Postdoc Fellowship Open at German University of Konstanz for 2027 Session
If you completed your PhD recently and want two years of independent postdoctoral research in Germany, the Zukunftskolleg at the University of Konstanz is now accepting applications for four Postdoctoral Fellowships, with a deadline of 12 October 2026 at 11:00 a.m. CET. The positions are full-time and paid at E13 TV-L, with a preferred starting date of 1 April 2027.
This opportunity is particularly attractive for early-career researchers who want freedom to develop their own project without a compulsory teaching load.
Who Can Apply?
The key eligibility rule is your PhD award date. You should normally have received your doctoral degree between 30 September 2024 and 1 October 2026. Earlier PhD dates may still be accepted where your academic career was interrupted by maternity or paternity leave, or employment outside academia.
You must also:
- Not hold a permanent professorship
- Not have a habilitation or equivalent Venia legendi
- Propose research connected to a discipline represented at the University of Konstanz
- Be willing to live in Konstanz or the surrounding area
- Participate actively in the Zukunftskolleg’s interdisciplinary community
International teaching or research experience is an advantage rather than a strict requirement.
Do You Need a Host at Konstanz?
You should contact a potential local host before applying.
The University encourages applicants to identify a researcher at Konstanz who can provide an appropriate departmental affiliation. Departmental support can strengthen the application, so this is not a step worth leaving until the final days.
Your project can come from the natural sciences, humanities or social sciences, provided that a suitable discipline exists at the university.
What Does the Fellowship Provide?
Beyond the salaried position, fellows receive an individual research allowance and access to additional funding for research assistants, equipment, travel and collaborative projects.
Fellows may also access:
- Research visits abroad
- International research collaborations
- Mentorship and Senior Fellow programmes
- Career development and grant-writing support
- Funding for cooperative projects and scientific retreats
There is no mandatory teaching obligation, although fellows may teach in cooperation with a university department. The fellowship may potentially be extended for another year if an external grant proposal is submitted under the programme’s conditions.
What Documents Must You Submit?
Your application must be in English and include:
- Motivation letter – maximum 1 page
- Research proposal – maximum 5 pages including references
- CV
- Writing sample – maximum 30 single pages
- Two reference letters
Pay particular attention to those page limits: exceeding the permitted length for the motivation letter, research proposal or writing sample can make the application ineligible.
Applicants are also invited to reflect in their motivation letter on how their research connects with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
University of Konstanz Postdoctoral Fellowship Deadline
The last date to apply for the Zukunftskolleg Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027 is 12 October 2026 at 11:00 a.m. CET. Applicants are expected to receive the selection decision around mid-February 2027.
Questions Applicants Are Likely to Ask
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. The fellowship is internationally oriented, uses English as its working language and welcomes researchers across eligible disciplines.
Is this only for STEM researchers?
No. Zukunftskolleg supports researchers across the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences.
Do I have to teach?
No. There is no compulsory teaching requirement.
Is it competitive?
Very. As useful context, a previous call for three two-year fellowships attracted 337 applications, of which 110 passed the formal eligibility check.
Unsure Whether Your PhD Date or Research Topic Qualifies?
If you are confused about your PhD completion date, research field, proposed host, career break or project fit, leave your question in the comments below the article. Mention your PhD year and research discipline, and we can help you determine whether this fellowship is worth targeting.