M8 Post-Doc-Initiative

The Post-Doc Initiative offers another career track in addition to the Junior Professorships and the leaders of Junior Research Groups. Positions awarded competitively and with their own budget create more room for independent research in the postdoc phase. Career coaching and intensive counseling prepares the postdocs for their next career step.

Two kinds of positions are offered to international and national postdocs: early career postdoctoral positions of two-year duration and independent postdoctoral positions of four-year duration.

A) EARLY CAREER POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS

Early career postdoctoral positions offer the opportunity to face up the scientific competition and secure further external funding within two years.

WHO CAN APPLY? Doctoral candidates of the University of Bremen and other universities in Germany or abroad who expect to receive their doctorate within the next half year, as well as postdocs who received their doctorate at most one year prior to application (date of the PhD defense). 

WHAT CONDITIONS HAVE TO BE MET? Above-average publication output, an innovative and independent project proposal for the postdoc phase and a clear ability of achieving the objectives inherent in the Post-Doc-Initiative. The cooperating professor has to submit a detailed letter of intent on how candidates are to be integrated within a research context at the University of Bremen while at the same time maintaining a high degree of independence. In this regard the respective research context is part of the evaluation.

FUNDING CONDITIONS: A postdoc position paid pursuant to salary scale E 13 TV-L for a maximum of 24 months is granted after the completion of the PhD. Additionally, there is an allowance of up to €10,000 per year to cover costs of student assistants, publications and international mobility. Positions have to be taken up as soon as possible following the grant approval. Not later than 16 months after taking up the early career postdoctoral position at the University of Bremen an application for external subsequent funding for the postdocs own position has to be submitted..

B) INDEPENDENT POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS

Advanced and internationally recruited postdocs can be offered four-year term positions, provided they can make a significant contribution to the university’s excellent research areas. The advanced postdocs should set up new research groups by acquiring third-party-funding and gain the qualifications necessary for a scientific career as a professor.

WHO CAN APPLY? Postdocs who received their doctorate at least one year and at most four years prior to application (date of issue of the doctoral degree certificate).

WHAT CONDITIONS HAVE TO BE MET? Excellent doctoral thesis, above-average publication output, an excellent independent project proposal and a clear ability of achieving objectives inherent in the Post-Doc-Initiative. The cooperating professor at the University of Bremen has to submit a detailed letter of intent on how candidates are to be integrated within a research context at the University of Bremen while at the same time maintaining a high degree of independence. In this regard the respective research context is part of the evaluation.

FUNDING CONDITIONS: Postdoc positions are paid pursuant to salary scale E 13/14 TV-L for a maximum of 48 months. Additionally, there is an allowance of up to €10,000 per year to cover costs of student assistants, publications and international mobility. Research stays abroad are possible up to a maximum period of nine months.

PROCEDURE:

In the years 2012 to 2015 it is intended to publish yearly calls for proposals within the Postdoc-Initiative. The first call for proposals in 2012 comprises three two-year early career postdoctoral positions and three four-year independent postdoctoral positions. The number of positions available is shared equally between the natural and engineering sciences and the social sciences and humanities. At least 50% of the positions are reserved especially for women. The evaluation of previous achievement will take periods of child care into account. The University's respective Research Funding Committee recommends on the basis of external review suitable candidates to the Office of the University President for decision.

Proposals for funding two-year early career or four-year independent postdoctoral positions together with the cooperating professor’s letter of intent can be submitted online until 15th January 2013, 11:59 p.m.

EARLY CAREER POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS
Information for Applicants[DOC] (98 KB) Declaration[PDF] (417 KB)

Online Application form

INDEPENDENT POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS
Information for Applicants[DOC] (110 KB) Declaration[PDF] (417 KB)

Online Application form