 1 August and 1 October 2024: an application form to be filled online, including two short texts describing the applicant's scientific interests and their motivation to apply for PhD projects in the Solar System School, along with the applicant's choice of up to three PhD projects; a curriculum vitae in pdf format; degree certificates and full transcripts of all academic records: i.e. scanned copies of B.Sc. and M.Sc. degree certificates (or equivalent), and lists of all courses with credits and grades issued by the respective school or university, with English or German translations; certificate to prove proficiency in the English language, for candidates whose most recent academic education has not been in English or German for at least two years (e.g. transcript of TOEFL / IELTS scores or equivalent); contact details for two or three academic referees who have been contacted by the applicant and who have agreed to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant. The referees will subsequently be contacted by the School and will be asked to submit their letters through the online portal no later than 10 October 2024.
It is highly recommended to also submit GRE Physics or GRE Chemistry test scores or equivalent for candidates who have obtained their Master's degree at a university outside of the European ECTS area.