Pursue your PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research!
The Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPIP) offers PhD students an excellent environment to pursue their research in one of our six departments. Doctoral researchers can develop their overall scientific and professional skills within the framework of our graduate education program.
Independent Research
At the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPIP), the graduate training program is centered on independent research carried out by each doctoral researcher within their respective research group. Doctoral researchers have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and excellent research infrastructure, allowing them to further develop and refine their expertise using cutting-edge equipment. Alongside supervision by group leaders and directors, an institute-wide network of experts from all departments fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and ensures that research projects benefit from a broad range of scientific perspectives. Within this dynamic and supportive research environment, graduate researchers are encouraged to pursue their scientific interests independently and to grow as scientists.
Excellent Scientific Education
As part of the scientific training of all doctoral researchers at MPIP, we offer a regularly held, multidisciplinary lecture series covering methods and research topics in soft matter research, designed for a broad and interdisciplinary scientific audience. The lectures are delivered by experts from all departments of MPIP – including group leaders and directors – and provide insights into current research questions and methodological approaches at the institute. Topics range from advanced microscopy techniques and spectroscopic analysis to tools in computational chemistry and beyond. The lecture series offers doctoral researchers a valuable opportunity to broaden their methodological expertise, gain interdisciplinary perspectives, and engage with the diverse research landscape at MPIP at an early stage of their PhD.
General Professional Development
In addition to scientific training, the graduate education program at MPIP places strong emphasis on the broader professional development of its doctoral researchers. As doctoral researchers pursue diverse career paths, the program offers a wide range of opportunities to acquire essential and transferable skills. Alongside access to courses and workshops provided by the Max Planck Society through the Planck Academy, doctoral researchers can participate in soft-skills courses offered directly at MPIP, covering topics such as presentation skills, negotiation techniques, and further career-relevant competencies. These offerings play an important role in supporting holistic professional development. Furthermore, doctoral researchers at MPIP benefit from mentoring opportunities that help them explore career options in academia, industry, and beyond.
Social and Intercultural Learning
The MPIP is a melting pot of different nationalities and cultures. Pursuing a PhD in this multi-ethnic and diverse environment offers PhD students the opportunity to work and learn with people from different backgrounds, thereby fostering intercultural exchange and enhancing global perspectives. This enriching atmosphere promotes social and intercultural learning, especially through peer-to-peer networking events among doctoral students. The MPIP is an open and welcoming research institution for doctoral students of all backgrounds, religions, genders, sexual orientations and identities. This diverse and inclusive working environment is vital to us because good ideas and excellent research need many different bright minds.
Applying to Do your PhD
Applications for PhD positions at MPIP are handled decentrally by the individual departments or independent research groups. For specific application details, please visit the respective department or group pages.
Getting your Doctoral Degree
The MPIP is located right next to Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), where doctoral researchers can officially register as doctoral candidates in one of the natural science faculties, for example:
For students pursuing interdisciplinary research projects, the Max Planck Graduate Center with the Johannes Gutenberg University (MPGC) — a joint initiative between MPIP, other Max Planck Institutes, and multiple JGU faculties — offers an additional pathway to obtain an interdisciplinary doctoral degree upon admission to this structured program.
For general information on doctoral studies at JGU, including registration, and enrollment, please refer to Doctoral Studies at JGU.
Beyond JGU, some MPIP departments also collaborate with other universities, providing alternative options for obtaining a doctoral degree outside of Mainz.
