Looking for a postdoctoral opportunity in Germany? The University of Konstanz Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is now accepting applications from eligible early-career scholars. The positions are based at the Zukunftskolleg, which provides an academic setting for independent work, interdisciplinary and intergenerational exchange, university integration and international contacts.
Successful applicants become members of both a University of Konstanz department and the Zukunftskolleg. The programme uses English as its working language, bringing participants together across generations and disciplines. Fellows may also affiliate with the Politics of Inequality or the Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour Clusters of Excellence.
Applicants should demonstrate scientific excellence, research independence and a strong capacity for teamwork. Applications are evaluated in two stages by international reviewers, with candidates expected to receive the outcome around mid-February 2027. The application deadline is 12 October 2026 at 11:00 am CET. Interested candidates should review the official call requirements and submit their application before the deadline.
Fellowship Overview
- Fellowship Name: Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Host Institution: University of Konstanz
- Organisation Name: Zukunftskolleg
- Location: Konstanz, Germany
- Programme Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Research Fields: All fields represented at the University of Konstanz
- Eligible Applicants: Excellent early-career postdoctoral researchers
- Duration: 2 years
- Fellowship Support: Research independence, interdisciplinary exchange, university integration and international academic contacts.
- Required Degree: Doctoral degree
Research Areas
The fellowship is open to researchers working in fields represented at the University of Konstanz. These include:
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Computer and Information Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- History and Sociology
- Literary Studies
- Linguistics
- Politics and Public Administration
- Law
- Economics
Eligibility and Qualifications
The fellowship is intended for excellent early-career postdoctoral researchers who meet the following requirements:
- Demonstrated scientific excellence in their field.
- Research independence and strong potential for an academic career.
- A doctoral degree awarded between 30 September 2024 and 1 October 2026, subject to the stated exceptions.
- Applicants must not hold a permanent professorship.
- Applicants must not hold a habilitation or equivalent qualification.
- A research project connected to a discipline represented at the University of Konstanz.
- A potential local host at the University of Konstanz.
- Strong teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
- International teaching or research experience is an advantage.
Fellowship Benefits and Support
Postdoctoral Fellows have access to the support measures available through the Zukunftskolleg, including:
- Financial support for organising and running a scientific retreat.
- An annual research allowance, which can support research assistants or equipment.
- Eligibility to apply for co-funding.
- Opportunities to invite distinguished colleagues through Senior Fellowships and the Mentorship Programme.
- Opportunities for temporary research visits abroad or to nominate international early-career researchers for a research visit at the Zukunftskolleg.
- Eligibility to apply for funding for cooperative initiatives and particular career stages.
- Non-monetary support, including coaching, professional career counselling and grant proposal writing.
Application Process
- Review the official call text and eligibility requirements.
- Prepare the application according to the stated requirements.
- Complete the application through the University of Konstanz online application platform.
- Submit the application before 12 October 2026 at 11:00 am CET.
- Applications will be evaluated through a two-stage process involving international reviewers.
Required Documents
The official fellowship webpage does not provide the complete document checklist. Applicants should consult the official call PDF and online application platform for the required documents before submitting their application.
Important Dates
- Call: 2026 application round
- Deadline: 12 October 2026, 11:00 am CET
- Expected Decision: Around mid-February 2027
Eligible researchers should review the official call text and complete the online application before the 12 October 2026 deadline.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Postdoctoral Fellowships in Germany
- Early-Career Research Fellowships
- German University Research Positions
- International Postdoctoral Opportunities
- Humanities Research Positions for Scholars
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Postdoctoral Fellowships are available at the University of Konstanz?
The 2026 Zukunftskolleg call offers four two-year Postdoctoral Fellowships.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 12 October 2026 at 11:00 am CET.
Where is the fellowship based?
The fellowship is based at the University of Konstanz in Germany, within the Zukunftskolleg.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
Each Postdoctoral Fellowship lasts for two years.
Which fields are eligible for the fellowship?
The fellowship is open to researchers from all fields represented at the University of Konstanz, including the university’s 13 departments.
What are the eligibility requirements for the fellowship?
Applicants should be excellent early-career postdoctoral researchers with scientific excellence, research independence and a strong capacity for teamwork, alongside the other requirements stated in the official call.
Institutional Overview
Founded in 1966, the University of Konstanz is a research university in Germany with a strong focus on interdisciplinary work and international cooperation. The university brings together departments across the sciences, humanities, politics, law and economics. It is recognised as a University of Excellence and has research priorities covering Collective Behaviour, Cultural Dynamics and Social Transformation, Material–Function–Quantum, Molecular Principles of Life, and Inequality and Conflict. The university also hosts the Zukunftskolleg, which provides an academic setting for early-career researchers from different disciplines. Its structure encourages researchers to work across subject boundaries while remaining connected to their departments. The University of Konstanz combines research, teaching and international engagement across a broad range of academic fields.
For more postdoctoral fellowships and academic research opportunities, explore relevant opportunities on HigherJobz.
