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Dear reader,
Taking the next step after your doctorate is an exciting opportunity, but it can also raise many questions. Which funding programme is the right fit? How does an academic career in Germany develop? And what opportunities are available beyond your current position? This issue is dedicated to helping postdoctoral researchers navigate these questions.
You will find a selection of current funding opportunities for postdocs and advanced researchers across all disciplines, alongside practical resources to help you build your career in Germany. Beyond research, we also explore topics that matter throughout your career, from retirement planning to new EU rules on pay transparency.
Whether you are preparing for your first postdoctoral position, searching for your next research environment or planning your long-term career, we hope this issue provides useful guidance.
PS: We will be on summer break until the October issue. To bridge the gap, we've put together an extended list of calls. Take a look and see whether one of them the right fit for you! | | | | |
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| Wherever you see this tag, the post connects to our monthly spotlight topic. | | | | | | |
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Apply by: 30 September 2026
(Future) PhDs: Jewish doctoral candidates from all disciplines apart from medicine | | | | |
ELES Doctoral Student Funding | | | | |
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Apply by: call opens in September 2026
(Future) PhDs: translational medicine | | | | |
ATLAS Translational PhD Program | | | | |
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Apply by: 1 November 2026
(Future) Female Postdocs with children: all disciplines | | | | |
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Apply by: 1 November 2026
(Future) PhDs: all disciplines; thematic focus on heritage conservation, architecture and urban planning | | | | |
Writing Grant for international early postdocs | | | | |
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Apply by: 16 November 2026
(Future) Postdocs & Advanced researchers: all disciplines | | | | |
Einstein Postdoctoral Grant & Einstein Visiting Fellow | | | | |
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Apply by: January 2027
(Future) Postdocs: all disciplines | | | | |
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Apply by: September 2026
(Future) Postdocs: all disciplines | | | | |
TUM Global Postdoc Fellowship | | | | |
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Apply by: any time
(Future) Postdocs & Advanced researchers: from a developing or transition country who are contributing to sustainable development | | | | |
Georg Forster Research Fellowship | | | | |
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Apply by: any time
(Future) PhDs & Postdocs: all disciplines | | | | |
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Apply by: any time
(Future) Postdocs & Advanced researchers: all disciplines | | | | |
Humboldt Research Fellowship | | | | |
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Apply by: any time
(Future) Postdocs: all disciplines | | | | |
Walter Benjamin Programme | | | | |
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A spotlight on: postdocs and advanced research | | | | |
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Starting a postdoc in Germany? Here’s where to begin
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Coming to Germany to start your postdoc career can feel challenging. There are many different opportunities but no fixed guidelines on what this phase is supposed to look like. With more than 25,000 research institutions, Germany offers a wide choice of universities and non-university research institutes across all disciplines at which you can do your postdoc research.
Research in Germany offers lots of information on research and work in Germany. You will find details on various opportunities in science and research. The website specifically addressing postdocs provides links to career options as well as dual careers, funding programmes and funding organisations. Furthermore, it links to funding databases and job portals. Your postdoc should open doors, not create uncertainty. Discover how Germany can support your next career step and start exploring your opportunities. | | | |
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Groundbreaking research from Germany | | | | |
Germany is home to some of the world’s leading research institutions. We highlight contributions from a few of them, giving you a closer look at pioneering projects and discoveries. Find more on our website!
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| 🔗 Read more articles on our website. | | | |
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A closer look: work in Germany | | | | |
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| Before embarking on an academic career in Germany, it is worth familiarising yourself with the country’s unique higher education system. The article offers an overview of the key pathways to a professorship, including habilitation, junior professorships, tenure-track positions and independent research group leadership. It also explains the appointment process, academic career structures and the support available to international researchers, helping you navigate the next steps with confidence. | | | | | | |
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| © iStock / RealPeopleGroup | | | | |
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| Looking for your next research opportunity in Germany? The German Postdoc Network introduces Germany’s 70 Clusters of Excellence, bringing together information on some of the country's most dynamic research environments in one place. Explore interdisciplinary research initiatives across a wide range of disciplines and learn about the career opportunities available for postdoctoral researchers as well as junior group leaders. The website links directly to cluster websites and job portals. Whether you’re planning your next career move or simply exploring your options, this guide is an excellent starting point. | | | | | | |
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The bigger picture: life in Germany | | | | |
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| Germany’s federal parliament has approved major changes to its citizenship laws, opening new opportunities for international skilled workers. Under the new law, foreign nationals can apply for a German passport after five years – in exceptional cases even three years – of living in the country. The rules for dual citizenship are also loosened, making it possible for non-EU citizens to apply. Read the full article to explore the advantages of this landmark decision. | | | | | | |
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| What comes after your postdoc? Whether you are aiming for a professorship or exploring other opportunities, planning your next career step can feel daunting. The German Postdoc Network provides an interactive overview of career paths for postdoctoral researchers in Germany, highlighting the different academic routes available and the opportunities and challenges they present. It’s a valuable resource for anyone considering their long-term career in the German research landscape. | | | | | | |
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| Greater pay transparency is on the horizon across the European Union. This article explains what the new EU Pay Transparency Directive means for job applicants and employees, including the right to know salary ranges before interviews and increased transparency around pay and career progression. If you are considering your next academic position in Germany, these new rules could help you make more informed decisions and promote greater fairness in the workplace. | | | | | | |
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| Travelling between Germany and Central Europe has just become even easier. A new direct rail service from Leo Express connects Germany with Czechia and Poland, linking major cities including Frankfurt, Dresden, Prague and Kraków. The route offers a convenient and affordable way to travel for conferences, collaborations or visits, with direct access to Frankfurt Airport for onward international connections. Find out more about this new cross-border rail link. | | | | | | |
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15. – 21.08.
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AUG 2026 · BREMEN, GERMANY | | | | |
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21. – 23.08.
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AUG 2026 · SAN FRANCISCO, USA | | | | |
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01. – 04.09.
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SEPT 2026 · LONDON, UK & ONLINE | | | | |
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10.09.
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SEPT 2026 · ONLINE | | | | |
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21. – 25.09.
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SEPT 2026 · GERMANY | | | | |
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22.09.
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SEPT 2026 · FRANKFURT, GERMANY | | | | |
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SEPT 2026 · ONLINE | | | | |
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16.11.
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NOV 2026 · BOCHUM, GERMANY | | | | |
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| Get updates about research career options and funding opportunities in Germany, the latest research news, interesting research projects and upcoming events. | | | |
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This newsletter has been prepared by:
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und Kommunikation | | | | |
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