Pursue your PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research!
The Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPIP) offers PhD students an excellent environment to pursue their research in one of our six departments. Doctoral researchers can develop their overall scientific and professional skills within the framework of our graduate education program.
Independent Research:
At the heart of the graduate education program at MPIP is the independent research each PhD student pursues within their research group. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and cutting-edge research facilities, students can develop and refine their expertise using the best possible equipment. Beyond the supervision provided by their group leader and director, a network of experts from all departments fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, ensuring that research projects benefit from a broad range of scientific perspectives. In this dynamic environment, graduate students are encouraged to pursue their research goals and achieve scientific growth.
Excellent Scientific Education:
As part of the scientific education for all doctoral researchers at MPIP, we offer a recurring multidisciplinary lecture series on various methods and research topics in soft matter research, aimed at a broad scientific audience. The lectures are given by experts from all MPIP departments - both group leaders and directors - and cover a variety of topics, from advanced microscopy techniques and spectroscopic analysis to computational chemistry tools and beyond. (Link to events)
General Professional Development:
Beyond scientific training, the graduate education program at MPIP also emphasizes general professional development. Recognizing that PhD students pursue diverse career paths, the program offers a wide range of opportunities to build essential skills. In addition to accessing the courses and workshops provided by the Max Planck Society through the Planck Academy, students can participate in soft skills courses offered directly at MPIP, covering topics such as presentation skills, negotiation, and more. These courses play an important role in ensuring overall professional growth. Furthermore, doctoral researchers at MPIP benefit from mentoring opportunities that help them explore career options in academia, industry, and beyond.
Social and Intercultural Learning:
The MPIP is a melting pot of different nationalities and cultures. Pursuing a PhD in this multi-ethnic and diverse environment offers PhD students the opportunity to work and learn with people from different backgrounds, thereby fostering intercultural exchange and enhancing global perspectives. This enriching atmosphere promotes social and intercultural learning, especially through peer-to-peer networking events among doctoral students. The MPIP is an open and welcoming research institution for doctoral students of all backgrounds, religions, genders, sexual orientations and identities. This diverse and inclusive working environment is vital to us because good ideas and excellent research need many different bright minds.
Applying to Do your PhD
Applications for PhD positions at MPIP are handled decentrally by the individual departments. For specific application details, please visit the respective department pages.
Getting your Doctoral Degree
The MPIP is located right next to Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), where PhD students can officially enroll in one of the natural science faculties (Faculty 08 – Physics, Faculty 09 – Chemistry, Faculty 10 – Biology). For students pursuing interdisciplinary research projects, the Max Planck Graduate Center (MPGC) in collaboration with JGU offers an additional pathway to obtain an interdisciplinary doctoral degree upon admission. Beyond JGU, some MPIP departments also collaborate with other universities, providing alternative options for obtaining a doctoral degree.
