New Max Planck Artificial Intelligence Network Starts Call for Applications for its Ph.D. Program

The program allows young academics to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the sciences by developing and applying AI methodology. Admission is competitive and candidates should possess a track record of excellence.

The program is an initiative of the Max Planck Society (MPS). It is funded by the MPS and collaborates closely with the ELLIS - European Laboratory for Leaning and Intelligent Systems. 

Program Setup

Ph.D. students are jointly supervised by directors or group leaders from different Max Planck Institutes, with the possibility of co-advisors from the ELLIS Network:

• one advisor works in a field close to ML/AI, and
• the other advisor works in an application area (“X”).

The program seeks passionate and curious students who want to earn a doctorate while contributing to cutting-edge curiosity-driven research in an ML/AI-related area and an application area.

Student Benefits

If you are an admitted student, you will be able to join starting in Fall 2026 and benefit from many aspects of the program:

• Work on cutting-edge scientific topics in AI+X in an internationally renowned faculty in the scope of a fully funded Ph.D. position.
• Register as a university doctoral student. Your doctoral degree will be conferred by a university when you successfully complete your doctoral project.
• Participate in a wide variety of workshops, summer/winter schools, internships and social activities.
• Get support by dedicated staff members throughout your time as a doctoral student

Who can apply?

People with a strong academic background and a master’s degree (conferred or expected soon).

How to Apply

You can apply at https://ai.mpg.de/application before 11:59 p.m. (23:59) CET on October 31, 2025.

Admission is competitive. If selected, applicants will receive funding via an employment contract, subject to the rules of the Max Planck Society and the two participating advisors’ institutions.   

The application is conducted via the ELLIS Ph.D. central application portal. You will need to select “Max Planck AI Network” as a research field in order to be matched to the program. Further details are explained in the application section an in our FAQ.

Finalists will be invited to selection interviews that will take place in January and February, 2025.

Contact

For further information, please visit https://ai.mpg.de/ and feel free to contact our coordination team at ai@is.mpg.de.

Looking forward to welcoming you in the Max Planck AI Network!

MPS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, gender identity, or any other non-job-related criteria. They believe in the importance of a multicultural community of students, faculty, and staff who seek to advance our commitment to diversity and inclusion. MPS strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.