The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) at the University of Freiburg is inviting applications from outstanding international researchers for the FRIAS Early Career Fellowship Programme 2027/28. This prestigious fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to conduct an independent, innovative research project within a vibrant interdisciplinary academic community.
Overview & Key Details
| Designation | Early Career Fellow |
| Host Institution | Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg |
| Research Area | Open to all academic disciplines supported at the University of Freiburg |
| Location | Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany |
| Fellowship Duration | 4 to 10 months (between 1 September 2027 and 31 August 2028) |
| Application Deadline | 18 September 2026, 13:00 CET |
Job Description & Fellowship Benefits
The FRIAS Early Career Fellowship provides selected researchers the freedom and institutional resources to focus fully on their research projects while engaging in cross-disciplinary exchange.
- Financial Support: Fellowship contract with the University of Freiburg or alternative compensation (as detailed in the application manual).
- Research & Travel Allowance: Contribution towards research costs and reimbursement of inbound/outbound travel expenses.
- Academic Integration: Access to cutting-edge research facilities, libraries, and collaborative networks across the University of Freiburg.
- Residency Requirement: Full-time physical presence at FRIAS in Freiburg is mandatory to foster interdisciplinary dialogue (fieldwork outside Freiburg cannot be funded during the fellowship period).
Eligibility & Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria at the time of application:
- Academic Degree: Must hold a completed doctoral degree (PhD).
- Postdoctoral Experience: A maximum of eight (8) years of post-doctoral research experience.
- Publication Record: At least four (4) peer-reviewed publications published since 1 January 2022.
- International Mobility: A minimum of six (6) months of research or study experience at academic institution(s) outside the country where the applicant obtained their first academic degree.
- Nationality: Open to researchers of all nationalities based in Germany or abroad.
Application Requirements
Applications are submitted through the FRIAS online application portal and must include:
- Basic applicant and project information (project abstract, Layman’s summary for general audiences, ethical issues table, and motivation statement).
- Contact details for two (2) academic evaluators willing to provide references.
- Project Proposal: Maximum 3,000 words (including footnotes, headers, footers, references, and up to 4 graphs) following the mandatory structure.
- Curriculum Vitae: In tabular form using the provided template.
- Publication List: Up to 8 total publications (including at least 4 peer-reviewed publications since 1 January 2022).
- PhD Certificate: Copy of the doctoral diploma (PDF).
- For Experimental Scientists: Letter of support from a host laboratory at the University of Freiburg along with an experimental sketch and timetable.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must review the official application manual and submit their complete application dossier via the official University of Freiburg application portal prior to the deadline.
For inquiries regarding the fellowship, please contact: fellowships@frias.uni-freiburg.de
Application Deadline & Link
Last Date to Apply: 18 September 2026 at 13:00 CET
Official Call & Application Portal: Apply for FRIAS Early Career Fellowship 2027/28
