University of Konstanz Opens 4 Zukunftskolleg Postdoctoral Fellowships for 2027

For a newly graduated PhD researcher, one of the hardest career transitions is finding a postdoctoral position that offers real research independence rather than simply attaching you to somebody else’s project.

That is what makes the University of Konstanz’s 2027 Zukunftskolleg Postdoctoral Fellowships worth serious attention.

The university is currently offering 4 full-time, two-year fellowships across disciplines represented at Konstanz, with a preferred starting date of April 1, 2027. Subject to submission of an external grant proposal, these scholarship position may even be extended for an additional year.

Scholarship Quick Details

Who Has the Right Profile?

This call is aimed at very early-career postdoctoral researchers.

Applicants should normally hold a doctorate awarded between September 30, 2024 and October 1, 2026. Earlier PhDs may still be considered where career interruptions such as maternity/paternity leave or employment outside academia justify the difference.

Candidates cannot already hold a permanent professorship, habilitation or equivalent Venia legendi.

Your proposed project must also connect with a discipline represented at the University of Konstanz. Importantly, applicants are encouraged to identify and contact a potential local host researcher before submission; departmental support can strengthen the application.

What Does the Fellowship Give You?

The value goes beyond the E13 studentship classification and the successful fellows receive:

• independence to develop their own research project;
• an individual research allowance;
• access to funding for collaborative projects, research assistants, travel and equipment;
• international research networks;
• mentorship and career-development support;
• professional research infrastructure;
• and no compulsory teaching load.

Fellows become members of both a university department and the interdisciplinary Zukunftskolleg community.

Submitting Your Application

• Check your PhD date first: Your doctorate should normally have been awarded between September 30, 2024 and October 1, 2026. Earlier dates may still be accepted for justified career interruptions.
• Choose your research area: Your proposed project must fit a discipline represented at the University of Konstanz.
• Find a potential host at Konstanz: Contact a suitable researcher or department before applying. Support from a local host or department can strengthen your application.
• Prepare your research proposal: Explain the project you want to develop independently during the fellowship and why Konstanz is the right environment for it.
• Write your motivation letter: Describe your academic profile, research goals, suitability for the Zukunftskolleg and, if relevant, how your work connects with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Prepare your CV: Include your academic background, research experience, publications and other relevant achievements.
• Select a writing sample: Submit a strong example of your academic work that demonstrates your research quality.
• Arrange two reference letters: Ask two academic referees to provide recommendation letters. These may also be sent directly by the referees to the Zukunftskolleg application email.
• Submit everything in English: Upload the required application documents through the University of Konstanz online application portal.
• Apply before the deadline: The complete application must be submitted by October 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM CET.
• Wait for the two-stage review: Applications are assessed by international reviewers through a two-stage selection process, with decisions expected around mid-February 2027.
• Prepare for an April 2027 start: Successful fellows are expected to begin around April 1, 2027, unless another start date is agreed

Why This Call Is Unusually Broad?

Unlike many postdoctoral vacancies tied to one laboratory or predefined experiment, Zukunftskolleg spans the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences.

The common requirement is not a particular discipline—it is evidence of scientific excellence, independence, teamwork and the potential to develop into a successful academic researcher.