Funded Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from the Einstein Foundation in Germany

The Einstein Foundation offers a research fellowship for postdoctoral researchers for a period of three years, At the end of this period, an application for a further two years may be submitted.

The Einstein Visiting Fellowship aims to enhance the international profile of universities and research institutions in Berlin by involving leading scientists and scholars from abroad in long-term academic research collaborations. The program primarily targets researchers whose expertise can sustainably promote specific areas of academic excellence in Berlin. In contrast to typical visiting researchers who stay at an institution for one semester, the goal of the Einstein Visiting Fellowship is to integrate Fellows into Berlin's academic landscape on a sustainable basis.

Einstein Visiting Fellows are expected to set up a working group in Berlin in consultation with their hosts and come to Berlin at least three times a year for several weeks or once a year for more than five months to work with the group and be available for junior researchers. While in Berlin, Visiting Fellows also work on joint projects with other researchers and run courses and other events in agreement with their host institutions.

• The Foundation will provide up to €500,000 over three years or €300,000 for applications for extensions over two years.
• These funds are intended for the creation of a working group in Berlin, including a postdoctoral position permanently based in Berlin that can take over that will involve the handling of managerial functions for the group.

The funds may also be used for:

• an appropriate expense allowance for the Einstein Visiting Fellow – in accordance with the regulations governing the host institution – to be based on the Fellow’s qualifications and position in his or her home country,
• expenses for directly incurred expenses (including travel and accommodation) as deemed necessary by the Fellow for his or her research project.
• The host university will provide the space and infrastructure required.
• There is no contractual relationship between the Einstein Foundation and Einstein Visiting Fellows. All necessary arrangements must be agreed upon between the institution submitting the application and the Fellow.
• The respective scientist or scholar will hold the title of “Einstein Visiting Fellow” for the duration of the funding.

• Applications may be submitted by a Berlin-based Cluster of Excellence funded through Germany's Excellence Strategy. In addition, Einstein Centers are eligible as well as DFG Research Training Groups and Collaborative Research Centers if they have at least three years of their maximum funding period left.
• The eligibility of entities who are not (or are no longer) receiving competitively acquired third-party funding is judged on a case-by-case basis and will be permitted providing adequate justification is given.
• All applications must be endorsed by the management of the host university or Charité – Universitätsmedizin.

APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENSIONS:

Applications for an extension of funding must include the following:

• A review of the initial funding period and an assessment of the Einstein Visiting Fellow’s importance for the host institution during that time, including information on:
• the joint research project conducted by the Fellow and the host institution during the initial period (including any joint publications, events, etc.),
• the Fellow’s contribution to teaching at the host institution,
• the size and focus of the working group in Berlin during the initial funding period,
• the frequency and duration of the Fellow’s visits to Berlin during the initial funding period,
• the measures adopted to integrate the Fellow into Berlin’s research landscape,
• the administrative and organizational support provided by the host institution.

Information on the proposals for the second funding period, including:

• a description of the research project planned by the Fellow and the host institution for the second funding period,
• the Fellow’s expected contribution to enhancing the quality of teaching at the host institution,
• the size and focus of the Berlin working group during the second funding period,
• the frequency and duration of the Fellow’s visits to Berlin during the second funding period,
• further measures to integrate the Fellow into Berlin’s research landscape,
• the administrative and organizational support to be provided by the host institution.
• An explanation of the added value of the second phase of funding for medium- and long-term cooperation between the host institution in Berlin and the Einstein Visiting Fellow's home institution.

About the Einstein Foundation:

The Einstein Foundation Berlin was founded in 2009 by the State of Berlin. The Foundation aims to promote science and research of top international caliber in Berlin and to establish the city as a center of scientific excellence. In addition to its endowment, the Foundation also receives state funding.

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