Summary
The Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD) invites applications for the ELBE Postdoctoral Fellows Program. This program offers fully funded, 2-to-3-year fellowships to distinguished independent researchers seeking to pursue curiosity-driven research. Fellows propose their own research ideas, freely choose host groups to collaborate with across partner institutions (MPI-CBG, MPI-PKS, and TU Dresden), and receive comprehensive mentorship aimed at springboard transitions into independent faculty-level careers.
Program Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Position / Designation | ELBE Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Host Institution | Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD) |
| Partner Institutions | Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems (MPI-PKS), TU Dresden |
| Location | Dresden, Saxony, Germany |
| Duration | 2 to 3 years (fully funded) |
| Application Cycles | 2 rounds per year |
| Application Deadline | September 11, 2026 |
Designation
- ELBE Postdoctoral Fellow (Independent Postdoctoral Researcher)
Research Area
- Systems Biology
- Theoretical Biophysics
- Computational Biology
- Mathematical Biology
- Cell & Developmental Biology (interfacing computational/theoretical groups with experimental labs)
Location
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD), Dresden, Germany
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Academic Background: Ph.D. in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Computational Biology, Biophysics, or related quantitative disciplines.
- Special Cases: Analytically minded experimentalists in cell or developmental biology aiming to bridge experimental labs and computational groups are also considered.
- Profile: Outstanding external candidates with a strong track record, intellectual independence, and a clear vision for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Female scientists and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply (the Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer).
Job Description & Benefits
- Independent Research: Develop and lead an independent, curiosity-driven interdisciplinary research project.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations: Freedom to choose and affiliate with one or more research groups across CSBD, MPI-CBG, MPI-PKS, and TU Dresden within the first three months.
- Funding & Resources: Competitive personal salary, financial support for research expenditures, and travel allowances.
- State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Full access to high-performance computing, advanced imaging facilities, and campus services at MPI-CBG and CSBD.
- Mentorship & Career Growth: Structured mentorship designed to launch independent academic careers (over 50% of alumni transition directly to faculty-level positions).
How to Apply
- Online Application Portal: Submit your application exclusively through the CSBD Online Application Portal. Applications sent via email or directly to individual group leaders are not accepted.
- Application Materials Required:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) & academic track record.
- Research proposal detailing your proposed project and intended collaborative directions at CSBD.
- Reference letters (submitted via the portal).
Contact for Inquiries:
- Office: ELBE Program Office
- Email:
elbeprogram@pks.mpg.de - Phone: +49 (0)351 871-1934
Last Date to Apply
- Application Deadline: September 11, 2026
