Young Investigator Group Preparation Program (YIG Prep Pro)

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) Campus Süd; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research university in Germany is inviting applications for the Young Investigator Group Preparation Program (YIG Prep Pro), a postdoctoral fellowship aimed at aspiring researchers. The program supports international postdocs in securing funding to establish their own research group at KIT. Candidates with strong research backgrounds and innovative ideas will be prioritized. Benefits include tailored mentorship and a conducive research environment, with applications due by February 6, 2026.

Leistungen

Launch your independent career

World-class research environment

Strong institutional support

Diversity-friendly campus

Qualifikationen

• Demonstrable experience as a PhD candidate and/or postdoctoral researcher, including at least 6 months abroad.
• A well-defined project that fits within KIT's research domains.
• Highly visible and relevant publications that show potential for academic leadership.
• Ability to convey complex ideas clearly and manage projects analytically.
• Readiness to move to Germany for an extended period.

Aufgaben

• Prepare a competitive, third-party-funded junior research group proposal.
• Engage in mentorship and proposal strategy guidance at KIT.
• Establish a junior research group contributing to one's academic career.

Kenntnisse

Strong international research background

Promising research idea

Excellent scientific track record

Outstanding communication and teamwork skills

Willingness to relocate

Ausbildung

PhD obtained no more than 3 years ago

Jobbeschreibung

Young lnvestigator Group Preparation Program (YIG Prep Pro)

Are you an early career researcher with a promising research idea? Apply now for the YIG Prep Pro, a postdoctoral fellowship and support program at KIT.

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany, supports international postdocs in securing third-party funding to establish their own junior research group at KIT. The focus is on highly competitive junior research groups, including the DFG Emmy Noether Program and the ERC Starting Grant.

All applications with particularly innovative and creative research ideas will be considered. For the 2026 cohort, we prioritize applications related to the scope of the following research areas:

• Chemical and Electrochemical Energy Storage
• Atmospheric Change and Future Cities
• Engineering Trustworthy and Embodied Al Systems
• Quantum Technologies
• Nanomaterials
• Elementary Particle and Astroparticle Physics
• Health Technologies
• Mathematics in Sciences, Engineering, and Economics

Through YIG Prep Pro, you will receive tailored mentorship, proposal strategy guidance, and training to prepare a competitive, third-party-funded junior research group proposal. Leading a junior research group provides early independence and is excellent preparation for a professorship.

Fellowship Options

YIG Prep Pro funded fellowship

Spend your postdoc phase at KIT while preparing your junior research group proposal. Funding includes salary, starter equipment, and a consumables budget for up to two years.

YIG Prep Pro remote fellowship

If you are currently employed at an institution abroad and your position is already funded, KIT offers remote mentorship and proposal support. Up to twice per program year, travel expenses for guest stays at KIT are covered.

Eligibility

International researchers who obtained their PhD no more than 3 years ago. Applicants should have substantial international research experience (as a PhD candidate and/or postdoc).

Qualifications

• Strong international research background – demonstrable experience as a PhD candidate and/or postdoctoral researcher, preferably including at least one period of 6 or more months abroad after your degree.
• Promising research idea – a well-defined project that fits within one of KIT's research domains (see above). It should also align with the research activities of the prospective host institute at KIT (list of KIT institutes and Scientific Computing Center). Please contact the head of the institute early in the process. Both thematic fits should be explicitly addressed in the proposal.
• Excellent scientific track record – highly visible and relevant publications that qualify you to provide academic leadership for a junior research group, or that clearly show the potential to do so in the near future. The length of postdoctoral experience will be considered.
• Outstanding communication and teamwork skills – ability to convey complex ideas clearly, collaborate constructively, and manage projects analytically. A willingness to assume responsibility and to continue developing both research competencies and personal attributes is expected.
• Willingness to relocate – readiness to move to Germany for an extended period of time.

Benefits

• Launch your independent career – Establishing a junior research group at KIT is a decisive step toward a professorship and gives you early-career independence.
• World‑class research environment – Work in a vibrant, internationally recognized setting where you can turn your research idea into reality.
• Strong institutional support – KIT's deep expertise and interdisciplinary breadth in both research and teaching ensure optimal integration of your project.
• Diversity‑friendly campus – Benefit from a welcoming atmosphere that includes an International Scholars & Welcome Office, childcare services, and dedicated programs for personal and career development.

We look forward to receiving your application no later than February 6, 2026.

All information about YIG Prep Pro, the application process, and the selection criteria is available on our website: https://www.kit.edu/research/yig-prep-pro.php

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