Supporting Independence
The MCQST Junior Researcher START Fellowship gives outstanding early-career researchers up to €300,000 over two years to lead their own independent research project within MCQST's research program. Unlike a standard postdoctoral position, START fellows run their own project and build their own small team — with full independence over their research direction.
Funding can be used flexibly in accordance with DFG regulations, including for the fellow’s own salary, staff, equipment, consumables, and travel. An MCQST Principal Investigator (PI) provides the necessary laboratory and office space and serves as the fellow’s host.
The fellowship is designed as a stepping stone towards scientific independence, with the clear expectation that fellows will use the funding period to develop their research profile and secure competitive follow-up funding, such as an ERC Starting Grant.
Funding at a Glance
- Who it's for: Outstanding early-career researchers ready to lead an independent research group
- Funding: Up to €300,000
- Duration: Two years
- Eligible costs: Own salary, staff, equipment, consumables, travel, and other eligible expenses under DFG funding rules
- Start date: No later than 1 January of the year following admission
Eligibility and Application Requirements
The START Fellowship is open to early-career researchers who have completed a PhD in physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, engineering, or a related field. Experience in quantum science and technology is an advantage and should be demonstrated through the applicant’s research record.
- Applicants must have less than four years of postdoctoral experience at the application deadline. Career breaks will be taken into account.
- Applicants must identify an MCQST PI who is willing to host them. The host provides the necessary research infrastructure, laboratory and office space, and submits a letter of support.
- Only one application per MCQST PI/research group is permitted per call.
- Applications may be supported by more than one MCQST PI where appropriate.
Questions?
Please feel free to contact start[at]mcqst.de at any time.
Finding an MCQST host
Not yet connected to an MCQST PI? You can explore potential hosts on our MCQST members page. We encourage you to contact PIs whose research aligns with your proposed project well ahead of the application deadline.
Your host will provide the research environment and infrastructure required for your project and support your integration into the MCQST community.
How to Apply
Please prepare:
- CV (max. 2 pages, no photo)
- Research proposal (max. 2 pages), including a 5-line abstract and brief financial plan
- List of publications and talks, highlighting three publications that best represent your research profile
- Doctoral degree certificate
- Further degree certificates
- Other relevant documents (optional)
Please check the application portal for detailed requirements on each of the documents listed above.
The following documents must be submitted separately:
- Letter of support from your MCQST host, confirming access to the required laboratory/office space and research infrastructure
- Two letters of recommendation, at least one from an expert outside MCQST
The host and referees will be contacted automatically through our application system. Please contact them and obtain their agreement before providing their names in your application. All letters must be submitted by 31 October 2026, 23:59 CET.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated by a selection committee in a two-stage process:
- Application review: The committee evaluates the submitted application materials and selects candidates for the interview stage.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to an in-person interview in Munich. Interviews will take place in January/February 2027 [exact dates will be announced soon].
Applications are evaluated based on:
- scientific excellence and track record
- quality and originality of the proposed research
- potential for scientific independence and leadership
The START Fellowship is intended to support researchers on their path towards scientific independence. We therefore particularly look for candidates who demonstrate the potential to establish and lead their own research group.
In the case of equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to candidates joining MCQST from outside the existing community.
Equal Opportunities
MCQST is committed to a fair, inclusive, and transparent selection process. We welcome applications from researchers of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups that are underrepresented in quantum science and technology. We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive research environment regardless of ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, social background, or age.
Meet our START Fellows
START Fellows
Farsane Tabataba-Vakili
Now: Prof. at Technische Universität Braunschweig
START Fellow 2024
Distinguished Postdoc 2021
Viviana Villafañe
START Fellow 2023
Now: R&D Semiconductor Quantum Optics at Quandela
Distinguished Postdoc 2020
Björn Sbierski
Now: Postdoc at Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
START Fellow 2021
Nadezhda Kukharchyk
Microwave quantum communication and sensing with spin systems
START Fellow 2020
Research Website
Cambyse Rouzé
Now: Inria Starting Faculty Researcher at Inria (ISFP)
START Fellow 2020
Many MCQST START Fellows have transitioned to professorships or permanent positions in academia or industry. Positions held by MCQST alumni are indicated in italics.