The MCQST Junior Researcher START Fellowship gives outstanding early-career researchers up to €300,000 over two years to lead their own independent research project within MCQST's research program . Unlike a standard postdoctoral position, START fellows run their own project and build their own small team — with full independence over their research direction.
Funding can be used flexibly in accordance with DFG regulations , including for the fellow’s own salary, staff, equipment, consumables, and travel. An MCQST Principal Investigator (PI) provides the necessary laboratory and office space and serves as the fellow’s host.
The fellowship is designed as a stepping stone towards scientific independence, with the clear expectation that fellows will use the funding period to develop their research profile and secure competitive follow‑up funding , such as an ERC Starting Grant.

Funding at a Glance

Who it's for: Outstanding early-career researchers ready to lead an independent research group
Funding: Up to €300,000
Duration: Two years
Eligible costs: Own salary, staff, equipment, consumables, travel, and other eligible expenses under DFG funding rules
Start date: No later than 1 January of the year following admission

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The START Fellowship is open to early-career researchers who have completed a PhD in physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, engineering, or a related field. Experience in quantum science and technology is an advantage and should be demonstrated through the applicant’s research record.

Applicants must have less than four years of postdoctoral experience at the application deadline. Career breaks will be taken into account.
Applicants must identify an MCQST PI who is willing to host them. The host provides the necessary research infrastructure, laboratory and office space, and submits a letter of support.
Only one application per MCQST PI/research group is permitted per call.
Applications may be supported by more than one MCQST PI where appropriate.

Questions?

Please feel free to contact start(at)mcqst.de at any time.

Finding an MCQST host

Not yet connected to an MCQST PI? You can explore potential hosts on our MCQST members page . We encourage you to contact PIs whose research aligns with your proposed project well ahead of the application deadline . Your host will provide the research environment and infrastructure required for your project and support your integration into the MCQST community.

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated by a selection committee in a two-stage process :

Application review: The committee evaluates the submitted application materials and selects candidates for the interview stage.
Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to an in-person interview in Munich . Interviews will take place in January/February 2027 (exact dates will be announced soon).

Applications are evaluated based on:

scientific excellence and track record
quality and originality of the proposed research
potential for scientific independence and leadership

The START Fellowship is intended to support researchers on their path towards scientific independence. We therefore particularly look for candidates who demonstrate the potential to establish and lead their own research group. In the case of equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to candidates joining MCQST from outside the existing community.

Equal Opportunities

MCQST is committed to a fair, inclusive, and transparent selection process. We welcome applications from researchers of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups that are underrepresented in quantum science and technology. We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive research environment regardless of ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, social background, or age.

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