Max Planck Research Group leader (m/f/d) (W2) | Clinical psychiatric research Full-time

Max Planck Research Group Leader (m/d/f) (W2) | Clinical Psychiatric Research

The Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, located in Munich, Germany, is one of the leading research institutes worldwide investigating the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders. The Institute combines state-of-the-art facilities for basic research and a research hospital, fostering truly translational approaches to unravel the fundamental neuronal and molecular mechanisms underlying these complex diseases of the brain. Our institute currently focuses on pathomechanisms of stress-related psychiatric diseases and psychosis, as well as neuronal circuit mechanisms of emotion regulation, employing methods ranging from in vitro to in vivo models and clinical patient data. Across all these approaches, we maintain a strong emphasis on brain/body interactions, thus tying together a unique range of perspectives in a highly collaborative manner. The integration of research and clinical setting at our Institute offers direct access to patients for translational or clinical studies.

Against this background, we are looking for an outstanding translationally oriented scientist with an original and exciting research program in mechanism-oriented psychiatry, including approaches aimed at identifying novel treatment approaches. Work involving human subjects with direct implications for understanding and treating psychiatric disorders is central to this call. This could include interventional, neurophysiological, neuroimaging, and computational studies in patients. The position can be combined with a clinical appointment at our research hospital if board requirements are fulfilled.

The appointed researcher will lead an independent research group, with generous funds for positions, start-up investments, and annual running costs. The position is considered equivalent to a W2 Professorship at a German university (Associate Professor level internationally). The appointment for this position is initially for 6 years but includes the possibility of merit-based extensions for up to 3 additional years. The group will have access to the institutional infrastructure and our core service units, including neuroimaging, a clinical study center, biobanking, and proteomics.

PhD students may be enrolled through the international PhD program International Max-Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry for a research PhD or a joint Residency/PhD training program (IMPRS-TP) or through the Graduate School in Systemic Neuroscience (GSN). The Max Planck Institute is also a member of the German Center of Mental Health, offering many collaborative possibilities.

The MPI of Psychiatry is an international research institute with English as the working language. We are committed to equal opportunity principles and try to accommodate the needs of families and of disabled employees.

For inquiries regarding this position, please send an e-mail to Elisabeth Binder, Peter Falkai, or Nadine Gogolla. For inquiries regarding any other technical issues, please write to Veit Schwab.

Your application should include:

• a cover letter of no more than two pages
• a detailed CV
• a list of publications (including pre-prints) highlighting your most important publications
• a concise research proposal of no more than three pages (including one page of your prior scientific achievements and two pages detailing your future research plans)
• Two referee contact details

Please submit your application online via our application portal. The deadline for submitting your application is 12.10.2026. The deadline for receiving the reference letters is 19.10.2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present a talk at an in-person selection symposium, to be held in February 2027.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Furthermore, we are committed to encouraging applications from individuals with disabilities in our workforce and applicants as such with equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment. The institute management is very positive towards using parental leave, especially by fathers.