Working at MPQ
Your career with us – in science, administration or service – at the Garching Research Centre of Excellence.
The Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics offers a variety of opportunities for career starters and exciting challenges for experienced professionals. In the scientific field, MPQ sees itself as a training ground for the next generation of researchers – our bachelor’s students, master’s students, doctoral candidates, and postdocs receive optimal support here, preparing them well for their future careers. There are also numerous entry and development opportunities in the science-supporting area.
Who are we?
MPQ is an international and innovative research institute – nearly 400 people from about 40 countries work here: scientists, trainees, and technical-administrative professionals, all contributing to excellent research.
Where are we?
Our institute is located at the Garching research campus, one of the largest science centres in Germany. In addition to MPQ, many other research institutions are based here, many of whom the institute regularly collaborates with.
What do we offer?
- As part of the Max Planck Society, MPQ is committed to the MPG Code of Conduct – respectful and appreciative interaction with each other is our top priority.
- MPQ is a tax-funded institution that compensates all employees according to the collective agreement for the public service (Bund). More information on tariff-based remuneration can be found here.
- All MPQ employees are entitled to an additional pension through the Federal and State Government Employees Retirement Fund (VBL).
- MPQ employees can also benefit from many favorable rates on insurance and public transport (e.g., subsidy for the Deutschlandticket).
- Want to brush up on your English skills or pursue professional development? All institute employees have access to a variety of training, coaching, and courses.
- MPQ is also highly committed to a good work-life balance. Among other things, we have a fitness room in our facility that all institute employees can use. MPQ employees can also individually design their working hours with our flextime model – including the option to work from home.
- For small (or larger) appetites, our canteen offers affordable meals and snacks.
MPQ employees tell their stories:
No Place for Know-It-Alls
Michael Rogg is head of the MPQ mechanical workshop that produces components that are indispensable for research. Get a glimpse into his daily domain, a jewel of the MPQ and part of what researchers praise as "an outstanding research environment".
“I try to contribute ideas and motivate”
Thomas Udem is a professor at LMU Munich and one of the longest-serving members of the laser spectroscopy research group led by Nobel prize winner Theodor Hänsch. He has supervised many doctoral students and ...
Controlling the unimaginable
Johannes Zeiher studies quantum systems. For this endeavour, he finds ideal conditions at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics. Using high-precision lasers, he can control individual atoms close to absolute temperature zero.
Librarian with heart and soul
Karin Fröschl plays a central role at MPQ: as head of the scientific library she is a highly valued advisor for all matters around the management of publications - as acting conflict counselor also for various others.
The PhotonLab’s source of energy
Silke Stähler-Schöpf is the head and source of energy of the MPQ school laboratory PhotonLab. With great dedication and didactic skills, she conveys a fascination for quantum optics to young people - with ever new ideas, formats and methods.