Advice
PhD Postions
You may find a position as a doctoral candidate via specific newsletters and the websites of universities and research institutes. In case you are looking for a good place for your research project you might be successful by using the Research Explorer.
Please note:
For an employment contract with a German university or research institution you need a Statement of Comparability of your foreign higher education qualification, issued by the "Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen" (Central Office for Foreign Education – ZAB)
> Portals for finding doctoral positions
PhDGermany
Database with open positions for doctorates in Germany
International Programmes
Datenbase of the DAAD for international Study- and Doctoral Programmes
EURAXESS
Information and assistance to mobile researchers
Academics
Career portal offering positions in science.
Jobvector
Job Portal für scientists, physicians, and engineers
> Scholarships
> Current opportunities
DAAD Future Network Weimar Triangle
The DAAD programme “Future Network Weimar Triangle: Science for Europe” has launched its second call for applications. It supports research stays and trilateral networking for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from Germany, France, and Poland.
Researchers from all disciplines are eligible if they work on future-oriented topics such as climate action and energy, artificial intelligence and digitalisation, security and resilience, biotechnology and medicine, or the societal impact of new technologies. Researchers based in Germany may apply for a research stay in France or Poland; researchers from France and Poland may apply for a stay in Germany.
Application deadline: 2 November 2026
Further information: DAAD – Future Network Weimar Triangle
Contact: weimartriangle@daad.de
College for Life Sciences Fellowships 2027/2028 at Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin
The College for Life Sciences at the Wissenschaftskolleg (WiKo) zu Berlin – Institute for Advanced Study is calling for applications for its fellowships 2027/2028. The programme is aimed at early career researchers in the life and natural sciences, medicine, and psychology.
Fellowships are intended for residencies of 3 to 5 months during the academic year 2027/2028 (September 2027 to July 2028). The programme addresses scientists at the beginning of their careers, including postdocs, junior group leaders, lecturers, and assistant, associate and junior professors. Fellows receive a full stipend based on their previous salary, studio accommodation on campus, and the freedom to pursue a project of their own choice. Please note that the WiKo does not offer lab space – the fellowships are designed to give researchers time to think and develop their own projects in an intellectually and culturally diverse environment.
Applicants must have obtained their doctorate by the start of their fellowship and have at least one lead-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Successful candidates usually have two or more years of postdoc experience. There are no restrictions regarding discipline, nationality, or age. However, scientists who have been principal investigators for longer than five years are advised to apply for a regular fellowship, and applications from researchers at institutions in Berlin cannot be considered.
Application deadline: 1 November 2026 (23:59 CET)
Further information and application: call.wiko-berlin.de
Hector Research Career Development (RCD) Award 2026
The Hector Fellow Academy is now accepting applications for the Hector Research Career Development (RCD) Award. The application period runs from 1 September to 30 October 2026.
The award supports outstanding researchers in the natural and engineering sciences, medicine, and psychology who are on their career path between postdoc and professorship. It is open to W1 professors and junior group leaders. Each year, three researchers are honoured with €25,000 each.
Eligibility requirements include an excellent doctorate (obtained no more than seven years ago), a fixed-term position at a German university or comparable research institution, and substantive or formal eligibility to supervise doctoral candidates.
Further information and application: hector-fellow-academy.de/karriereentwicklung
Call for applications (PDF): Hector RCD Award 2026
Previous awardees: hector-fellow-academy.de/hector-rcd-awardees
Fulbright Scholarship Programme “Research and Teaching” for Researchers with a Doctorate
Are you planning a research or teaching stay in the USA after completing your doctorate? The “Research and Teaching” programme offers you the opportunity to receive a scholarship at a university or research institution in the United States.
We support three- to nine-month research and teaching projects starting between 1 August 2027 and 31 May 2028. The scholarship covers living expenses in the USA with EUR 3,000 per month and, where applicable, allowances for accompanying family members. It also includes health and accident insurance, free Fulbright J-1 visa sponsorship, participation in the Fulbright Seminar from 22 to 25 April 2027, and membership in the international Fulbright network.
Apply now: Fulbright Research and Teaching Programme
Application deadline: 7 October 2026 at 13:59 CEST
You can contact us by email at: germanscholars@fulbright.de
Ph.D. Funding from the Cusanuswerk
The Cusanuswerk offers doctoral funding for Catholic PhD candidates in all disciplines.
Eligible applicants are graduates with promising research ideas and a record of voluntary engagement. The funding includes a monthly scholarship of €1,850 as well as an accompanying educational program.
Further information about the doctoral funding can be found here.