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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.

While my work touches on machine learning, especially when designing systems for it or using it in the design of systems, you do not need a background in machine learning to join DSG. The machine learning concepts we use can usually be learned on the fly. However, systems cannot be learned on the fly. You must have significant experience working in Linux environments, cloud systems, storage or data management systems, and programming in low-level languages such as 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 that may better suit your background. 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 each year and thousands of internship applications, and I receive dozens to hundreds for DSG. While I appreciate your interest, I must stress that applying indiscriminately to many research groups (what is often called the “shotgun approach”) is not effective and will not improve your chances of being accepted. It is important that you apply only if your research background and interests closely match the focus of our group.

Please take the time to understand what we do. Make sure your skills and experience 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, I encourage you to include the following details in your email:

• Your research experience: Be specific about your past research projects, particularly in the areas of systems, databases, distributed computing, and your experience working with low-level languages like C or C++. Highlight any relevant technical experience and skills directly related to our group’s focus.
• Your motivation: Clearly explain why you are interested in joining the Data Systems Group at MPI-SWS. What draws you to our research, and why do you believe you are a good fit? Demonstrating that you have a solid understanding of what we do will significantly strengthen your application.
• Your qualifications: Provide a concise summary of your qualifications, such as academic background, publications, awards, or any other evidence of excellence in systems research.

Emails that lack these elements or do not convincingly show that your research aligns with the DSG will likely be ignored. Given the volume of inquiries, I cannot respond to every email unless I am convinced by your background and motivation. Please understand that if you do not hear back from me, it likely means that your email did not sufficiently demonstrate a fit.

Application Process

To join the Data Systems Group at MPI-SWS, you must first apply through the formal channels for the corresponding role you are interested in (Ph.D., postdoc, or internship). Please visit https://www.cis.mpg.de to complete your application.

We do not conduct direct hires. Each application is reviewed by a dedicated committee that assesses your fit for MPI-SWS as a whole before it reaches me or any individual faculty member. While you are welcome to contact me before you hear back from the committee, you must complete your application first, and understand that reaching out directly will not override the committee’s decision.

Ph.D. and Postdoc Applicants

If you are applying for a Ph.D. or postdoctoral position, you should ideally have a background in computer systems, databases, distributed systems, or systems for machine learning. Having published papers in this area is not required, but you should have a proven research track record in these areas (e.g., research internships, B.S. or M.S. projects). Industrial or startup experience is also welcome.

Your application materials should clearly demonstrate your relevant experience, highlight any notable research achievements, and include any papers or publications that show your capabilities in our field.

Ph.D. students at MPI-SWS are fully funded, meaning they get a monthly salary or stipend, and any tuition or other fees are fully covered. Postdocs are also fully funded.

Internships

We welcome talented interns who are looking to contribute to our research efforts. Internships are highly competitive, and you must have solid systems experience to be considered. If you have experience in machine learning within the context of systems, please make sure to highlight this, as it is one of our areas of interest. Internships at MPI-SWS typically last several months and are an excellent opportunity to work closely with leading researchers in data systems.

Please note that, except for students from the co-located University of Saarland or RPTU, we rarely support bachelor’s or master’s projects. We prefer to engage with students through internships, where they can be more deeply involved in our research work.

Interns at MPI-SWS receive a tax-free stipend and free housing, and travel costs are fully reimbursed.

No M.S. or Undergraduate Programs at MPI-SWS

It is important to understand that MPI-SWS does not offer a master’s or undergraduate degree. If you are looking for an M.S. or undergraduate program, you will need to apply to other institutions (e.g., the co-located University of Saarland or RPTU). We specialize in advanced research programs (Ph.D. and postdoc) and offer internships for students with the appropriate background, particularly those interested in systems research.

Thank you for your interest in the Data Systems Group at MPI-SWS!