The Leibniz Association connects 96 independent research institutions that range in focus from the natural, engineering and environmental sciences to economics, spatial and social sciences and the humanities. Leibniz Institutes address issues of social, economic and ecological relevance. They conduct basic and applied research, including in the interdisciplinary Leibniz Research Alliances, maintain scientific infrastructure and provide research-based services. The Leibniz Association identifies focus areas for knowledge transfer, particularly with the Leibniz research museums. It advises and informs policy-makers, science, industry and the general public.
Leibniz institutions collaborate intensively with universities – including in the form of "Leibniz ScienceCampi" (thematic partnerships between university and non-university research institutes) – as well as with industry and other partners at home and abroad. They are subject to a transparent, independent evaluation procedure. Because of their importance for the country as a whole, the Leibniz Association Institutes are funded jointly by Germany's central and regional governments. The Leibniz Institutes employ around 20,000 people, including 10,000 researchers. The financial volume amounts to 1.9 billion euros.
ANNOUNCEMENT: LEIBNIZ JUNIOR RESEARCH GROUPS
OUR OFFER
The Leibniz Association recruits promising postdoctoral candidates from Germany and abroad by offering them attractive working conditions: early independence, a first-rate research environment and excellent networking opportunities.
As a leader of a Leibniz Junior Research Group, postdoctoral researchers are given the opportunity to pursue their own research projects and establish themselves in their respective fields on the way to a full professorship or tenured position.
Successful candidates will receive funding of up to 1.7 million euros to set up a Junior Research Group over a period of five years. This may include personnel costs for the group leader, doctoral researchers and, in some cases, postdoctoral staff as well as funds for equipment and facilities.
ELIGIBILITY AND ASSESSMENT
Applicants must have a track record of outstanding academic work in their field. They will be assessed on their academic performance, career status and future career prospects. The proposed scientific project will be judged according to its academic and methodological quality, prospects of success, originality and relevance.
The hosting Leibniz Institute must guarantee that the proposed Junior Research Group will be granted scientific independence.
In general, candidates should have obtained their doctorate no more than five years ago (child-raising adjustment: add two years per child under the age of 12).
The Leibniz Association explicitly encourages applications from international candidates. German language skills are not required initially. Successful candidates are, however, encouraged to learn German and will be offered support in this area.
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates need the support of the Leibniz Institute of their choice in the application process. Interested researchers should therefore start by contacting their chosen Leibniz Institute. Applications are submitted to the Leibniz Headquarters by the director of the Leibniz Institute in question.
Please get in touch with the respective Leibniz Institute early enough to allow sufficient time for application procedures. For a list of all Leibniz Institutes and contact persons, please visit
https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/research/leibniz-competition/leibniz_best_minds.html
TIMELINE
The Leibniz Institutes will inform the Leibniz Headquarters of their potential candidates for a Leibniz Junior Research Group by 30 March 2021 via an expression of interest. Full applications must be submitted by the Leibniz Institutes by 30 April 2021. Applications undergo an external peer review process and are evaluated by an interdisciplinary academic panel. Funded projects are scheduled to start on 1 January 2022.
Further information on the call for applications and application procedure can be found at:
https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/research/leibniz-competition.html/
Please also check our FAQs:
https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/research/leibniz-competition/faq.html
CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS AND APPLICATION ADVICE
Leibniz Association
Dr Karin Effertz
Division Leibniz Competition
Email:
bestminds@leibniz-association.eu
Chausseestraße 111, 10115 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 206049-39