The Zukunftskolleg at the University of Konstanz is recruiting four early-career postdoctoral researchers for two-year fellowships. Fellows relocate to Konstanz or its surroundings, join both a university department and the Zukunftskolleg, and develop an independent research project.
The call covers disciplines represented at the university across the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences. The programme combines research independence with an interdisciplinary community, a local academic connection and career-development support.
Benefits & funding
- A two-year fixed-term University of Konstanz employment contract at 100% of pay grade E13 under TV-L West; the standard schedule is 39.5 hours per week with 30 days of paid annual leave and statutory social-security coverage.
- An individual research allowance, workspace and access to funding for cooperative projects, research assistants, travel and equipment.
- Career-development services, international research networks and the possibility to invite senior research partners through Zukunftskolleg programmes.
- A possible additional fellowship year is conditional on submitting an external grant proposal for the fellow’s own position.
Eligibility
- Hold a doctoral degree granted between 30 September 2024 and 1 October 2026; earlier graduation dates may be accepted for maternity or paternity leave or employment outside academia.
- Do not hold a permanent professorship or a habilitation or equivalent by the application deadline.
- Propose an independent project connected to a discipline represented at the University of Konstanz; applicants with transferable external funding for their own position may also apply.
- Be prepared to reside in Konstanz or its surroundings, attend weekly Zukunftskolleg meetings and contribute to its interdisciplinary community.
- No nationality, gender or formal age limit is stated; international teaching or research experience and interest in interdisciplinary topics are assets rather than hard requirements.
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Education required
PhD
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Application process
- 1Identify the relevant University of Konstanz department and, where possible, contact a potential Local Academic Partner before applying.
- 2Complete the online application form and submit materials in English: a one-page motivation letter, a five-page research proposal including references, a CV, relevant degree certificates, writing samples totalling no more than 30 pages, and two reference letters.
- 3Recommend two independent peer reviewers, name a Local Academic Partner, and optionally suggest a Senior Fellow; reference letters must be current, signed, on official letterhead and received by the deadline.
Program timeline
The university announced the call.
16 July 2026
Latest eligible doctoral-degree date.
1 October 2026
Application and reference-letter deadline.
12 October 2026, 11:00 CET
Candidates are expected to receive decisions.
Around mid-February 2027
Preferred fellowship start date.
1 April 2027