Selection Process
The selection follows a two‑stage process:
- Initial selection by the UFZ, identifying candidates with exceptional scientific excellence, strategic fit to our mission and leadership potential
- Final selection by the Helmholtz Association involving an international expert panel
The initial selection by the UFZ will be based on the following criteria:
- Outstanding scientific achievements and research experience of the candidate
- Quality and strength of the submitted project summary
- Compatibility with one of the thematic tracks outlined above
- Leadership potential, in particular the ability to supervise international and diverse doctoral researchers
Please send a letter of intent, a project summary referring to one of the thematic tracks (not exceeding 6000 characters), a full CV and publication list to hartwig.pohl@ufz.de by 10 December 2026.
Interviews will be scheduled individually for each thematic track and are expected to be completed by 8 January 2027. By the end of January, successful candidates will be informed by the UFZ executive management and asked to provide a jointly developed full proposal until 3 May 2027.
Website information: www.ufz.de/helmholtz-investigator-groups
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