Postdoctoral Researcher positions | Statistical Physics and Active Matter

1000scholars; Göttingen; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS) in Göttingen invites applications for Postdoctoral Researcher positions in Statistical Physics and Active Matter within the Living Matter Physics (LMP) department. The role focuses on nonequilibrium statistical physics with theory and computational work, in a vibrant international research environment.

Appointments are for two years, full-time, with salary according to E13 TVöD-Bund and comprehensive social benefits; starting

Qualifications

• PhD/DPhil degree (or comparable) with a background in theoretical physics, applied mathematics or related disciplines from a recognized university.
• Prior experience with nonequilibrium statistical physics and a strong interest in active matter physics.
• Ability and desire to work in an international team on inter-disciplinary research topics.
• Good command of English, which is the working language of the department. German is an asset but not required.

Responsibilities

• The postdoctoral researchers will engage in theoretical and computational research in Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics and Active Matter.

Skills

Nonequilibrium statistical physics

Active matter physics

Education

PhD/DPhil in theoretical physics or applied mathematics

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher positions | Statistical Physics and Active Matter Scientist Göttingen Neurosciences Structural and Cell Biology Solid State Research & Material Sciences Complex Systems Job Code: MPIDS-W092 Job Offer from July 28, 2026

In the Department of Living Matter Physics (LMP) we seek to fill several Postdoctoral Researcher positions - Statistical Physics and Active Matter.

The Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS) at Göttingen, Germany, is an international, interdisciplinary and collaborative environment offering an exceptional research setting. It hosts a range of theoretical and experimental fundamental scientific research and a diverse group of researchers. Altogether, it employs about 300 people.

The LMP department engages in a wide range of theoretical research aimed at understanding the dynamics of living systems from a physical perspective. The department currently hosts Ramin Golestanian (director), Philip Bittihn (group leader), Suropriya Saha (group leader), and a number of postdoctoral researchers, students, and visitors.

The postdoctoral researchers will engage in theoretical and computational research in Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics and Active Matter. For more information, visit our website.

Your profile

We are looking for excellent, enthusiastic and self-motivated researchers with relevant background and good communication skills to join our research team.

The ideal candidate should have:

• A PhD/DPhil degree (or comparable) with a background in theoretical physics, applied mathematics or related disciplines from a recognized university;
• Prior experience with nonequilibrium statistical physics and a strong interest in active matter physics;
• Ability and desire to work in an international team on inter-disciplinary research topics;
• Good command of English, which is the working language of the department. German is an asset but not required.

Our offer

We are offering excellent working conditions in a highly interdisciplinary and stimulating research environment. Salary is in accordance with the German state public service salary scale (E13 TVöD-Bund) and the corresponding social benefits. Working hours are full-time. We offer opportunities regarding work-life balance as well as health promotion services. The postdoctoral appointment is for two years. The starting date is flexible.

The Max-Planck Society is committed to achieving the highest level of excellence and diversity. We encourage applications from women, especially in areas where they are underrepresented, which includes theoretical physics. Moreover, we are committed to providing a suitable working environment for everyone, including individuals with disabilities.

Your application

Processing of applications will start after the deadline of 10th January 2027, and will stop when the positions are filled.

For questions, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Ramin Golestanian

Tel. [phone]

Email:

[e-mail]