Application

Who can apply?

The MPGC welcomes highly qualified researchers in the natural sciences who wish to pursue an interdisciplinary PhD project in Mainz.

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) following at least four years of university studies in a natural science or engineering discipline

• Have obtained excellent academic results (grades earned abroad will be converted into the German grading system)

• Apply within the first year of their doctoral research

Prospective applicants who are not yet working in a research group at one of the participating institutions in Mainz are expected to contact potential MPGC Faculty members directly to discuss possible supervision and develop an interdisciplinary PhD project proposal prior to submitting their application.

Application Documents

(Submit as one combined PDF)

• Curriculum Vitae

• Exposé (max. 4 pages)
  Letter of motivation including:

  • Planned PhD project

  • Interdisciplinary aspects

  • Relevant MPGC Focus Group(s)

  • Academic background and future goals

• Academic certificates and transcripts (with all grades; in German or English)

  • For degrees obtained abroad, a certificate of recognition must be obtained via the JGU Mainz International Services (processing time approx. 6 weeks)

• Proof of English proficiency (for non-native speakers, official standardized tests, e.g. TOEFL iBT (min. 60 points) or German Abitur)

• Two letters of recommendation from independent referees, preferably including both supervisors. If the recommendation letters are not written by the intended MPGC supervisors, the latter must provide a short written confirmation stating their agreement to supervise the project.

Incomplete applications cannot be considered.

Interview Process

Eligible candidates will be invited to an oral interview with an interview committee of MPGC Faculty Members from various disciplines consisting of:

• A 10-minute presentation (strict time limit; must be held in English)

• A short question and discussion session

The presentation should include:

• A brief summary of your Master’s thesis (1 slide)

• An outline of your planned PhD project

• Preliminary results (if available)

• A clear explanation of the interdisciplinary aspects of the project and the Focus Group(s) it would align with

• Identification of the disciplines, institutions, and supervisors involved

Contact

Please address your application with the key word "MPGC application" electronically to:
 

E-mail: mpgc-office(at)mpip-mainz.mpg.de