Four 2-year Postdoctoral Fellowships at the Zukunftskolleg University of Konstanz in Germany

Four 2-year Postdoctoral Fellowships at the Zukunftskolleg, University of Konstanz (Germany)

The Zukunftskolleg at the University of Konstanz is inviting applications for four full-time postdoctoral fellowships. This is an interdisciplinary Institute for Advanced Study designed for early career researchers in the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Fellows receive substantial independence for their own research, opportunities for interdisciplinary and intergenerational exchange, and strong integration into the university environment and international research networks.

The post is based at the University of Konstanz in Germany and is offered at E 13 TV-L level. The preferred start date is 1 April 2027. The fellowship runs for two years and may be extended for a further year if an external grant proposal is submitted. In principle, the position can be split into two half-time appointments. Fellows are expected to reside in Konstanz or the surrounding area, take part in the weekly Zukunftskolleg meetings, and contribute to the development of a dynamic interdisciplinary community.

The call is aimed at excellent early career postdoctoral researchers who demonstrate scientific excellence, research independence, teamwork, and high potential for a strong academic career. Applicants must have been awarded their doctorate between 30 September 2024 and 1 October 2026, with limited exceptions for parental leave or non-academic employment gaps. They must not hold a permanent professorship or have a habilitation or equivalent. Candidates with an externally funded position that can be transferred to Konstanz are also eligible.

Research proposals must connect to a discipline represented at the University of Konstanz. Applicants are encouraged to identify a local host among the university’s researchers and to secure departmental support. They may also include a brief reflection on how their project relates to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. International research or teaching experience and interdisciplinary interests are considered advantageous.

Fellows are members of both a university department and the Zukunftskolleg. They may also affiliate with the Cluster of Excellence Politics of Inequality or the Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour. The fellowship offers professional research infrastructure, an appropriate workplace, an individual research allowance, and access to funds for collaborative projects, research assistants, travel, and equipment. Additional support includes a network for research visits and international collaborators, career development services, and opportunities for teaching collaboration without a teaching obligation.

Applications must be submitted in English via the online application portal. Required documents are a letter of motivation, research proposal, CV, writing sample, and two letters of reference. Questions may be directed to [email protected]. The application deadline is 12 October 2026 at 11:00 am CET.