Postdoctoral Fellowship Positions at the Zukunftskolleg, University of Konstanz

About the Opportunity

The University of Konstanz is a vibrant research university hosting around 10,000 students, renowned for its interdisciplinary academic environment and sustained funding under the German Excellence Strategy since 2006. The Zukunftskolleg serves as an Advanced Study Institute that supports early career postdoctoral researchers across natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. It fosters independence in research, interdisciplinary and intergenerational dialogue, integration within university life, and international networking, with English as the working language.

Fellows at the Zukunftskolleg will be affiliated both with a university department and the Zukunftskolleg itself. There is also the potential option to link to the Cluster of Excellence or the Centre for Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour at the University.

Role Responsibilities

• Conceive and execute an independent research project.
• Establish and develop a personal research profile.
• Engage consistently in weekly Zukunftskolleg meetings to nurture a vibrant, interdisciplinary postdoctoral community.
• Maintain residence in Konstanz or nearby areas to fully participate in campus activities.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Doctoral degree must be conferred between September 30, 2024, and October 1, 2026; exceptions apply for parental leave or non-academic employment periods.
• Candidates should not possess a permanent professorship, habilitation, or an equivalent teaching qualification (Venia legendi).
• Applicants holding a transferable grant-funded position may also apply.
• Research proposals must align with disciplines available at the University of Konstanz, with a reflection on how their project addresses the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals included in the motivation letter.
• Applicants must secure a prospective local host at the University, whose support strengthens the application.
• International experience and interdisciplinary interests are advantageous.

What the Zukunftskolleg Provides

• Access to professional research infrastructure and designated workspace.
• Individual research funding allowance.
• Availability of pooled resources for collaborative projects, assistants, travel, and equipment procurement.
• Networking opportunities including facilitating research visits and international collaboration.
• Access to senior mentorship and programs to attract senior researchers.
• Career development support from dedicated university units.
• No mandatory teaching duties, with optional teaching opportunities through university departments.
• Participation in an international and interdisciplinary peer community.

Additional Information

The position is full-time (salary scale E 13 TV-L) with a preferred start date of April 1, 2027. There is a possibility to extend for one year subject to external grant acquisition. The fellowship can be divided into two part-time roles if desired.

Applications will be evaluated through a two-stage international review process, with decisions communicated around mid-February 2027. All application materials including motivation letter, research proposal, CV, writing sample, and two reference letters must be submitted in English via the university's online portal. References should be sent directly via email by the referees. The deadline for applications is October 12, 2026, 11:00 am CET.

The University values equal opportunity, diversity, and work-family balance. It encourages applications from women, people with disabilities (who may be given preference if qualified), and supports dual career couples through dedicated programs.