International Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Chemistry, Physics and Biology

  Germany

Mainz

Description: The interdisciplinary MAINZ Graduate School of Excellence provides an advanced education in the interdisciplinary fields of materials science. For students working towards a doctoral degree, we offer continuing education opportunities through seminars and lecture courses, supervision by our PIs, and contact with academia. Based on a spirit of community among the MAINZ participants, the school serves as a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Participation in international seminars, symposia, and conferences helps to augment your international scientific network. The complementary training, for example written and oral presentations, is also
an important part of the education. The school comprises three programmes, lasting either one or three years.

The scientific goal of MAINZ is to develop a materials oriented theory that will lead to the design of new functional materials. This will be achieved by combining modern atomic physics, molecular magnetism and material sciences through the exchange and development of novel concepts and techniques. The highly motivated and internationally established team of young and experienced scientists will offer excellent students from Germany and abroad the educational background for a successful career in science, academia or industry.

The programmes of excellence MATCOR and POLYMAT were initially founded in 2005 and aim to educate the top five percent of doctoral students. The training programme and curriculum are designed to train very talented, highly motivated, and dedicated doctoral students.

Three Year Programmes (complete doctoral degree):

* MATCOR - MATerials with Strong Electronic CORrelations
This interdisciplinary programme was established for the rational design of new functional materials. Therefore, it is necessary to have a solid grounding in theoretical and experimental knowledge. A first-rate scientific education enables students to develop a profound knowledge of the research field in an international environment, and in particular it allows them to develop knowledge of the connections between the various research topics. The guiding principle for all courses offered in the curriculum is a problem-oriented approach with an emphasis on project work. Courses mainly focus on the synthesis, structure, analysis, and functionality of new materials, e.g., optical and magnetic materials, superconductors, nano-structured solids and surfaces, and Bose Einstein Condensates. Low temperature physics and a theory of correlated systems are also in the focus of our research.

* POLYMAT - POLYMers in Advanced Technologies
The scientific goal of this interdisciplinary programme is to provide students with comprehensive training in advanced methods of synthesis and characterisation of polymer materials. With this in mind, students are given the task of designing novel methods in analysis and characterisation including computer-assisted modelling, visualisation, and predictive data evaluation. Particular emphasis is placed on creative approaches to the synthesis and analysis of polymers for biomedical applications. Further, characterisa-tion of the surface and bulk properties of polymer systems designed for electro-optical and electronic applications is undertaken. We foresee intensive investigation in hybrid polymer systems containing synthetic and biological components including pigments and release agents at the nanoscale.

One Year Programme (registered students preparing for a PhD or as part of their PhD):

* IMPRS-PMS - The International Max Planck Research School for Polymer Materials Science
The aim of the IMPRS-PMS is to provide training for doctoral students in the field of polymer science, specifically in the areas of organic synthesis, soft matter theory, solid state and organometallic chemistry. This is done by giving doctoral students the opportunity to complete a research project for one year either at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz or the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz. German students are required to spend up to six months carrying out a research project at a foreign university. The training is supplemented by a series of seminars and summer/winter schools that the students are required to attend.

Testimonials from our students:

Being associated with MATCOR has given me the opportunity to perform high-level research on an international stage. I really appreciate the dedication of the other students to developing not just a CV with a strong publication record but also to being involved with teaching and soft skills such as giving high-quality presentations. (US student of the MATCOR programme)

MATCOR provides a stimulating environment for graduate students of chemistry and physics in Mainz. We aim at notable contributions to materials science in a joint effort. At first sight, it was not obvious to me how chemistry and physics students could inspire each other. However, through MATCOR talks, seminars, and workshops I realised that chemists and physicists are often talking about the same things just in a different kind of language. MATCOR is the chance to unify that language and pull the rope together. This is truly exciting! (German student of the MATCOR programme)

The IMPRS provides a great infrastructure to improve skills in state-of-the-art research techniques. It is also a brilliant opportunity to meet new people and participate in cultural as well as scientific exchange.
(Brazilian student of the IMPRS programme)

As POLYMAT member, I am part of a research network that offers me straightforward contact to current research in a way my small working group could never manage. (German student of the POLYMAT programme)

Highlights: As a doctoral student of MAINZ, you are member of one our three programmes. The programmes are linked through the shared scientific objective of multidisciplinary research. Our approach combines the best specialised research with a broad perspective. We aim to produce well-trained scientists who will be involved with magneto-electronics as well as materials science and the information industry in general. Special partnerships with industry will encourage entrepreneurship.

* Personal Support
A change in job or place of residence always entails coping with various challenges, not only before moving but also upon arrival. In order to ease your first steps in Mainz, especially if you come from abroad, the school and the university's International Office can offer significant assistance. We have ongoing coordination with the Student Service Centre, the Registrar's Office, and the Language Centre, and we can help you find suitable accommodation. Recently, the university has also expanded these informational and support services in order to enable international doctoral students to concentrate more fully on their research and studies. Students and visitors with young children should also note that several places have been reserved in the campus kindergarten (see section "Women in science"). The following practical services

Pre-Departure:
- Information on available doctoral courses
- Information on admission requirements and procedures
- Application and admission
- Support with financial issues, insurance policies, visa requirements

Upon Arrival:
- "First steps"/orientation in Mainz
- Enrolment and other administrative matters, e.g., accompanied visits to local authorities
- Support finding an apartment
- Help in organising childcare

During your stay:
- Individual counselling/advising and tutoring
- International networking
- Language courses in German, English, Spanish, and French
- Health services and insurance
- Sports and recreation, culture and social activities, e.g., sightseeing walks and guided tours around Mainz
- Alumni activities

* Financial Support
These PhD programmes fully fund our PhD students for a total of three years. Therefore, accepted students have all their research and living expenses paid by the school. Additional students can receive third party funding through Collaborative Research Centres (SFB) or other funding institutions. Associate students can expect partial funding for conference participation, summer schools, workshops, or research abroad.

IMPRS-PMS provides funding for all of its international students registered for a doctoral degree at any accredited university worldwide.

* MAINZ Training Programme:
The content of the MAINZ curriculum is designed to provide high-quality education for outstanding graduate students, adapted to the students' personal needs and career plans. Particular emphasis is placed on fields of knowledge outside the student's primary research disciplines. An individual career plan is developed with each scholar through the mentoring relationship. Regular training in the core specialties emphasizes "training at the bench", as well as lab courses and lecture courses. Coursework is partly offered in the form of summer and winter schools given by leading experts in the respective fields. Additionally, soft skills training is provided in areas such as teamwork, project management, and presentation techniques. Educational modules also comprise seminars on career planning, intellectual property protection, networking and the rights and responsibilities of scientists.

As a student of MAINZ, you are supported by a committee of three experienced scientists: one professor or senior scientist from among the PIs as the principal advisor, one co-advisor (MAINZ member), and one mentor, determined by the student's particular research field. The committee helps you to develop a personalised research plan, ensures the quality of your training, and assists in your career development. Each advisor is involved in one or more research teams (comprising typically five to six scientists) with which you will have strong links and interaction throughout your stay. Depending on your particular research goals, you will work with your committee to develop a programme of seminars and lecture courses that you will attend. You will also determine a target work schedule with defined milestones and scientific accomplishments. Furthermore, participation is mandatory in dedicated training exercises in the research field. The committee can assist in recommending a course of study with the understanding that a special seminar programme will also be organised by and for our students. Here, once a month a highly recognised international scientist is invited to present his or her commentary on current research. You are expected to demonstrate regular progress in your research by contributing to one of the ongoing seminar programmes of MAINZ. As you advance in your studies, you should submit articles for publication in international scientific journals. By the time you graduate, you can expect to have appeared as co-author on at least two publications. Your participation in international conferences is also encouraged.

* Soft Skills Courses
MAINZ focuses on an individualised education including soft skills training. Participation in these regularly offered courses is mandatory. The following soft skills courses are offered:
- Oral presentation and rhetoric
- Poster preparation
- Conflict management and communication
- Scientific writing and publishing
- Intercultural communication and relations
- Project-, time-, and self-management
- Team organisation, teamwork
- Information and knowledge management
- Intellectual property protection and patent law

As a matter of course, you will have the opportunity to improve your language skills.

Degree Level: Doctorate Degree

Minimum Education: Master of Science

Cost in US$: covered by the program

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Germany Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is 2 months

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

MAINZ Graduate School of Excellence's Mission Statement: The programme focuses on laboratory-based research training (training at the bench) supported by summer schools as well as seminars, international internships and colloquia that supply the intellectual framework necessary to become an independent scientist. The MAINZ graduate school also offers a supportive infrastructure. It is small enough to guarantee that students achieve good personal development and close working relationships with faculty, yet large enough to offer curricula with flexibility, depth and international relevance. The early contact with the international scientific community and companies via our mentoring programme further serves the needs of our graduate students.

Year Founded: 2007