Upcoming PhD Positions MQV & MCQST Doctoral Fellowships in Quantum Science and Technology: Fall 2026 Open Call

The Munich Centre for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST) together with the Munich Quantum Valley (MQV) gladly announce the open call for several fully funded PhD fellowships. The applications are accepted from October to January every year. We invite passionate and dedicated young professionals to seize this career opportunity and join us for their PhD in quantum science and technology.

About MCQST and MQV:

MCQST is a Cluster of Excellence funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft). More than 500 scientists from various disciplines work on different areas of quantum science and technology, from basic research to applications. The MCQST Doctoral Program builds upon the framework established by the International Max Planck Research School for Quantum Science and Technology (IMPRS-QST). The program offers structured supervision and mentoring, interdisciplinary training, scientific workshops, career-development activities, networking opportunities, and community events. Doctoral researchers can also access guidance and support throughout their PhD.

The Munich Quantum Valley, on the other hand, is dedicated to advancing quantum science and quantum technologies in Bavaria, with a primary focus on developing competitive quantum computers and bringing quantum technology to industrial applications. MQV doctoral fellows selected through the open call will have the freedom to choose any research group involved in Quantum Science and Technology across Bavarian universities, ensuring a diverse and dynamic research experience. The doctoral fellows of Munich Quantum Valley have access to courses and events from other quantum programs and MQV-partners, including IMPRS-QST and MCQST programs in Munich.

Fields of Research:

The research fields covered by MCQST and MQV include but are not limited to:

Atomic physics and quantum optics
Solid-state physics and material science
Quantum information theory
Quantum many-body systems
Quantum-related fields of electrical engineering and computer science

Who Should Apply:

Candidates who have completed a Master s degree (or equivalent) outside of Bavaria are eligible to apply. Persons who have completed their degree within Bavaria are welcome to contact research groups for doctoral research opportunities directly. We welcome applications from candidates whose qualifications are completed or will be completed before the start of the fellowship but not later than September of the following year.

Whether you're an aspiring physicist, engineer, or computer scientist, if you're committed to pushing the boundaries of quantum science and technology, we encourage you to apply. There are no tuition fees, and all PhD positions are fully funded for three years.

You can apply for one or both fellowships. Applications for both fellowships will be considered in parallel by separate committees in Spring after the application round is closed.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Both MCQST and MQV programs are committed to recruiting exceptional students from diverse backgrounds and meeting them with openness and respect. We explicitly encourage candidates of all genders to apply and extend our welcome to students from all countries. We believe that diversity drives innovation, and we look forward to welcoming a cohort of students with unique perspectives.

Don t miss the opportunity and apply to either MCQST, MQV, or both to become part of a community at the forefront of quantum science and technology.

For more information and to apply, please visit our application portal, as well as the MCQST and MQV websites.

Join us in Bavaria and let's shape the future together.

On behalf of

Prof. Ignacio Cirac & Prof. Jan von Delft MQV and IMPRS Educational Team