Prospective Students

Data Systems Group (DSG) at MPI-SWS

Welcome to the Data Systems Group (DSG) at the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems (MPI-SWS)! If you are reading this, you are likely interested in joining our group as a Ph.D. student, postdoc, or intern. This page provides essential guidelines to help you understand what I am looking for and how to make a successful application. Please take the time to read it carefully before reaching out.

A Focus on Systems Research

Our group conducts cutting-edge research in data systems, distributed systems, and database internals. Therefore, we can only accept students with a strong systems research background. If your work aligns with operating systems, distributed computing, databases, or closely related fields, then you may be a good fit for our group.

Required Technical Skills

While my work touches on ML, you do not need a background in machine learning. However, systems cannot be learned on the fly.

You must have significant experience in:

  • Linux environments & Cloud systems
  • Storage or Data Management systems
  • Low-level programming (C or C++)

Without this background, it will be difficult to contribute effectively to our work.

If your research interests lie outside these areas, I strongly encourage you to look for other groups within MPI-SWS. Supervising students outside my core areas of expertise is not something I can do, as I believe that deep knowledge of the field is essential for effective mentorship.

The "Shotgun Approach" Does Not Work

MPI-SWS receives hundreds of graduate applications and thousands of internship applications. Applying indiscriminately to many research groups is not effective.

Please apply only if your research background and interests closely match the focus of our group. Make sure your skills are relevant, particularly if you have a strong background in systems, software architecture, storage or databases, and low-level programming languages.

What to Include in Your Email

If you wish to reach out directly, please include the following:

  • 1

    Your research experience

    Be specific about past projects in systems, databases, distributed computing, and your experience with C/C++.

  • 2

    Your motivation

    Why join DSG? What draws you to our research? Demonstrate a solid understanding of what we do.

  • 3

    Your qualifications

    Concise summary of academic background, publications, awards, or evidence of excellence in systems research.

Note: If you do not hear back from me, it likely means that your email did not sufficiently demonstrate a fit.

Application Process

To join DSG, you must apply through the formal channels at:

cis.mpg.de

We do not conduct direct hires. Each application is reviewed by a committee first. Contacting me directly will not override this process.

Ph.D. & Postdoc

Ideally seek backgrounds in computer systems, databases, distributed systems, or systems for ML. Proven research track record required.

Fully Funded (Salary/Stipend + Tuition covered)

Internships

Highly competitive. Must have solid systems experience. Experience in ML-for-systems is a plus. Typically lasts several months.

Tax-free stipend + Housing + Travel

No M.S. or Undergraduate Programs

MPI-SWS does not offer master’s or undergraduate degrees.

If you are looking for such programs, please apply to other institutions, such as the co-located University of Saarland or RPTU.

Thank you for your interest in the Data Systems Group!