Ph.D./Postdoc

Local Ph.D. students and postdocs

If you are already familiar with our group, e.g. from your B.Sc. thesis, an internship (Vertiefungspraktikum) or personal discussions at conferences, please do not hesitate to talk to Oliver Oeckler to discuss opportunities. The earlier, the better – normally, there are no unused “open positions” just waiting for someone to start next month. Although this not a formal requirement, we recommend to complete your M.Sc. thesis in our group or a group with a strong focus on solid state chemistry and/or crystallography in order to be well prepared for a PhD thesis. Concerning postdoctoral positions, the best option within Germany is probably the DFG’s Walter Benjamin program. Beyond this, of course, the advice for international applicants (see below) applies.

International Ph.D. students and postdocs

We receive lots of unsolicited applications for PhD and postdoc positions in our group. Many applicants assume that we have open positions with a salary from our budget. Please be aware that such applications are almost never successful – neither in our group nor anywhere in Germany.

In case we have open positions such as faculty staff or project coworkers with funding from our side, these will be advertised here.

In such cases, you apply to a specific advertised position and there will be a competitive process: after the deadline, the most promising candidates will be selected on the basis of all applications received and invited for interviews (in some cases online). The top candidate then receives an offer.

This means that, in general, it is not reasonable to send unsolicited applications. This is, of course, different in case you have funding from your side and search for a suitable host.

There are several ways of obtaining fellowships. Your own country probably has a program for studying abroad and there are several German institutions that offer funding for international applicants such as DAAD, which is the most prominent institution for PhD students, or the Humboldt Foundation, which is a very attractive option for postdocs, as well as smaller foundations, political parties and religious institutions. For a comprehensive overview, you may consult myStipendium. However, all these institutions require quite detailed project proposals. They have a competitive selection process with an overall success rate of about 10-25%. In general, the success rate is higher than in many other countries.

All applications for fellowships require a perfect match between applicant and host. Thus, carefully select the most suitable host groups with respect to your education and scientific background. Detailed research on universities and other institutes will be the key to success. If our group looks like a suitable host for you, we will be very happy to discuss details and also to assist with your application and the development of your project proposal.

Some further advice:

(1) Do not send the same e-mail to many persons. This will certainly be unsuccessful! Explain why the respective group is interesting and suitable for you. Some people try to cite one or two papers from that group, which they consider “fascinating”. If this is not a key paper of the respective group but either a less relevant one or just a contribution to other groups’ research, the citation will certainly not support your application. Germans often say “less is more”: research the 3 - 5 most suitable groups and address them individually.

(2) PhD work relies on previous knowledge! While group members are very helpful with respect to specific questions and introduction to our labs and apparatuses, we cannot provide a “crash course” that replaces lacking knowledge. Please do not expect colleagues or supervisors to teach basic knowledge that is typically taught in BSc and MSc courses.

(3) Do apply for “PhD programs” unless you refer to a specific one such as a graduate school. A typical PhD position in Germany will not involve a program of lectures and courses but focus on your own research results.

(4) In Germany, little value is placed on hierarchies. Thus, expressions such as “Respected Sir” or “Honorable Professor” seem quite strange and awkward.

(5) Even though this may be common in several countries, do not start your e-mail with expressions like “I hope this letter finds you in good spirits” or similar wishes. Germans pride themselves on the fact that their answers and decisions do not depend on their mood or state of mind.

(6) Collect as much information as possible on living and studying in Germany in order to avoid frustration and unhappiness. It will be a very hard time to live in a country whose culture you do not really like. Thus, ask yourself if the whole package is perfect for you, not only the degree itself. Germany may not be as “international” as you expect. While you can of course discuss your research in English, you should be willing to learn at least some basic German for leisure activities and everyday life outside the university.

(7) Salaries or fellowships for PhD students are, of course, sufficient to cover your expenses during living in Germany. However, it is very unlikely that you will be able to save a significant amount of money or to support your family financially.