Multiple PhD Positions in Fundamental Physics and Quantum Dynamics (m/f/d)

Multiple PhD Positions in Fundamental Physics and Quantum Dynamics (m/f/d)

The International Max Planck Research Schools for Quantum Dynamics (IMPRS-QD) and for Precision Tests of Fundamental Symmetries (IMPRS-PTFS) call for applications of highly qualified and ambitious students. Both IMPRS are a combined effort of the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics and Heidelberg University.

Members of the IMPRS perform research in a variety of fields, pushing forward the frontiers of our knowledge both theoretically and experimentally, be it with low‑energy neutrino and dark matter investigations, ultra‑cold matter, ultra‑precise ion traps and storage rings, molecules, ultra‑fast and/or extreme field lasers, highly charged ions, atomic nuclei, or with high‑energy astrophysics or LHC physics.

• What lies behind the mechanism responsible for the breaking of the electroweak symmetry?
• What is the role of time in quantum systems?
• What is the dynamics of quantum many‑body systems under extreme conditions?
• What lies behind the existence of generations of quarks and leptons?
• How do strong lasers and x‑ray sources interact with the vacuum and with matter?
• Are lepton number or baryon number conserved quantities?
• Is CPT and Lorentz invariance conserved?
• How do dynamical structures emerge?
• Are fundamental constants really constant?
• How is the matter‑antimatter symmetry violated and how does it lead to the baryon asymmetry of the Universe?
• Does QED describe nature also in extreme environments?
• What are the properties of Dark Matter and Dark Energy?

We offer

State‑of‑the‑art research facilities across the vibrant, international scientific environment in Heidelberg, supervised and mentored by a team of internationally renowned experts. Our inter‑ and cross‑disciplinary training provides broad knowledge of a variety of research fields, energy scales and complexities required for the theoretical and experimental description and interpretation of the involved systems in a fundamental manner. It is complemented by regular seminars, workshops and soft‑skill courses, thereby providing excellent future perspectives for the students. Working contracts are based on the German federal pay agreement.

We seek

Highly motivated applicants with an excellent academic background. Applicants generally should hold (or are about to complete) a pertinent MSc degree or equivalent, but exceptions for other training backgrounds are possible.

The IMPRS partners promote the employment of disabled persons, and strive for diversity and equal opportunities including professional gender equality and excellent reconciliation of family and career. We have set our focus on increasing the proportion of women in areas in which they are underrepresented, and are family‑friendly employers.

Your application

Further information and the online application system are available on the respective webpages of the IMPRS‑QD and IMPRS‑PTFS. The deadline is 17 May 2026.

Contacts

Jörg Evers (IMPRS‑QD, )

Werner Rodejohann (IMPRS‑PTFS, )