Zukunftskolleg Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

Applications are open for the Zukunftskolleg Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 at the University of Konstanz in Germany. The programme is offering four two-year postdoctoral positions for outstanding early-career researchers who want to develop and carry out an independent research project in an international and interdisciplinary academic environment.

The fellowships are hosted by the Zukunftskolleg, an Institute for Advanced Study at the University of Konstanz. The programme welcomes researchers working in disciplines represented at the university, including the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences.

About the Zukunftskolleg Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Zukunftskolleg is designed to support researchers at the early stages of their academic careers. Unlike positions that are tied to a specific teaching programme, these fellowships give researchers considerable independence to develop and implement their own research projects.

Fellows are expected to establish and strengthen their research profile while becoming active members of the Zukunftskolleg's interdisciplinary community. The working language is English, making the programme suitable for researchers from different countries and academic backgrounds.

The preferred starting date for the 2026 call is April 1, 2027. The initial appointment is for two years, with the possibility of an additional year under certain conditions, particularly where a fellow has submitted an external grant application and is waiting for a decision.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship provides:

• A full-time two-year employment position at E13 TV-L.
• An individual research allowance.
• Funding opportunities for research assistants and equipment.
• Access to funding for cooperative projects.
• Support for research travel and international collaboration.
• Opportunities to invite senior researchers through the senior fellowship and mentorship programmes.
• Access to international research networks.
• Professional career development support.
• Grant-writing and research support.
• An appropriate workplace and professional research infrastructure.
• An international and interdisciplinary community of researchers.
• No compulsory teaching obligation.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Hold a doctoral degree awarded between September 30, 2024 and October 1, 2026.
• Earlier doctoral graduation dates may be accepted in certain circumstances, including maternity or paternity leave or periods spent working outside academia.
• Not hold a permanent professorship.
• Not hold a habilitation or equivalent qualification such as Venia legendi.
• Propose an independent research project connected to a discipline represented at the University of Konstanz.
• Demonstrate scientific excellence and research independence.
• Show strong potential for teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Be willing to reside in Konstanz or its surrounding area during the fellowship.
• Have sufficient interest in interdisciplinary research and international academic collaboration.

Available Areas Of Study

The fellowship is open to researchers from all disciplines represented at the University of Konstanz.

Relevant areas may include:

• Natural Sciences
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Economics
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Psychology
• History
• Philosophy
• Law
• Linguistics
• Environmental Sciences
• Related interdisciplinary fields

Required Documents

Applicants must submit their application materials in English through the online application portal.

Required documents include:

• Letter of motivation.
• Research proposal.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Writing sample.
• Two letters of reference.

Selection Criteria

The selection process is highly competitive and is conducted in two stages with the involvement of international reviewers.

Applications are assessed based on factors including:

• Scientific excellence.
• Quality and originality of the proposed research.
• Research independence.
• Academic potential.
• Strength of the applicant's research profile.
• Potential for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Teamwork and communication abilities.
• Relevance of the research to the University of Konstanz.
• Potential for a successful academic career.

International teaching or research experience and a strong interest in interdisciplinary subjects are considered additional advantages.

How To Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the official Zukunftskolleg Postdoctoral Fellowship requirements.
2. Identify a potential academic host at the University of Konstanz.
3. Develop an independent research proposal.
4. Prepare your motivation letter, CV and writing sample.
5. Arrange two academic reference letters.
6. Complete the online application form.
7. Upload the required documents in English.
8. Submit the application before the deadline.