4 Fully Funded Zukunftskolleg Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of Konstanz (Germany)
If you’re an outstanding early-career researcher looking to establish an independent academic career, the University of Konstanz offers an exceptional opportunity through its prestigious Zukunftskolleg Institute for Advanced Study. Applications are now open for four fully funded two-year Postdoctoral Fellowships, beginning on 1 April 2027. The programme welcomes talented researchers from the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences, providing them with the freedom to develop their own research while becoming part of one of Germany’s leading research universities.
With no mandatory teaching load, generous research funding, and access to an international network of scholars, the Zukunftskolleg Fellowship is widely regarded as one of Germany’s most attractive postdoctoral opportunities. The Zukunftskolleg Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Konstanz offers an exceptional opportunity for talented early-career researchers to establish themselves as independent scholars within a world-class research environment. With a TV-L E13 salary, generous research funding, no mandatory teaching obligations, and access to outstanding interdisciplinary networks, fellows are well positioned to develop innovative research with global impact.
Whether your expertise lies in the natural sciences, humanities, or social sciences, this fellowship provides the resources, mentorship, and international exposure needed to advance your academic career. If you meet the eligibility requirements, be sure to submit your application by 12 October 2026 (11:00 AM CET) to be considered for one of these prestigious positions.
Fellowship Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Konstanz |
| Fellowship Programme | Zukunftskolleg Institute for Advanced Study |
| Country | Germany |
| Number of Fellowships | 4 |
| Employment Type | Full-time (possible job sharing) |
| Salary | TV-L E13 |
| Fellowship Duration | 2 years (extension possible) |
| Expected Start Date | 1 April 2027 |
| Application Deadline | 12 October 2026 (11:00 AM CET) |
About the Zukunftskolleg
The Zukunftskolleg is an internationally recognized Institute for Advanced Study dedicated to supporting outstanding early-career researchers.
It provides an environment where fellows can:
- Develop independent research.
- Build an international academic profile.
- Collaborate across disciplines.
- Receive mentorship from senior scholars.
- Establish long-term international research partnerships.
English is the working language, making the programme highly accessible to international applicants.
Why Choose the University of Konstanz?
The University of Konstanz is one of Germany’s most prestigious research universities and has been continuously funded under the German Excellence Strategy since 2006. Its compact campus encourages close collaboration between researchers, students, and academic departments, fostering a vibrant interdisciplinary research culture.
Each fellow will become a member of both the Zukunftskolleg and an academic department within the university, ensuring strong disciplinary support alongside interdisciplinary collaboration. The Zukunftskolleg Fellowship offers exceptional support for researchers aiming to establish an independent academic career.
Key advantages include:
- Interdisciplinary academic community.
- Fully funded postdoctoral employment.
- Competitive TV-L E13 salary.
- Research independence.
- No mandatory teaching load.
- Individual research funding.
- International collaboration opportunities.
- Access to Germany’s Excellence Strategy research environment.
- Career development support.
- Mentorship from senior researchers.
Research Opportunities
Fellows are expected to develop and lead their own independent research projects while strengthening their academic profile.
Research proposals must align with a discipline represented at the University of Konstanz.
Applicants may also affiliate with one of the university’s internationally recognized Clusters of Excellence, including:
- Politics of Inequality
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour
These collaborations provide access to leading researchers, advanced facilities, and interdisciplinary research networks.
Fellowship Benefits
The Zukunftskolleg Fellowship offers an outstanding package designed to support academic excellence.
Successful applicants will receive:
- TV-L E13 salary under the German public sector pay scale.
- A fully funded two-year fellowship.
- The possibility of a one-year extension, subject to the submission of a successful external grant proposal.
- An individual research allowance.
- Funding for collaborative research projects.
- Support for hiring research assistants.
- Travel grants for conferences and research visits.
- Funding for research equipment.
- Access to international research networks.
- Career development and research support services.
- Opportunities to invite senior research partners through the mentorship programme.
- No compulsory teaching responsibilities, although voluntary teaching opportunities are available.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for excellent early-career postdoctoral researchers who demonstrate scientific excellence, independence, and strong collaborative skills.
Applicants from all disciplines within the:
- Natural Sciences
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Hold a doctoral degree awarded between 30 September 2024 and 1 October 2026.
- Earlier PhD completion dates may be accepted in cases such as maternity or paternity leave or periods of employment outside academia.
- Must not hold a permanent professorship.
- Must not have completed a habilitation or equivalent qualification (Venia Legendi).
- Propose an original research project connected to a discipline represented at the University of Konstanz.
Applicants are also encouraged to include a short reflection in their motivation letter explaining how their research contributes to one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
International Collaboration
The University strongly encourages international academic exchange.
Successful fellows will benefit from:
- International research collaborations.
- Global academic networking.
- Interdisciplinary cooperation.
- Opportunities to host senior visiting researchers.
- Mentoring by internationally recognized scholars.
Applicants with previous international teaching or research experience will have an advantage.
Local Academic Host
Before submitting an application, candidates are strongly encouraged to contact a potential academic host at the University of Konstanz.
Support from a university department strengthens the overall application and helps ensure appropriate academic affiliation during the fellowship.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated through a competitive two-stage international review process.
International experts assess:
- Academic excellence.
- Research quality.
- Originality.
- Feasibility.
- Career potential.
Applicants can expect to receive the outcome of the selection process around mid-February 2027.
Required Application Documents
Applications must be submitted in English and should include:
- Motivation letter.
- Research proposal.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Writing sample.
- Two letters of reference.
Reference letters may be submitted directly by referees via email before the application deadline.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 12 October 2026 |
| Closing Time | 11:00 AM (CET) |
| Expected Notification | Mid-February 2027 |
| Fellowship Starts | 1 April 2027 |
How to Apply:
All application materials must be prepared in English. Applicants should carefully review the fellowship guidelines, eligibility requirements, and required documents before submitting their application. For questions, applicants may contact: Zukunftskolleg (Institute for Advanced Study) Email: zukunftskolleg-application@uni-konstanz.de
More information on the Zukunftskolleg and current Fellows, as well as a special section devoted to the application and selection process (online application process, required documents, guidelines on eligibility, evaluation criteria, the timeline and the stages of the selection process) are available on our website at: http://zukunftskolleg.uni-konstanz.de . We look forward to receiving your application until 12 October 2026, 11:00 am (CET).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many fellowships are available?
The University of Konstanz is offering four fully funded two-year Postdoctoral Fellowships through the Zukunftskolleg Institute for Advanced Study.
Who is eligible to apply?
The programme is open to outstanding early-career researchers in the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences who earned their PhD between 30 September 2024 and 1 October 2026, subject to the eligibility conditions.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. Fellows are employed under the TV-L E13 salary scale and receive additional research funding, career development support, and access to various research resources.
Can the fellowship be extended?
Yes. A one-year extension may be possible if the fellow submits a successful external grant proposal.
Is teaching required?
No. There is no compulsory teaching obligation, although fellows may choose to teach in collaboration with a university department.
Do I need an academic host?
Yes. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a potential host researcher at the University of Konstanz before applying. Departmental support strengthens the application.
Are international applicants welcome?
Yes. The working language is English, and the programme actively encourages international applicants and interdisciplinary collaboration.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a motivation letter, research proposal, CV, writing sample, and two letters of reference in English.
When will applicants receive the results?
The university expects to inform candidates of the selection outcome around mid-February 2027.
Why is this fellowship highly competitive?
The Zukunftskolleg Fellowship combines research independence, generous funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, career mentoring, and access to one of Germany’s leading Excellence Strategy universities, making it one of the country’s most prestigious postdoctoral programmes.
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