Postdoctoral Researcher - German-Israeli Max Planck-Weizmann Programme

About the Role

The German-Israeli Max Planck-Weizmann Postdoctoral Programme funds joint two-year positions split between a Max Planck Institute in Germany and a host laboratory at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. Researchers spend approximately 12 months at each institution. The programme covers chemistry, biology, physics, and materials science. The 2027 application round closes 1 July 2026.

Salary follows the Max Planck TVöD E13/100% scale, approximately EUR 4,000 to 4,500 per month gross, with relocation support for both legs of the appointment.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a collaborative research project developed jointly with supervisors at both Max Planck and Weizmann
• Divide time roughly equally between the German and Israeli host laboratories
• Present research at internal seminars at both institutions and at international conferences
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals; co-authorship with both supervisors is expected
• Participate in programme workshops and career development events organised by the Max Planck Society

Requirements

• PhD in chemistry, biology, physics, or a closely related field, awarded within the past four years (career breaks are considered)
• Identification of both a Max Planck supervisor and a Weizmann supervisor willing to co-host before submitting (contact both supervisors first)
• Strong publication record relative to career stage
• Fluent in English (the working language at both institutions); German and Hebrew are not required

Nice to Have

• Prior international research experience outside the PhD country
• A project that genuinely spans both institutions’ active research themes
• Letters of support from the intended supervisors, submitted alongside the application

How to Apply

Contact prospective supervisors at both institutions before submitting. Once both supervisors agree:

1. Download the application form from the Max Planck Society website at mpg.de.
2. Prepare a research proposal (max 5 pages), CV, publication list, PhD certificate, and letters of support from both supervisors.
3. Submit the complete package online by 1 July 2026.

The programme committee reviews applications in August and September 2026 and notifies successful candidates by November 2026, for a start in early to mid-2027.