Simulations, Seminars, and Sauerkraut: An Insider's Guide to a Physics PhD in Germany

In this talk, I will guide you through the landscape of German physics grad school and show you how to navigate it successfully. Drawing on my personal journey, I will describe how I obtained a PhD position at the International Max Planck Research School for Intelligent Systems (IMPRS-IS) and the Graduate School of the Stuttgart Center for Simulation Science (GS SimTech), and outline alternative pathways into German PhD programs. I will highlight the dual role of PhD candidates as both enrolled students and employed research assistants, discuss funding structures, and address common challenges that can emerge in this setup. Participants will learn about typical requirements for completing a physics PhD in Germany, including additional coursework for academic, management, and career skills, Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings, thesis formats, and the structure of the public defense and examination. I will also provide an overview of day-to-day responsibilities - such as teaching, student supervision, administrative tasks, and conference participation - and share practical tips and strategies that have helped me navigate grad school.