Zukunftskolleg Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

Overview

The Zukunftskolleg at the University of Konstanz offers postdoctoral researchers independence in their research, interdisciplinary and intergenerational exchange, integration within the university and international contacts. Each fellow belongs to both a university department and the Zukunftskolleg, and may also be affiliated with the Clusters of Excellence at the University of Konstanz, Politics of Inequality, or the Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour. The programme targets excellent early career postdoctoral researchers who show scientific excellence, research independence and a strong capacity for teamwork, indicating high potential for a successful academic career.

What you get

Fellows have access to all support measures at the Zukunftskolleg. These include an annual research allowance, for example to fund research assistants or equipment, eligibility to apply for co-funding, and Senior Fellowships and a Mentorship Programme that let them invite distinguished colleagues to Konstanz. They can go on a temporary research visit abroad or nominate international early career researchers for a research visit at the Zukunftskolleg, and can apply for funding for cooperative initiatives or particular career stages. Non-monetary support includes coaching, career counselling and help with grant proposal writing, and there is financial support to organise a scientific retreat.

Who can apply

Applicants should hold a doctoral degree granted between 30 September 2024 and 1 October 2026, with earlier dates accepted in cases of parental leave or working contracts outside academia. They must not hold a permanent professorship or a habilitation or equivalent. Candidates with their own position funded by another programme that can be transferred to Konstanz are also eligible. The research project must connect with a discipline represented at the University of Konstanz, and applicants may reflect in their motivation letter on how it relates to the 17 UN SDGs. Contacting a potential local host among the Konstanz researchers is advised, and department support strengthens the application. International experience in teaching or research and interest in interdisciplinary topics are an asset. The working language is English.

Requirements

Fellows develop and carry out their research project, build their own research profile, take an active part in the weekly Zukunftskolleg meetings and live in or around Konstanz.

How to apply

The application includes a motivation letter of at most one page, a research proposal of at most five pages including references, a CV, a writing sample of at most 30 single pages and two letters of reference. Applications exceeding the page limits for the letter, proposal or writing sample are ineligible.

Key dates

The application deadline was October 12, 2026.