Scholarship Overview

• Fully Funded

• International Max Planck Research School

• PhD

• Sustainable Metallurgy

• International Students

• Germany

Degree Level

• PhD (Doctoral Research Positions)
• Duration: 3 years
• Study Location: Germany (Rhine-Ruhr region)
• Language of Instruction: English

Available Subjects

The programme includes three fully funded PhD projects, each targeting a different aspect of sustainable metallurgy:

Project 1: Plasma-Based Metal Reduction

• Institution: Ruhr University Bochum
• Focus: Microwave plasma reduction of metal oxides
• Goal: Develop low-carbon alternatives to blast furnace technology
• Field: Physics / Plasma Science

Project 2: Mechanochemical Synthesis

• Institution: Max Planck Institute for Coal Research
• Focus: Intermetallic compound synthesis using mechanochemistry
• Methods: Powder diffraction, spectroscopy, in situ analysis
• Field: Chemistry / Materials Science / Solid-State Physics

Project 3: Atomistic Simulation of Metal-Oxygen Systems

• Institution: Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials
• Focus: Computational modelling of chemo-mechanical processes
• Methods: Ab initio simulation, machine learning, HPC modelling
• Field: Materials Science / Physics / Computational Science

Benefits

Why This PhD Programme Matters

This programme is part of a global push toward decarbonizing heavy industry, especially metallurgy. It is significant because it:

• Focuses on green transition and carbon-neutral metallurgy
• Combines experimental and computational science
• Uses advanced technologies like AI, plasma physics, and atomistic simulation
• Offers direct contribution to sustainable industrial innovation

The involvement of Max Planck Institutes ensures world-class supervision, infrastructure, and research output.

About the Institutions

The programme is jointly hosted by:

• Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials
• Max Planck Institute for Coal Research
• Ruhr University Bochum

These institutions are globally recognized for excellence in materials science, chemistry, and physics research.

Eligible Nationalities

• Open to applicants worldwide
• No nationality restrictions
• International candidates strongly encouraged
• Inclusive of applicants with disabilities

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Strong academic background in science or engineering
• Excellent English language skills

Project-specific requirements:

Project 1 (Plasma Physics):

• Physics background
• Experience in plasma research preferred

Project 2 (Mechanochemistry):

• Materials science, chemistry, or solid-state physics
• Knowledge of X-ray diffraction or electron microscopy is an advantage

Project 3 (Computational Modelling):

• Materials science, physics, or chemistry
• Experience with atomistic simulations and HPC systems
• Understanding of crystallography

Application Procedure

To apply for the Sustainable Metallurgy IMPRS PhD positions, candidates must submit:

• Updated CV
• Motivation letter
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Relevant research experience documents

Submission Steps:

1. Choose the relevant PhD project
2. Apply directly to the supervising institute
3. Submit all required documents before deadline
4. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews

Application Deadline

• Last Date to Apply: 15 May 2026
• Start Date: 1 July 2026