Summary
The University of Konstanz, a German Excellence Strategy institution, is offering four 2-year Postdoctoral Fellowships at the Zukunftskolleg—an Institute for Advanced Study designed for early-career researchers. The fellowship provides independence, professional infrastructure, an individual research allowance, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences, with a potential 1-year extension upon submitting an external grant proposal.
Key Overview Table
| Parameter | Details |
| Position / Designation | Postdoctoral Fellow (2-Year Fellowship) |
| Institution | University of Konstanz (Zukunftskolleg) |
| Reference No. | 2026/138 |
| Remuneration / Pay Scale | Full-time, Pay Grade E 13 TV-L (can be divided into two half-time positions) |
| Number of Positions | 4 (Four) |
| Duration | 2 years (potential 1-year extension upon external grant submission) |
| Preferred Start Date | April 1, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | October 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM (CET) |
Designation
- Postdoctoral Fellow (Zukunftskolleg Fellow)
Research Area
- Interdisciplinary: Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
- Proposed research projects must align with a discipline represented at the University of Konstanz and may optionally affiliate with the Clusters of Excellence (“Politics of Inequality” or “Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour”).
Location
- Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany (Campus University of Konstanz; fellows are expected to reside in Konstanz or its surrounding areas).
Eligibility / Qualifications
- Doctoral Degree: Ph.D. granted between September 30, 2024, and October 1, 2026 (earlier dates considered for parental leave or non-academic employment).
- Exclusions: Candidates must not hold a permanent professorship, a habilitation, or equivalent (Venia legendi).
- Project Alignment: Must propose a research project fitting into a department at the University of Konstanz; contacting a local host department/researcher before applying is strongly encouraged.
- SDG Connection: Applicants are invited to include a reflection note in their cover letter on how their research relates to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Assets: International research/teaching experience and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Language Requirement: Proficiency in English (working language of the institute).
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Independent Research: Develop and implement your independent research project and establish your research profile.
- Community Engagement: Actively participate in weekly meetings, intergenerational exchanges, and interdisciplinary initiatives at the Zukunftskolleg.
- Teaching & Mentorship: No mandatory teaching obligation, but opportunities to teach within partner departments are available.
- What is Offered:
- Dedicated workplace and research infrastructure.
- Individual Research Allowance plus access to co-funding for travel, student assistants, equipment, and collaborative projects.
- Access to senior fellowship mentorship programs, career development workshops, and dual-career support.
How to Apply
- Format & Language: All documents must be submitted in English.
- Required Application Documents:
- Letter of Motivation (including SDG reflection note).
- Research Proposal.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Writing sample.
- Two letters of reference (Referees may send letters directly via email to
zukunftskolleg-application@uni-konstanz.de).
- Application Channel: Submit via the University of Konstanz Online Application Portal.
- Inquiries: Contact
zukunftskolleg-application@uni-konstanz.defor any procedural or eligibility questions.
Last Date to Apply
- October 12, 2026, by 11:00 AM (CET)
