GFZ Discovery Fellowships 2027–2029

Opportunity Overview

The GFZ Discovery Fund is inviting applications for up to two postdoctoral fellowships each year, each running for three years. These fellowships are intended for early-career researchers who want to develop bold, high-impact ideas that can help shape the future direction of research at GFZ.

Projects should be genuinely innovative, with a clear interdisciplinary angle, and should connect to at least one topic within the Helmholtz Association’s PoF IV framework. Fellows are expected to work closely with a minimum of two GFZ scientific sections.

Research Focus

Applicants may choose their own research topic, as long as it aligns with the GFZ scientific environment and contributes to at least one of the PoF IV program topics. The project should be designed around novelty, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and future research potential within GFZ.

Eligibility and Application Profile

This call is open to early-stage scientists from inside or outside GFZ who hold a PhD in geosciences or a related discipline. The doctorate must have been awarded less than six years before the start of the fellowship, with approved parental leave periods excluded from that limit. The doctoral certificate must already be issued before the fellowship project begins.

Applicants are expected to show a strong academic record, including publications and prior preparatory work. At least one peer-reviewed publication is required at the time of application.

Application Requirements

The central part of the application is a proposal that emphasizes innovation and interdisciplinarity. In addition, candidates must submit a motivation letter, curriculum vitae, and statements from the head of the hosting section as well as from at least one additional supporting section at GFZ.

To proceed with the application, candidates must first register in the applicant system. Registered users can log in to continue the process and access the detailed instructions, documents, and next steps.

Deadline

Applications must be submitted by Sunday, 13 September 2026 at 12:00 noon.