Doctoral fellowship

In an annual international competition, Munich Quantum Valley awards highly prestigious doctoral fellowships to exceptional young researchers. The selected scientists are granted a three-year ad personam fellowship, offering them the flexibility to join research groups at any Bavarian university. After the conclusion of the selection procedure, the candidates selected for a MQV doctoral fellowship have to find a mentor willing to supervise their PhD research. Being fully funded for three years, the holders of the fellowship will be welcome in many groups. Doctoral fellows can join the graduate program with which their host group is associated as well as use the numerous resources of MQV partner programs.

The application round for the Fall 2025 started on 11 October 2024 and was open until 15 January 2025. The next application round will start in October 2025.

Munich Quantum Valley focuses on a wide range of research areas, all aligned with the overarching goal of advancing quantum computing. These fields include: atomic physics and quantum optics, solid-state physics and material science, quantum information theory, applications of quantum computer, as well as aspects of both engineering and computer science (e.g., programming languages, software for quantum computing, execution environments, design automation, computer architecture).

To get an impression of the research conducted within MQV, visit our list of research groups.

The Munich Quantum Valley fellowship competition is highly selective, aiming to award five fellowships annually.

The candidates can choose to additionally apply for the IMPRS-QST Munich doctoral fellowships . The selection of candidates for both types of fellowships for the start in Fall 2025 will take place in parallel by separate committees in mid-February, with the final interview round in the middle of March 2025. It is therefore possible to apply for both fellowships in one call. After the selection process, candidates chosen for both fellowships would have to decide for one of the fellowships.

Additionally, during the selection process, other Bavarian research groups, funded through different channels (e.g., Bavarian, federal, or European schemes), can also screen candidates applying for the fellowships. They have the opportunity to review candidate profiles, attend their presentations online, and recruit highly qualified candidates for their own PhD positions. This means that the number of applicants securing PhD positions may exceed the number of available MQV fellowships.

Munich Quantum Valley fellows and doctoral students affiliated with related research groups benefit from existing graduate programs at their respective institutions. Moreover, they can participate in QST summer schools and a wide range of workshops organized by MQV partners, including but not limited by:

• Two doctoral programs of International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) focused on Quantum Science and Technology (IMPRS-QST) in Munich and the Physics of Light (IMPRS-PL) in Erlangen

• Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST)

Find here a complete list of our academic and industrial partners and member institutes.

The Munich Quantum Valley fellowship program is dedicated to attracting extraordinary students from diverse backgrounds. We explicitly encourage female candidates to apply and welcome students of all genders and ethnicities.

Applicants for a PhD fellowship due to start in 2026 should aim to have completed their Master's degree (or an equivalent qualification) with very good grades by the end of September 2026.

Applicants selected for interviews will be informed around the end of February 2025. Interviews will be conducted online in the second half of March 2025.

Selected candidates have to choose a group from a list of research groups and make a binding commitment within one month after the announcement of the results of the selection procedure. Selected candidates can start their doctoral studies at any time after completion of their Master's degree, but not later than 1 December 2025.

To apply for MQV & IMPRS doctoral fellowships, visit the application portal, which will open in October 2025.

For questions about the application procedure and any further information, please contact:

Faculty of Physics – LMU Munich
+49 152 06364170
mqvdfp(at)physik.uni-muenchen.de