MCML - Call for fully funded PhD Positions 2025

The Munich Center for Machine Learning (MCML) is a joint research initiative of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) and Technische Universität München (TUM).

It is one of six nationwide AI centers in Germany to receive permanent funding as part of the German and Bavarian government's AI strategy.

Our vision is to strengthen regional, national, and international competence in AI and to make the corresponding potential accessible to users from science and industry.

We offer several PhD positions in any field of research within the domains of machine learning. The positions are ranked according to German TV-L E13 (100%), for a duration period of 3 years.

• You will develop a PhD research project in a field related to one of the three research areas of MCML

  • Foundations of Machine Learning

  • Perception, Vision, and NLP

  • Domain-Specific Machine Learning.

• The position starts on 1 July 2025

• Master’s degree or equivalent in one of the following fields (must be completed no later 1 July 2025): informatics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, mathematics, statistics, data science, or physics

• Excellent grades

• A very good command of the English language

• Strong scientific motivation

• Interest in interdisciplinary research

• The PhD position is fully funded. You can find a link to the salary of PhDs in Germany at the bottom of this section.

• You will join one of the top AI research centers in Germany and in Europe with access to an excellent network of scholars and scientists. MCML currently has 56 principal investigators working in one of our three core research areas. LMU and TUM offer high-caliber research facilities with extensive support for developing innovative and cutting-edge research projects.

• Your office will be located at LMU Munich or at the Technical University of Munich.

• The position is an TVL-E13 position in the German TV-L system (based on the tariff contracts for public service, commensurate with experience). The position is for three years. Working hours are flexible.

• LMU Munich and TUM provide diverse benefits for their employees, including support for scientists from overseas. LMU Munich and TUM are interested in increasing the number of female faculty members and encourages women to apply. This position is also possible in a part-time capacity. People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

• Opening of the online application system: 15 October 2024

• Deadline for submitting the applications: 14 November 2024 (Portal closes at 23:59 CET)

• Candidate review and interviews: 1 December 2024 – 31 January 2025

• Decision: 28 February 2025

• Starting date: 1 July 2025 (slightly later start is also possible)

• Please submit your application via the online application portal.

• Please provide a personal email address (for the login credentials and the application form). Other forms of submission will not be considered.

• You may submit your application until 14 November 2024.

• You will need to provide the following information in the online application portal:

  • Bachelor’s diploma and Master’s diploma (if completed)

  • Transcript of all your courses, including grades, from your M.Sc. (if your degree was at a non-German university, you will need to convert your grades to the German system; instructions provided in the portal)

  • Overview of publications, internships, and awards (if applicable)

  • Academic CV (pdf, max. 2 pages;educational background, work experience, publications, awards etc.);

  • Which MCML research cluster you would like to apply to

  • Brief motivation statement: Why do you want to pursue a PhD within MCML? Please include your long-term goals in academic research or in industry. (max. 250 words)

  • Brief research statement: Explain your motivation for the research cluster that you have chosen in MCML. Please include any previous experience (if applicable) that you have in this field (max. 250 words)

  • Contact information for one reference (2nd optional).

Please click below for a list of frequently asked questions.

If your question is not answered there, please reach out to us via applications@mcml.ai.