Book a call
Book a call

IMPRS UFAST 2027: 23 Interdisciplinary PhD Projects in Ultrafast Science and Quantum Materials (Hamburg, Germany)

PhD position

10/17/2026

Deadline: 6 November 2026 | Location: Hamburg, Germany | Fields: Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Start: Summer/Autumn 2027

If you are drawn to the physics of what happens on the fastest timescales, such as atoms moving during chemical reactions or electrons reorganising inside quantum materials, this call from the International Max Planck Research School for Ultrafast Imaging and Structural Dynamics (IMPRS UFAST) is worth a close look. The deadline is early, so start preparing now.

About the programme

The school was founded in 2011 and is home to more than 50 PhD students from 19 countries, with backgrounds in physics, chemistry and biology. Over 30 principal investigators provide supervision and guidance. The current call offers 23 interdisciplinary doctoral projects in Ultrafast Science and Quantum Materials.

Research areas

Topics span the theoretical and experimental aspects of condensed matter and atomically resolved dynamics, fundamental light-matter interaction, accelerator-based light sources, coherent imaging, molecule imaging, extreme-timescale spectroscopy, and ultrafast optics and X-ray science, with relevance to chemistry, biology and medicine.

Key dates

  • Call opened: 15 September 2026

  • Application deadline: 6 November 2026

  • Recommendation letters due: 12 November 2026

  • Candidate workshop: 8–10 February 2027

  • Project start: Summer/autumn 2027


What you need to apply

Applications are online only. The required documents are:

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  2. Letter of Motivation and Research Interests

  3. Abstract of your Master’s thesis (in English)

  4. Master’s degree certificate and transcript

  5. Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript

  6. English language test certificate, for applicants whose first language is not English

The school strongly recommends reading its “Guidelines for a successful application” before you start preparing your materials.

Apply here: www.mpsd.mpg.de/imprs-ufast/apply
Questions: IMPRS.UFAST@mpsd.mpg.de

A note on funding

Funding terms differ between schools, so check the official page for the exact package. As a general rule, IMPRS fellowships are primarily employment contracts with the Max Planck Society or an affiliated university or institute, and there are generally no tuition fees.

Tips for a strong application

  • Start with the project list. This is a project-based call, so read the open projects first and pick the ones that match your background.

  • Make the motivation letter specific. Name the projects and techniques that interest you and connect them to your own training. This matters most for an interdisciplinary programme, where the selection committee reads applicants from several fields.

  • Write your thesis abstract for non-specialists. Readers may come from a neighbouring discipline.

  • Brief your referees early. Letters are due six days after the application deadline, so give them your materials and the dates now.


Want help with your application?

Found a project that fits? Your mentor can help you sharpen your motivation letter, CV and project selection before you submit. Book a call to get started.

For more personalized tips or templates contact our team.

www.applywithmentors.com