CALL open:
GFZ Discovery Fellowships 2027 – 2029
Highly innovative/high-risk projects are supported across GFZ sections and PoF Topics
The "GFZ Discovery Fund" offers up to two Postdoc positions per year for a duration of three years for young scientists that aim at adding to the current and future direction of GFZ’s research.
Successful candidates are expected to define innovative scientific projects and to identify future fields of research within the GFZ scientific sections. The research theme can be freely chosen, but must be assigned to at least one of the GFZ’s Topics of the Helmholtz Association PoF IV (program-oriented funding) period, have an interdisciplinary approach, and be carried out in close cooperation with at least two GFZ sections.
Requirements:
- Candidates should be early-career scientists from outside or within the GFZ, holding a PhD in Geosciences or related fields awarded less than 6 years ago – an extension is accepted for approved time(s) of parental leave.
- The doctoral certificate must have been received before the GFZ Discovery Fellowship project begins!
- You should have an exceptional track record (publications, preparatory works, etc.).
- Applicants must have at least one peer-reviewed publication to their credit at the time of application.
- Your proposal should be linked to at least one of the PoF IV Program Topics within the GFZ's research environment (Topic 1, 2, 3, 5 or 8 and MESI). The full PoF IV program can be obtained by request to Franziska Alberg.
- You need at least the support of two GFZ scientific sections, ensuring the interdisciplinarity of your proposed research project.
- The proposal – focusing on innovation and interdisciplinarity – is the core of your application.
- It is complemented by a motivation letter, your CV, and section head statements from your hosting section and at least one supporting section at GFZ.
Deadline for applications: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 (at noon)
For further details, application documents and next steps, and to start your application, you need to register as an applicant.
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