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.