News in detail

The "Eliteprogramm" of the "Baden-Wuerttemberg Stiftung" supports promising postdoctoral researchers to strengthen goal-oriented further qualifications in research, teaching, and research management. With receiving funding for an independently prepared and managed new research project as well as with becoming part of the "Eliteprogramm" network, promising researchers are provided with training and mentoring on their path towards a career in academia.

Postdoctoral researchers who plan to conduct their research project at the University of Konstanz and live in Baden-Wuerttemberg for the majority of the duration of the project are eligible. Applications of excellent foreign or German postdocs who either wish to return to Konstanz or have transferred to Konstanz within the last 12 months are particularly invited. The position of the early-career researchers must be secured for the duration of the project, as no funds are provided for this purpose

Applicants should have sufficient proficiency in German to actively participate in teaching, research, and academic management at the university. Additionally, they should be able to conduct a selection interview in German if they have been working here for more than 12 months.

Project funding: max. 150,000 Euro

Funding period: up to 3 years

Grant covers: staff (but not the applicant's position, at the time of application, the applicant's employment contract should be secured prospectively until the end of 2027), travel, material expenses and equipment during the project's duration

In 2024, the BW-Foundation will appoint 12-14 new Eliteprogramm fellows. Konstanz is allowed to submit up to four proposals and, thus, makes a pre-selection. The university co-funds each successful project with 10% of the overall budget (maximum project costs: 165,000 Euro).

If you would like to participate in the pre-selection process, please submit a brief application to your department (Fachbereich) no later than 3 March 2024:

• a max. three page outline of the research project (in German or English) including information on its social or scientific relevance and your motivation for applying to the "Eliteprogramm",
• a CV, including information on your current position/ contract and a list of publications,
• application form 2024 including the preliminary budget (in German),
• and, if your position expires before the end of the project period, written confirmation from your mentor or the department (Fachbereich) that continued employment is assured until the end of the project in the event of a successful application.

The departments are requested to rank the applications and forward them by 11 March 2024 with a short justification of their prioritization to the Research Support (forschungssupport@uni-konstanz.de). The Rectorate, supported by the Committee on Research (AFF), will select the four candidates from all applications who may submit a full proposal.

If you have any questions, Anja Eisenbeiß und Katrin Schmitt will be happy to assist you. Additionally, on 1 February 2024, we will be holding an information event where we will provide an overview of the Eliteprogramm, and you will have the opportunity to bring along all of your questions.

Evaluation criteria

• Quality of the research proposal
• Innovativeness of the proposed research
• Publication record
• Participation in academic self-administration
• Dedication to academic teaching
• Potential for a senior career in academia

Timeline for applications

• 01.02.2024: Information event on the Eliteprogramm
• 03.03.2024: Submission of pre-proposals to the respective department
• 25.03.2024: Invitation to prepare full proposals
• 16.05.2024: Submission of full proposals to the "Baden-Wuerttemberg Stiftung"
• Autum 2024: On-site election interviews (for shortlisted candidates)