Postdocs
Kick-start your postdoctoral career at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB)! We are an international, interdisciplinary institute based in Martinsried, near Munich, offering a vibrant scientific community. Our postdoc representatives and the Career Development Service are dedicated to ensuring you have a fulfilling experience focused on your scientific and personal growth.
Now that you have your PhD, it's time to shine at the MPIB. Dive into exciting projects, publish impactful research, and collaborate with leading institutes. Gain the experience you need to lead your own research group or take your career in a new direction. As a postdoc, you will work closely with our research group leaders, setting the stage for your future. Ready to take the next step? We look forward to welcoming you at the MPIB!
If you are interested in pursuing a postdoc position in a particular area of research at our institute, we encourage you to contact group leaders and department heads directly. You can find an overview of all groups and research areas here.
You can also check our job postings or the websites of individual labs for current opportunities. Even if no jobs are explicitly listed, you can still express your interest in pursuing a postdoc position, or consider applying for a postdoctoral fellowship within a lab. A non-exhaustive list of postdoc fellowships is provided below. You should discuss applying for such opportunities with your designated group leader/department head beforehand.
Postdocs joining our institute can be employed either as MPIB employees or via external funding (e.g. fellowships).
Employment contract:
The Max Planck Society (MPG) is a publicly funded organisation. Therefore, all scientific staff receive a contract following the public sector wage agreement (TVöD Bund = Tarifvertrag für den Öffentlichen Dienst).
Postdocs are generally classified in the E13 category, which comprises multiple pay levels based on prior relevant experience. Postdocs with an average level of work experience for a PhD usually start at E13 level 3; however, other levels can be negotiated on an individual basis. Once a category and level have been assigned, an employee will remain at that level for a set number of years before being upgraded automatically to the next level. Proof of relevant experience should be provided in the form of documents such as previous employment contracts, professional qualifications and references. The institute’s HR department and your designated group leader/department head can answer any questions you have about the recognition of references or the pay level you might receive.
Information on the pay scale for each level (gross monthly income) can be found on the TVöD website (in German). It is important to note that the corresponding net income depends on various factors, such as marital status and number of dependents.
Typically, postdocs receive two-year temporary fixed-term contracts that can be extended if both parties agree. The term “temporary” indicates a non-permanent position, as opposed to long-term employment. The first contract usually includes a six-week trial period, during which either party can terminate the contract without reason. Additionally, the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (Wissenschaftzeitvertragsgesetz or WissZeitVG) limits the total duration of employment under these temporary contracts. For more information on the Act and the employment periods taken into account, please refer to the BMBF website (in German).
Fellowships and External Funding:
Fellowships are an excellent source of funding, offering not just financial support but also recognition and the freedom to pursue your scientific passions. While these opportunities are fantastic, please note that not all fellowships allow for contractual agreements with the MPIB. In some cases, you may need to arrange your own social benefits, such as health or unemployment insurance. Please contact our HR Team for further questions and clarification.
We have compiled here a list of exciting fellowships and grants that can help propel your career to new heights (please note that the list provided is non-exhaustive).
Here at the MPIB, we are delighted to provide our postdocs with a wide range of opportunities to develop professionally, forge connections, and excel in their careers. They have the fantastic chance to develop new skills, expand their professional networks and receive invaluable mentorship from experienced group leaders.
Through our Career Development Service, they can attend a variety of free workshops designed to enhance transferable skills (e.g. communication, supervision, project management, etc.) and methods (e.g. cryo electron microscopy, coding, data analysis, etc.). We also host exciting events aimed at helping postdocs plan their careers. Follow this link to find out more about these opportunities!
The MPIB is proud to be a central hub for two vibrant postdoc networks: the Munich Postdoc Network and the German Postdoc Network. These networks are dedicated to creating enriching networking opportunities and representing postdocs at the local and national levels. Postdocs can engage with peers and experts at a mix of online and in-person events throughout Munich, gaining insights into career development and more.
A particular highlight of our offers is the annual postdoc retreat, which is co-organised by the Career Development Service and the Postdoc Representatives. This retreat provides a valuable opportunity for our postdocs to connect and meet colleagues from different groups within the institute. Our seminars and lectures also provide excellent platforms for postdocs to interact with members of different research fields and expand their horizons.
The International Office (IO) is an integral part of the MPIB. It aims to help postdocs and other researchers from abroad transition smoothly and quickly to Germany and the institute. The IO can assist with issues relating to visas, residence permits, housing and other matters, providing you with the support you need to settle in quickly and focus on your work.
Renting an apartment in Munich can be expensive, and it may take time to find a suitable place to live when you first arrive. However, MPIB employees have access to several resources to help them! Guest rooms on campus can accommodate you for the first couple of months. To find a more permanent solution, our colleagues at the IO have access to many current apartment offers, including some exclusively for MPIB employees.
Our Code of Conduct embodies our core values, and the guidelines for the postdoc phase provide the framework for your independent career development. At our institute and across the MPG, we are committed to providing a safe and fair working environment for all employees, including our postdocs.
However, should conflicts arise at the institute, there are various protection mechanisms in place. Both the institute and the MPG provide channels and contact partners to whom you can talk confidentially about work-related or personal issues. These include contacts for reporting scientific misconduct, sexism, discrimination and other conflicts or misconduct, as well as counselling services for mental health issues. These services can be accessed in person, by telephone or video call, and are provided by the institute or external partners. They are free of charge and available in German, English and other languages if needed.
For more information on conflict management at the MPG, please visit this website.
The institute and the MPG offer many great resources to support postdocs with families in their everyday life. Our institute has a parent-child room with plenty of entertainment for children and a workspace to help you work efficiently when you have to juggle childcare and work on site. There are also two childcare facilities in Martinsried, as well as numerous other avenues of support for you and your family while working on site or travelling to a conference, for example. Visit this site for further information.