2026 Excellence Fellowship program
2026 Excellence Fellowship program for visiting master students
In the wake of groundbreaking discoveries in novel phases of matter and quantum phenomena, the field of dipolar quantum gases offers an unparalleled opportunity for students eager to join the next wave of quantum innovation. Our group is happy to announce the 2026 edition of the Excellence Fellowship Program for External Master Students. Within this Fellowship program, we offer Three distinct projects in experiment or theory:
- Experiment: Quantum Simulator with Long-Range connectivity.
- Experiment: Neutral-Atom Tweezer Array with Erbium.
- Theory: Simulation of Lattive Models with Long-Range Interparticle.
Working on these projects will afford students a unique opportunity to perform exciting experiments or theory at the frontier of quantum physics, engage with physicists in an exceptional international environment, and to collaborate with a large network of researchers worldwide. Fellowship Master students will develop valuable technical skills in electronics, optics, programming, data analysis, modelling and so much more. Join us in pushing forward the frontiers of quantum physics!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Students granted an Excellence Fellowship will be provided with financial support (approx. 500 Euros per month), sufficient to cover the typical accomodation cost of a room in a student house, or in a shared flat in the city of Innsbruck. Students will also receive administrative support for organizational matters related to their internship. The internship should last between 2 and 10 months.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
Eligible candidates are physics students that have completed a bachelor degree in Physics and are currently enrolled in a Master programme at a university other than the University of Innsbruck. The student should have knowledge on quantum physics with emphasis on atomic physics. For the experimental projects, a solid background in experimental atomic, molecular and optical physics is not strictly required but certainly preferred. Most important qualities that we are searching for are motivation, curiosity, and passion for physics and its techniques.
WHAT ARE THE DEADLINES?
Applications are open from 01.2026 and will be evaluated on a rolling basis until all available positions are filled (Typically all positions are filled by March). Within the two weeks following receipt of the application, candidates will be informed via email whether or not they have been selected for the next evaluation step.
Selected candidates will then be interviewed by at least one senior member of our group, either remotely (video conference) or in-person (during a visit in Innsbruck). Following this interview, applicants will be informed of the results of the Fellowship evaluation. Awardees should confirm the acceptance of the Fellowship within two weeks via email, or the award offer will be withdrawn.
Priority in the selection will be given to internships that are linked to a master’s thesis project at the incoming university.
Starting dates for the internship are flexible between April and November 2026 and should have a minimum duration of 2 months and a maximum of 10 months.
HOW TO APPLY?
- a C.V.,
- a letter of motivation,
- transcript of exams (Bachelor and Master), and
- name and contact information of one reference person.