PhD positions: Call for applications in 2021
The Solar System School invites applications for PhD positions in Solar System Science. Review of applications will begin on 1 November 2021.
This call is closed. Please see the time line for information about the ongoing selection process.
The International Max Planck Research School for Solar System Science at the University of Göttingen ("Solar System School") offers a research-oriented doctoral programme covering the physical aspects of Solar system science. It is jointly run by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) and the University of Göttingen.
Research at the MPS covers three main areas:
Solar System School students collaborate with leading scientists in these fields and graduates are awarded a doctoral degree from the renowned University of Göttingen or, if they choose, another university.
The Solar System School is open to students from all countries and offers an international three-year PhD program in an exceptional research environment with state-of-the-art facilities on the Göttingen Campus. Successful applicants will be offered a three-year doctoral support contract as well as postdoc wrap-up funding.
The language of the structured graduate program is English, with complimentary German language courses offered (optional). The program includes an inspiring curriculum of scientific lectures and seminars as well as advanced training workshops and provides relocation costs and travel funds to attend international conferences.
Applicants to the Solar System School should have a keen interest in Solar system science and a record of academic excellence. They must have, or must be about to obtain, an M.Sc. degree or equivalent in physics, earth sciences or a related field, including a written Masters thesis, and must document a good command of the English language.
Review of applications for a starting date of September 2022 will begin on 1 November 2021, but other starting times are also negotiable. The positions are awarded on a competitive basis.
Applicants must submit the following documents through the online application portal between 1 September and 1 November 2021:
- an application form to be filled online, including two short texts describing the applicant's scientific interests and their motivation to apply for PhD projects in the Solar System School, along with the applicant's choice of up to three PhD projects;
- a curriculum vitae in pdf format;
- degree certificates and full transcripts of all academic records: i.e. scanned copies of B.Sc. and M.Sc. degree certificates (or equivalent), and lists of all courses with credits and grades issued by the respective school or university, with English or German translations;
- certificate to prove proficiency in the English language, for candidates whose native language is not English or German (e.g. transcript of TOEFL / IELTS scores or equivalent);
- contact details for two or three academic referees who have been contacted by the applicant and who have agreed to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant. The referees will subsequently be contacted by the School and will be asked to submit their letters through the online portal no later than 10 November 2021.
It is highly recommended to also submit
- GRE Physics test scores or equivalent for candidates who have obtained their Master's degree at a university outside of Europe.
The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. The Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of individuals of underrepresented genders and therefore explicitly encourages individuals of underrepresented genders to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more individuals with severe disabilities. Applications from individuals with severe disabilities are explicitely encouraged.
To apply, please register then login at the Online application portal. For further information, please browse the answers to Frequently Asked Questions and direct any further inquiries to the IMPRS scientific coordinator, Dr. Sonja Schuh, at info@solar-system-school.de.
This page: Call for applications 2021 for several PhD positions in solar system science © MPS
| 2021 May 1 | Online registration 2021 opens |
| 2021 Sep 1 | Application submission opens |
| 2021 Nov 1 | Application deadline |
| 2021 Nov 10 | Recommendation letters due |
| 2022 Feb 28 - Mar 4 | IMPRS Interview Week |
| 2022 Sep | Start of new academic year |
Solar System Science PhD thesis projects offered
IMPRS PhD online application portal
Admission tests - please see FAQ pages
GRE code: 0070
Download call for applications and poster
