Join us in shaping the future of sustainable chemical production - PhD positions in Process Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Materials Engineering, Computational Chemistry and Systems Biology

Be a part of this transformative initiative and contribute through groundbreaking research in process and systems engineering, applied mathematics, materials engineering, computational chemistry and systems biology. Application Period: February 9, 2026 – March 22, 2026.

The International Max Planck Research School for Systems and Process Engineering for a Sustainable Chemical Production (IMPRS SysProSus) is a graduate school jointly run by the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems (MPI) and the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU). In our structured PhD program, talented junior scientists have the opportunity to obtain a doctorate under excellent research conditions, a multidisciplinary environment and close scientific supervision.

Our offer

We provide high-level scientific training and support PhD projects which investigate new methodological approaches for the systematic replacement of fossil raw materials in chemical production by renewable carbon sources, in particular biogenic residues and plastic waste. Through an innovative concept of combining cutting-edge mathematical and systems-oriented engineering research the school brings together researchers from various engineering areas, natural sciences and mathematics.

Apart from a well-balanced extensive curriculum designed to train both scientific and soft skills, the IMPRS SysProSus supports doctoral candidates in conducting part of their research at our international partner institutions. Our working language is English and the doctoral degree is awarded by the Otto von Guericke University.

All our doctoral candidates receive a standard working contract (OVGU) or support contract (MPI) with payment and benefits in accordance with a public collective agreement (TVL or TVöD). Your salary is based on TVL/TVöD E13, 75%.

Requirements

We are looking for students with a Master Degree (or degrees equivalent to the German Diploma) in the areas of chemical engineering, materials engineering and bioengineering, systems and control theory, applied mathematics and computational chemistry, systems biology or related fields of study. You should have solid expertise in the area of research of the research group you apply for. Recent activities in the respective research field are welcome. Fluent English is mandatory since you will work in an international environment.

Participating in our program with a Bachelor degree only, is not possible. You might check out our scholarship opportunities for Master studies in Magdeburg.

Further information & application

The Max Planck Society is committed to equal opportunities, gender equality, and diversity. What counts for us are your qualifications, professional strengths, and the candidates’ attitude. We, therefore, welcome all applications regardless of gender, cultural or social background, disability, religion, age, lifestyle, ideology or sexual identity. Women and people with severe disabilities are unfortunately currently underrepresented within our doctoral candidates. We are therefore particularly interested in applications from women and severely disabled people and expressly encourage them to apply.

Applications should be submitted via our online application form. Required documents are: CV, motivation letter, all your university degrees and transcripts of grades (in German or English), two reference letters and proof of English proficiency.

For more information on the application process check the selection process and FAQ. You might also be interested in the personal experiences of our doctoral researchers: https://www.mpi-magdeburg.mpg.de/1452752/application.