Max Planck–Weizmann Joint Postdoctoral Program 2025-2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you're an early-career researcher eager to immerse yourself in a globally collaborative and interdisciplinary scientific environment, the Max Planck–Weizmann Joint Postdoctoral Program offers a prestigious four-year opportunity. This program is a partnership between the Max Planck Society (MPG) in Germany and the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS) in Israel, designed to foster cutting-edge research across various scientific disciplines. Applications for the upcoming cohort are now open, with a deadline of June 26, 2025.
📌 Fellowship Summary
Location: Germany (MPG) and Israel (WIS)
Host Institutions: Max Planck Society (MPG) & Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS)
Academic Level: Postdoctoral
Target Group: Early-career researchers within four years of completing their PhD or MD
Fields of Research: Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, Earth Sciences
Funding: Competitive salary/fellowship, health insurance, relocation support, travel allowance
Duration: 4 years (2 years at MPG, 2 years at WIS)
Application Deadline: June 26, 2025
Start Date: Between September 2025 and March 2026
Eligibility: Researchers worldwide within four years post-PhD/MD
🧭 Program Overview
The Max Planck–Weizmann Joint Postdoctoral Program is structured to provide fellows with a comprehensive research experience:
Duration: Four years, split equally between MPG and WIS.
Flexibility: While the standard split is two years at each institution, the program allows for flexibility in how time is divided, based on scientific justification.
Research Collaboration: Fellows will engage in collaborative projects that leverage the strengths and resources of both institutions.
Interdisciplinary Focus: The program encourages interdisciplinary research, allowing fellows to work across various scientific domains.
🎁 Program Benefits
Comprehensive Support: Access to state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship from leading scientists, and integration into vibrant research communities at both institutions.
Financial Package:
At MPG: Salaried positions according to German Postdoctoral guidelines, including health, nursing, and pension benefits.
At WIS: Tax-exempt fellowship with full family health insurance, nursing care subsidies, vacation days, relocation support, and subsidized housing.
Travel Allowance: Annual €3,000 allowance for conferences and seminars to support professional development and networking.
Relocation Support: Relocation expenses covered up to €1,500 for single postdocs and €3,000 for those with families, applicable twice during the program.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Have completed their PhD or MD within the last four years.
Demonstrate a strong track record of research excellence.
Secure joint supervision from researchers at both MPG and WIS.
Not have conducted their PhD under the supervision of the proposed hosts.
Begin the program within four years of completing their PhD or MD.
📝 Application Procedure
Identify Potential Hosts: Reach out to researchers at both MPG and WIS to discuss potential collaborative projects.
Prepare Application Materials:
Detailed CV highlighting academic background, research experience, and publications.
Research statement (up to 2 pages) outlining the proposed collaborative project.
Statement detailing the planned time split between MPG and WIS.
At least three letters of recommendation, including one from the PhD advisor.
Support letters from both MPG and WIS host researchers, confirming available funds and commitment to the project.
Submit Application: Complete the online application form and upload all required documents. Upon submission, referees will receive unique links to submit their recommendation letters.
Selection Process: Applications will be jointly reviewed by MPG and WIS, with selections based on academic excellence and the potential for successful collaboration.
📬 Contact Information
Max Planck Society: Stefanie Gottschalk – postdoc@gv.mpg.de
Weizmann Institute of Science: Livnat Moses – postdoc@weizmann.ac.il
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
