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LMU PhD in Metaphysics of Quantum Physics 2027: TV-L E13
LMU Paid PhD in Metaphysics of Quantum Physics 2027
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NBy Naman Kumar
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Paid PhD: TV-L E13 at 65% employment.
Research: Metaphysical questions related to quantum physics.
Eligibility: Master’s in philosophy or philosophy of science with strong philosophy-of-physics and metaphysics background.
Language: All work is conducted in English.
Deadline:15 December 2026; the position starts on 1 October 2027.
Table of Contents
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) is offering a paid PhD position in the metaphysics of quantum physics at the Chair of Metaphysics under the supervision of Professor Alyssa Ney.
The position is part of an ERC-funded research project on the metaphysics of quantum physics and is paid at TV-L E13, 65%.
You will write a doctoral dissertation on metaphysical questions connected to quantum physics and participate in the weekly activities of the ERC project.
The position begins on 1 October 2027 and is limited to three years.
Applications must be submitted in English by 15 December 2026.
LMU Quantum Metaphysics PhD at a Glance
Information
Details
Position
PhD Student in Metaphysics of Quantum Physics
University
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Faculty
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Faculty of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Studies
Chair
Chair of Metaphysics
Supervisor
Prof. Dr. Alyssa Ney
Location
Munich, Germany
Position type
Paid doctoral employment
Funding
ERC-supported project
Salary grade
TV-L E13
Employment percentage
65%
Contract duration
3 years
Start date
1 October 2027
Degree required
Master’s in Philosophy or Philosophy of Science
Physics background
Advantageous, not mandatory
Working language
English
Deadline
15 December 2026
Application method
Email
The position is hosted by the Chair of Metaphysics at LMU Munich, which focuses on analytic metaphysics, metaphysics of science and the philosophical implications of fundamental physics.
What is this LMU PhD about?
The PhD focuses on metaphysical questions arising from quantum physics.
You will develop a doctoral dissertation under the supervision of Professor Alyssa Ney and contribute to a broader ERC-funded research project on the nature of quantum reality.
The Chair of Metaphysics at LMU investigates questions such as:
- what our most fundamental physical theories tell us about reality
- how quantum theory should influence metaphysics
- what quantum non-locality means for our picture of the world
- whether reality may involve hidden dimensions
- how many-worlds approaches should be interpreted
- whether novel field-based accounts of reality provide better explanations.
This makes the position especially relevant if your interests lie between: metaphysics + philosophy of physics + foundations of quantum theory.
What is the ERC MetaQ project?
Professor Alyssa Ney received an ERC Advanced Grant for the project:
MetaQ — The Nature of Quantum Reality
The project runs from 2027 to 2031.
MetaQ investigates what quantum mechanics tells us about the fundamental nature of reality.
One focus is on interpretations that give a central role to observers or information, including approaches such as:
- QBism
- information-theoretic interpretations
- approaches influenced by John Wheeler.
The project examines these approaches from a metaphysical perspective and asks what they imply for our understanding of:
- physical reality
- human agency
- free will.
What will you do during the PhD?
Your main responsibility is to: write a doctoral dissertation on metaphysical questions related to quantum physics.
You will work under the supervision of Professor Alyssa Ney.
You will also be expected to participate in: weekly ERC-project group activities.
The Chair of Metaphysics also regularly hosts:
- workshops
- colloquia
- academic events
- philosophy and physics discussions.
Who can apply?
You need a completed: Master’s degree in Philosophy or Master’s degree in Philosophy of Science.
You must also have a strong background in: philosophy of physics , metaphysics.
The vacancy does not publish a minimum numerical grade or GPA.
Can I apply with a general philosophy Master’s?
Yes, if your background fits the research.
The official requirement is a Master’s in philosophy or philosophy of science.
However, you also need to demonstrate strong preparation in philosophy of physics and metaphysics.
So a general philosophy degree can qualify, but your coursework, writing sample or research interests should clearly show relevant specialization.
Can I apply with a philosophy of science degree?
Yes. Philosophy of science is explicitly listed as an eligible Master’s background.
Your application should still show substantial interest in:
- quantum theory
- philosophy of physics
- metaphysical questions about fundamental reality.
Do I need a physics degree?
No. A formal degree in physics is not required.
LMU states that additional training in physics is: welcome.
That means physics knowledge can strengthen your application, but it is not listed as a mandatory degree requirement.
How much physics should I know?
The vacancy does not define a formal minimum level of physics training.
However, because the PhD deals with metaphysical questions arising from quantum physics, some understanding of foundational physics will likely be useful.
Professor Ney's own research sits directly at the intersection of philosophy and physics, with particular emphasis on quantum theory, fundamentality and metaphysics.
If you have taken courses or completed research in areas such as:
- quantum mechanics
- foundations of physics
- philosophy of quantum theory
- philosophy of science
- philosophy of space and time
you should make this clear in your application.
Do I need German?
No German requirement is stated.
The vacancy explicitly says: all work will be conducted in English.
This makes the position particularly relevant for international applicants who do not speak German.
The job posting does not publish a formal English-language threshold such as IELTS, TOEFL, C1 or C2.
Can international applicants apply?
The official vacancy does not publish a nationality restriction.
It also explicitly states that all work will be conducted in English and welcomes applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.
However, the vacancy does not contain a sentence explicitly stating that applicants of all nationalities are eligible.
For that reason, international eligibility should be described as open in practice but not nationality-explicit in the vacancy.
If you require a German employment visa or residence permit, you should confirm the relevant administrative requirements with LMU if selected.
Is this a paid PhD?
Yes.This is an employee doctoral position rather than a scholarship-only PhD.
The salary classification is: TV-L E13 at 65% and the appointment lasts for three years.
The official vacancy does not publish a fixed gross monthly salary amount.
Because TV-L salary depends on the applicable experience step and public-sector pay rules, you should not present a calculated monthly amount as if LMU had officially stated it.
Is the position full-time?
No. The employment level is: 65% under TV-L E13.
This is common for doctoral positions in German humanities faculties, where the employment contract funds part-time academic work while the doctoral dissertation is completed alongside the position.
The posting does not state a weekly-hour figure.
How long is the contract?
The position is limited to: Three years from: 1 October 2027.
The official vacancy does not state whether an extension beyond three years is possible.
Who will supervise the PhD?
Your dissertation will be supervised by: Professor Alyssa Ney.
Professor Ney is Chair of Metaphysics at LMU and Vice-Dean for Research in the Faculty of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Studies.
Her research focuses on:
- fundamentality
- unity of science
- philosophy of physics
- interpretations of quantum theory
- metaphysics of quantum mechanics.
She is also the author of The World in the Wave Function and works extensively on metaphysical questions arising from quantum mechanics.
What research environment will you join?
You will join the Chair of Metaphysics at LMU Munich.
The Chair describes its approach as:
- analytical
- scientifically grounded
- historically informed
- socially engaged.
Current research areas include:
- metaphysics of fundamental physics
- fundamentality and the unity of science
- history of natural philosophy.
The Chair also hosts regular workshops, colloquia and academic events throughout the year.
What documents do you need?
Your application must be written entirely in English.
You need to submit:
- motivation letter
- CV with certificates
- writing sample
- research-interest statement
- names and email addresses of three academic referees.
All materials must be combined into: one PDF file.
What should the writing sample be?
LMU gives a Master’s thesis as an example of an acceptable writing sample.
The vacancy does not publish a maximum word count or page limit for the writing sample.
Your strongest option is likely a piece of philosophical writing that demonstrates:
- argumentative clarity
- familiarity with philosophy of physics or metaphysics
- ability to conduct independent philosophical research.
The last point is practical application advice rather than a separately published LMU requirement.
How long can the research statement be?
Your statement of research interests must be: no more than three pages.
Use it to explain the philosophical questions you want to investigate and how they connect to:
- metaphysics
- quantum physics
- philosophy of physics
- the broader ERC project.
The official vacancy does not require you to submit a complete dissertation proposal.
Do I need three recommendation letters?
Not at the initial application stage.
You must provide: names and email addresses of three professors who can submit recommendation letters if requested.
So you do not need to attach three recommendation letters yourself with the initial application unless LMU later asks for them.
Does my application have to be in English?
Yes. LMU explicitly states that the complete application must be written in English.
That includes your:
- motivation letter
- CV
- research statement
- application materials.
If certificates were originally issued in another language, the vacancy itself does not state whether certified translations are required.
How to apply for the LMU Quantum Metaphysics PhD
Step 1 — Check your academic background
You need a Master’s in philosophy or philosophy of science.
Step 2 — Show your research fit
Make sure your application demonstrates strong preparation in: metaphysics and philosophy of physics.
Physics training is helpful but not mandatory.
Step 3 — Prepare your motivation letter
Explain why you want to work on metaphysical questions connected to quantum physics and why LMU's Chair of Metaphysics is a strong fit for your interests.
Step 4 — Prepare your writing sample
Choose a strong piece of philosophical work, such as your Master’s thesis.
Step 5 — Write your research-interest statement
Keep it to: maximum three pages.
Step 6 — Add your referee details
Provide the names and email addresses of three professors who can write recommendation letters if requested.
Step 7 — Combine everything into one PDF
LMU requires all application materials in one PDF.
