The Max Born Institute (MBI) offers excellent opportunities for a successful scientific career. Examples from the last 10 years are listed here.

MBI is constantly looking for young, committed scientists to work on challenging scientific topics. In particular, we offer exciting topics for doctoral theses at MBI - typically in connection with one of Berlin's three universities. We also offer attractive opportunities for non-scientific staff in the technical and administrative areas.

MBI places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. If equally qualified, severely handicapped persons are given preference.

The MBI actively supports the compatibility of family and career and is certified as a family-friendly employer by the audit berufundfamilie. MBI is committed to a diverse, prejudice-free working environment and has joined Germany’s largest diversity network by signing the Diversity Charter (“Charta der Vielfalt”)

Before you apply online using our application platform with the usual documents, you should familiarize yourself with our work and organization. An overview of our research projects can be found here.

For general questions regarding applications and the overall conditions at MBI, please contact Sabine Schulz, head of our HR office, at any time.

Research positions for doctoral candidates are limited to three years. Salary is payed according to the German TVöD scheme for employees in public scientific institutions. A degree in physics, physical chemistry or related disciplines is required, as well as enthusiasm for research and a profound knowledge in the respective area.

Applicants from backgrounds that, historically, have not been strongly represented in the physical sciences are in particular encouraged to apply for positions; we welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender. We are recognized as family friendly institution. MBI is dedicated to advancing women’s careers and strongly encourages women to apply. When candidates have equal qualifications and skills preference may be given to women, provided there are no overriding considerations in favor of another candidate. We also welcome applications from qualified individuals with disabilities and those with equivalent status, and we look forward to applications from international candidates.

Division A, Prof. Dr. Marc Vrakking

The research in Division A is dedicated to the development and the application of attosecond light sources in the XUV and soft x-ray wavelength range based on high-order harmonic generation, using both Ti:Sa femtosecond laser technologies and optical parametric amplification schemes. These sources are used to investigate time-dependent light-matter interaction in a broad wavelength range from THz to XUV. Among the main goals are the real-time vizualization and control of ultrafast electron dynamics on its natural, attosecond, timescale by means of attosecond pump-probe spectroscopy. A strong emphasis is also given to the fundamentals of extreme non-linear phenomena, field-driven electron dynamics, high harmonic generation and strong field ionization. Further information on the structure of Division A is found here: Division A

Unsolicited applications for research in Division A of the MBI can be sent directly to marc.vrakking(at)mbi-berlin.de

Division B, Prof. Dr. Stefan Eisebitt

Research in Division B Transient Electronic Structure and Nanophysics extends from the fundamentals of light-matter interaction to ultrafast processes and transient electronic structure in condensed matter. In particular, this includes the optical manipulation of spin structures and generally the investigation of transient nanoscale structures on their intrinsic timescale. The connection of spectroscopic information with spatial information from scattering and imaging over a wide spectral range from infrared to x-rays is a recurring, cross-sectional approach. The development of laser systems for basic research as well as for applications, both for use in laser laboratories and at large scale facilities, is one of the key competences in Division B. The experimental efforts are complemented by ab-initio condensed matter theory, primarily via TD DFT. Division B is headed by Prof. Dr. Stefan Eisebitt, in a joint appointment with the Technische Universität Berlin, Institute for Physics and Astronomy. Further information on the structure of Division A is found here: Division B

Unsolicited applications for research in Division B of the MBI can be sent directly to stefan.eisebitt(at)mbi-berlin.de

Division C, Prof. Dr. Nathalie Picqué

The Division C studies the interaction between light and matter. Our research covers various areas of spectroscopy and nonlinear optics. Topics include interferometry, precision spectroscopy, 3D imaging, quantum physics, molecular spectroscopy, femtosecond two-dimensional spectroscopy, ultrafast optics and laser frequency combs. Applications range from tests of fundamental laws of physics laws to label-free identification of bio-molecules. We are exploring advanced photonics tools, such as optical frequency combs, ultrashort pulse lasers and novel nonlinear optics, to reach beyond the limits of what has been possible in the past. Further information on the structure of Division A is found here: Division C

Unsolicited applications for research in Division C of the MBI can be sent directly to nathalie.picque(at)mbi-berlin.de

The MBI offers training positions for the following professions:

Office clerk (dates will be announced). Information can be obtained from Martin Loeser.

Within the project "Summer School" of the Leibniz Association - Section D - the Max Born Institute enduringly offers internships for interested students. Find out about our research projects and consider where you would like to join. Interested parties should then contact Johannes Tümmler or the project coordinators directly. Students interested in science can also complete an internship at MBI. Please contact the personnel administration for further information.