PhD Positions in Gravity at the Extreme Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Germany

PhD Positions in Gravity at the Extreme at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute, AEI) in Potsdam, Germany, are open for several fully funded doctoral researchers within the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) “Gravity at the Extreme”.

The programme is highly interdisciplinary and sits at the intersection of gravitational physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and multi-messenger astronomy. Successful candidates will join one of the research units in Potsdam, including the Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity (ACR) department, the AEI Computational Relativistic Astrophysics (CRA) department, the AEI Multi-messenger Astrophysics of Compact Binaries group, the AEI/Theoretical Astrophysics group, or the University of Potsdam.

Research themes span analytical relativity and source modelling, numerical relativity, gravitational-wave data analysis, and fundamental physics applications such as tests of gravity in strong fields, compact-binary populations, cosmography with gravitational waves, and dark matter/dark energy questions. There are also opportunities in multi-messenger and high-energy astrophysics, including neutron-star mergers, electromagnetic counterparts, nucleosynthesis, gamma-ray bursts, and the neutron-star equation of state.

The IMPRS connects AEI in Potsdam and Hannover with the University of Potsdam, Humboldt University Berlin, Leibniz University Hannover, and international affiliates at the University of Maryland and the Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics in Kyoto. Students may also engage with major collaborations and infrastructures such as the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, IGWN, DDPC, the LISA Consortium, and the Einstein Telescope Collaboration.

Funding is described as full support with no tuition fees, plus additional support for conferences and professional development. The programme also offers structured English-language doctoral training, individual supervision and mentoring, access to high-performance computing facilities, and practical support for visa and residence procedures, language courses, and family services.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent by the start of the PhD. The doctorate is awarded by either the University of Potsdam or Humboldt University Berlin. Applications are submitted online and should include a cover letter, CV, transcripts, a statement of research interests, and publication/thesis information if available. Applicants will also rank preferred departments and provide three referees.

The application deadline is 4 January 2027, with reference letters due by 11 January 2027.