The Konstanz Postdoctoral Fellowship offers early-career researchers a two-year position at the University of Konstanz’s Zukunftskolleg. This fellowship provides independence, interdisciplinary exchange, and integration within the university’s research environment. Fellows are members of both a university department and the Zukunftskolleg, with possible affiliation to Clusters of Excellence such as “Politics of Inequality” or “Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour”. The working language is English.
The University of Konstanz is a dynamic German research university with approximately 10,000 students and a campus designed to promote interdisciplinary cooperation. It has been continuously funded by the German Excellence Strategy since 2006. The Zukunftskolleg is an Institute for Advanced Study dedicated to early-career postdoctoral researchers in the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences, fostering international contacts and intra-university integration.
Konstanz Postdoctoral Fellowship Benefits
- Independence for your research
- Interdisciplinary and intergenerational exchange
- Intra-university integration and international contacts
- Membership in both a university department and the Zukunftskolleg
- Possible affiliation with Clusters of Excellence (Politics of Inequality or Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour)
Konstanz Postdoctoral Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Doctoral degree granted between 30 September 2024 and 1 October 2026 (earlier dates accepted for maternity/paternity leave or non-academic contracts)
- Must not hold a permanent professorship, habilitation, or equivalent (Venia legendi)
- Candidates with own position funded by another programme that can be transferred to Konstanz are eligible
- Must propose a research project that ties in with a discipline represented at the University of Konstanz, and include a reflection on how it relates to the UN SDGs in the motivation letter
- Contact a potential local host among Konstanz researchers to ensure appropriate affiliation; departmental support strengthens the application
- International experience in teaching or research and strong interest in interdisciplinary topics are an asset
How to Apply for Konstanz Postdoctoral Fellowship?
- Visit the official fellowship page on the University of Konstanz website
- Contact a potential local host at the university to secure departmental affiliation
- Prepare a research proposal that aligns with a discipline represented at Konstanz
- Submit your application before the deadline, 12 October 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Konstanz Postdoctoral Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the duration of the Konstanz Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The fellowship is a two-year position. Fellows are fully integrated into the Zukunftskolleg and a university department for the entire period.
What is the application deadline for the 2026 fellowship?
The deadline to apply is Monday, 12 October 2026. Applications must be submitted online via the official University of Konstanz portal.
Who is eligible to apply?
The fellowship is open to early-career postdoctoral researchers who obtained their doctoral degree between 30 September 2024 and 1 October 2026. Exceptions apply for parental leave or non-academic contracts. Candidates with a permanent professorship or habilitation are not eligible.
Do I need to have a host professor at the University of Konstanz?
Yes, applicants should contact a potential local host among the researchers at the University of Konstanz in advance. A letter of support from the department strengthens the application.
What disciplines are covered by the fellowship?
The fellowship supports research projects that tie in with any discipline represented at the University of Konstanz, including natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Is knowledge of German required?
No, the working language of the Zukunftskolleg is English. International researchers are welcome.
What benefits does the fellowship offer?
Fellows receive independence for their research, interdisciplinary exchange, membership in a department and the Zukunftskolleg, international contacts, and possible affiliation with Clusters of Excellence.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are evaluated in a two-stage process by international reviewers. Candidates are typically informed of the decision around mid-February 2027.
Can I apply if I already have external funding?
Yes, candidates with their own position funded by another programme are eligible if the funding can be transferred to the University of Konstanz.
Are there any advantages for applicants with experience in interdisciplinary topics?
Yes, international experience in teaching or research and a strong interest in interdisciplinary work are considered assets in the selection process.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
