Research Fellowship Opportunity at Max Planck Institute | Apply Now
Looking for a prestigious research fellowship in an international scientific environment? The Global Science Scholars Fellowship offered by the Max Planck Society in collaboration with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative provides an exceptional opportunity for postdoctoral researchers. This program connects leading institutions in Germany and the United States, offering cutting-edge research exposure in biology, physics, and AI-driven sciences, making it one of the most sought-after max planck careers and fellowship in Germany opportunities.
Job Details
- Job Position: Global Science Scholars Fellowship (Postdoctoral Research Fellowship)
- Location: Dresden, Germany / United States (San Francisco, Chicago, New York)
- Application Deadline: May 20, 2026 (Pacific Time)
About the Organisation
The Max Planck Society is a world-leading basic research organisation dedicated to scientific excellence and intellectual independence. In Dresden (Germany), the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics and the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems unite biology and physics to address a central challenge: how cells self-organize to form complex living systems.
Biohub builds the technology to help scientists around the world use AI-powered biology to study how cells operate, organize, and work as part of systems to understand why disease happens and how to correct it. Global Science Scholars in residence in the United States will conduct research activities at a Biohub partner university. This makes it a highly competitive research fellowship under top max planck careers.
Job Description
The Global Science Scholars Fellowship is a three-year international research fellowship program between the United States and Germany. The program is designed to advance interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology, engineering, and quantitative science, and to support early-career researchers in developing independent research profiles in leading international laboratories.
This fellowship in Germany and the United States supports cutting-edge research in bioengineering, biomedical research, biophysics, molecular and cell biology, mathematics, and computer science, including projects that bridge experimental and theoretical approaches. The program includes two tracks:
- Fellows in Germany will conduct research at Max Planck Institutes in Dresden (MPI-CBG or MPI-PKS).
- Fellows in the United States will work at a Chan Zuckerberg Biohub partner institution.
Qualifications
- Doctoral degree awarded on or after March 1, 2022
- Completion of doctoral degree by August 1, 2026
- Willingness to conduct research outside the country of doctoral degree
- For Germany placement: Doctorate from a U.S. institution and Schengen visa eligibility
- For U.S. placement: Doctorate from a German institution and U.S. visa eligibility
- Strong English proficiency for research and communication
- Exceptions may be considered for documented career breaks
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct interdisciplinary research in biology, physics, and computational science
- Develop independent research proposals and scientific profiles
- Collaborate with international research teams across Germany and the United States
- Participate in scientific meetings, conferences, and program activities
- Contribute to innovative projects integrating AI, mathematics, and life sciences
Funding and Benefits
- Three-year research fellowship duration
- Salary under TVöD Bund (EG 13) for Germany-based fellows
- Institutional salary and benefits for U.S.-based fellows
- Relocation allowance up to EUR/USD 10,000
- Travel funding for conferences and scientific meetings
- Access to institutional benefits
Application Process: Applications must be submitted through the online application portal.
Required Documents:
- Research proposal
- Curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation
If you are an early-career researcher looking to build a global scientific profile, this research fellowship by the Max Planck Society offers an exceptional opportunity. With access to world-class facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international exposure, it stands out among top Max Planck careers and fellowship in Germany options. Don’t miss your chance to advance your research journey through this prestigious research fellowship.
