Your status at MPIPZ
It is important to know what your status will be, as different statuses have different terms and conditions, particularly with regard to social security contributions and benefits.
There are two types of support for junior scientists (Postdocs) at the MPIPZ:
- Postdocs with fellowships
- Postdocs on a contract
Fellowships
Postdocs at the MPIPZ are generally funded based on an employment contract (TVöD contract 100%). However, as part of an institute-based guest programme, postdocs can also be funded through a scholarship.
A fellowship is a form of financial support - a "livelihood allowance". In particular, a fellowship does not establish an employment relationship and there is no affiliation to an organisation. Since fellowship holders are not employees, the rights and obligations of employees do not apply to them. Depending on the type of fellowship, holders will have the status of a visiting researcher or guest. Competitive fellowships are considered a positive step in an academic career, as they demonstrate that you can secure funding for your own projects. Please visit the “funding opportunities” section to find out more about different types of fellowships.
There are two main types of fellowship holders at the MPIPZ:
- Third party fellowship holders, who have secured funding before coming or during their stay here*
- Fellowships of the MPIPZ Guest Programme. Information on this programme can be found here.
*Note: Although the MSCA and EMBO programmes provide third party funding for a postdoctoral position, the working arrangement is usually made through a contract, so the fellow is automatically considered to be an employee of the MPIPZ.
Awarding a fellowship does not constitute an employment relationship. Consequently, postdoctoral fellowships are generally not subject to social insurance deductions. This means that you are not entitled to statutory health insurance, pension schemes, unemployment benefits, accident insurance or long-term care insurance. However, this must be checked on a case-by-case basis.
As health insurance is compulsory in Germany, you will need to arrange adequate cover either through a German provider or from your home country. We also strongly recommend that you take out private accident and personal liability insurance. Many insurance companies offer combined insurance packages. Please note, however, that fellowship holders are automatically covered by the accident insurance of the Max Planck Society.
According to the fellowship provider's assessment, the fellowship is exempt from income tax in the Federal Republic of Germany. The competent tax office will make a final decision on tax exemption during the fellowship recipient’s income tax assessment. Tax obligations in the home country should be handled directly by the individuals concerned. Fellowship recipients should be made aware that they will be responsible for paying any tax incurred from the fellowship themselves.
The amount of the stipend and the benefits offered for third-party fellowships, such as child and mobility allowances, vary according to the type of fellowship.
Contracts
Postdocs in the Max Planck Society are generally supported by means of an employment contract subject to the Collective Wage Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD contract). This type of contract makes you an employee of the MPIPZ, subjecting you to the terms and conditions applicable to all employees. You will agree to these terms when you sign your contract before starting work.
As a contract employee, the postdoc’s salary is subject to taxation and social security contributions. The institute automatically deducts taxes from your salary and pays them to the state. The employee’s share of social security contributions (e.g. health insurance, unemployment insurance) is deducted from the salary, while the MPIPZ pays the employer’s contribution separately. The MPIPZ also covers the cost of occupational accidents and occupational health insurance.
If you are funded for the postdoctoral phase through an employment contract, the Collective Wage Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD Bund) will apply to you individually, and your salary will be calculated based on your experience.