Germany · Dresden · Independent Theoretical Research
Distinguished PKS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027
The Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems invites applications for its 2027 fellowship. Prepare a focused independent research proposal and coordinate your reference letters early.
Fellowship at a glance
| Host | Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems (MPI-PKS) |
|---|---|
| Location | Dresden, Germany |
| Appointment | Two years, with a possible one-year extension |
| Annual awards | One, according to the institute’s Work with us page |
| Deadline | 13 November 2026; closing hour not published |
| Salary | No numerical amount published in the call |
| Application contact | Pablo Perez: visitors@pks.mpg.de |
Research fit and experience
The call spans theoretical quantum, condensed-matter, statistical and nonlinear physics, alongside biological physics, quantitative biology and physics of life. Promising new directions are also welcome.
Applicants are normally expected to have at least one year of postdoctoral experience outside their PhD institution. Exceptional applications immediately after the PhD may be considered.
CareerAidHub interpretation: explain both your independence and how your project complements the institute. Use the complete official field list when assessing fit; a broad topic match alone does not establish suitability.
What to submit
The application package is one PDF containing a cover letter, CV, publication list highlighting three key papers, research-interest statement and research proposal.
Arrange three reference letters separately through the institute’s reference portal. The application form accepts PDF files up to 25 MB; the reference-upload page displays a 100 MB limit.
- Read the official call linked at the end of this article.
- Follow its PKSFellow27 application link and confirm the form is for the 2027 call.
- Complete the personal, PhD and affiliation fields, then upload your combined PDF.
- Send referees the institute’s reference-upload instructions. Allow time for them to complete submission.
- Check the final application, submit early and retain any acknowledgement.
No fixed start date or proposal page limit was identified in the reviewed call. Check the live form and ask the application contact if clarification is needed.
Develop a proposal with a clear scientific purpose
CareerAidHub editorial advice: these suggestions support preparation and are not additional selection rules.
- Start with the question. Explain the unresolved problem before describing techniques.
- Define your contribution. Distinguish your proposed work from earlier group projects and collaborations.
- Make the method credible. Identify assumptions, computational or analytical requirements and fallback approaches.
- Plan realistic milestones. Link early work to specific decisions and outputs.
- Choose papers deliberately. Explain why your strongest contributions support the proposed research.
- Brief your referees. Share the call, your CV and project summary so they can assess your work accurately.
Career Accelerator Programme
CareerAidHub offers profile review, opportunity mapping, CV and cover-letter feedback, research statement support, outreach planning and one-to-one mentorship.
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CareerAidHub is an independent advisory service with no affiliation to MPI-PKS or the Max Planck Society. Support does not guarantee selection or funding.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2027 call open?
Yes, as reviewed on 30 October 2026.
What is the closing date?
13 November 2026. No closing hour or time zone is stated.
Can a newly qualified PhD apply?
Normally one postdoctoral year away from the PhD institution is expected. Immediate post-PhD applications may be considered exceptionally.
How many awards are available?
The institute says it awards one Distinguished PKS Postdoctoral Fellowship annually.
Is the third year guaranteed?
No. The two-year appointment has a possible one-year extension.
Are references included in my application PDF?
No. Arrange three letters through the separate reference-upload route provided by the institute.
Is a salary amount published?
No numerical salary is stated in the reviewed call. Ask the institute about remuneration and appointment terms.
How can I make my proposal clearer?
CareerAidHub recommends a focused research question, a credible method and a clear explanation of your independent contribution.
Official call and application links
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026. Sources checked: the official 2027 call, institute Work with us page, linked application form and reference-upload page. The call below provides both submission routes. Recheck it for amendments before applying.
