Intro & important dates

MP-AIX recruits doctoral researchers through a central recruiting process, run jointly with the ELLIS network: a single application in one portal is considered for both MP-AIX and ELLIS.

  • Candidates who are already employed in a prospective advisor's group cannot receive MP-AIX funding — MP-AIX co-funds new positions.

  • The application portal opens October 1 and closes October 31, 23:59 AoE (firm)​.

  • See the full cycle on the Participation timeline (review, interviews, decisions).

Application portal for students opens on October 1, 2026

Application documents

All documents are uploaded as PDF:

  1. Motivational letter (2 pages)​ — why you want to pursue a PhD within MP-AIX, plus a research statement describing your past research projects and interests and the future direction of your research. You may optionally name advisors you are interested in.

  2. Curriculum Vitae — educational background, work experience, publications (with full citations), research presentations and awards.

  3. Unofficial transcripts from all university studies (Bachelor's and Master's), with English translations.

  4. Optional supplementary materials — e.g. your thesis, a published paper or a project portfolio, as a single PDF ≤ 20 MB.

 

Registration (portal opens in October)

  1. Create an account in the application portal and start your MP-AIX / ELLIS application.

  2. Upload the application documents above and submit before the deadline.

  3. After submission your application enters the review phase; shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews with potential advisors.

The selection follows our Recruitment Guidelines (fair, independent assessment; no pressure to accept prematurely). The supervision you will receive is described in the Co-Advising Guidelines.