PhD positions (m/f/d) | Scattering Amplitudes and Quantum Gravity
The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute, AEI) in Potsdam, Germany, announces the opening of up to two PhD positions in the field of scattering amplitudes and quantum gravity. We are particularly interested in hiring creative, proactive and motivated candidates who flourish when working in a vibrant, interdisciplinary and synergistic group. Successful candidates will join the research group Symmetries in Gravity and Amplitudes within the Quantum Gravity and Unified Theories division of the AEI in Potsdam.
As a student you will be affiliated with the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) Gravity at the Extreme: from Theory to Observation, a structured doctoral programme comprised of the scientific departments and groups with the University of Potsdam, Humboldt University Berlin, and Leibniz University Hannover, as well as international affiliates at the University of Maryland and the Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics (Kyoto). Our graduate students are exposed to a variety of research topics and the IMPRS offers additional training courses and activities as listed on its website.
Potential research topics
- mathematical structures of scattering amplitudes in field theory and string theory and relations among them
- mathematical aspects of Feynman integrals such as canonical forms, special functions and associated geometries
- symmetries underlying effective actions of gravity and
- applications of these structures to physical processes
One of the positions will also be associated with the ERC Synergy Grant Mathematics of Scattering Amplitudes (MaScAmp) that comprises research groups around the four Principal Investigators of the grant: Axel Kleinschmidt (AEI Potsdam) along with Ruth Britto (Trinity College Dublin), Francis Brown (University of Oxford) and Oliver Schlotterer (Uppsala University). Successful applicants will be expected to engage actively in the joint research activities of the project.
Successful applicants will conduct their research projects at the AEI in Potsdam, and they will have to enrol and receive their PhD degree from a partner university. The expected duration of the PhD is three to four years. Applicants are required to have a Master‘s degree (or equivalent) by the start of the PhD program. A background in quantum field theory, general relativity, algebraic geometry or number theory is not necessary but advantageous.
What we offer
- a vibrant research environment with access to world-class research facilities and cutting-edge research projects
- a structured English-language graduate program, with individual supervision by research scientists who are leaders in their fields
- fully funded positions, no tuition fees, and additional funding for conferences and professional development
- practical support: computing facilities, PhD representatives, language courses, visa and residence permit support, child care and family services
Application Process
In order to apply, please fill in the application form by 15 January 2027.
You will be asked to upload in a single file a cover letter, your curriculum vitae, university transcripts, a statement of research interests (no more than three pages), a list of publications (if applicable) and a declaration of AI use (if applicable). The statement of research interests should describe your past research experience, future research interests and how they relate to the position’s profile.
Applicants also need to indicate the names of two referees for recommendation letters. Referees will be notified by email on how to upload the letters once the application is submitted. You should make sure that the letters arrive in time to enable a proper evaluation of your application. More information on the preparation of the documents can be found in the FAQ section of the IMPRS.
The deadline for submitting an application is 15 January 2027 (23:59:59 UTC+1).
The deadline for the reference letters is 22 January 2027 (23:59:59 UTC+1).
Disclaimer for the use of AI-tools
AI tools may be used to prepare your application (e.g., to improve grammar and structure). Any use beyond spelling and grammar checking must be declared in the application, naming the tool and its purpose. Applicants remain fully responsible for the accuracy and truthfulness of their application and for compliance with good scientific practice.
