MBSF Postdoctoral Fellowships in Humanities and Social Sciences

The MBSF Postdoctoral Fellowships in Humanities and Social Sciences offer an exceptional opportunity for outstanding early-career scholars seeking an interdisciplinary research environment. Hosted by the Martin Buber Society of Fellows (MBSF) at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the programme supports talented postdoctoral researchers in all fields of the humanities and social sciences. The fellowship encourages innovative scholarship, international collaboration, and intellectual exchange between Israeli and German researchers. 

This guide explains the fellowship’s eligibility requirements, funding, application process, benefits, and expert tips to help prospective applicants prepare a competitive application.

Overview of the MBSF Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Martin Buber Society of Fellows is a joint German-Israeli initiative established to promote outstanding postdoctoral research in the humanities and social sciences. The programme is based at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Each year, the Academic Committee selects up to ten outstanding fellows, typically up to five from Israel and up to five from Germany. Fellows join a vibrant interdisciplinary community where they pursue independent research while participating in seminars, workshops, lectures, and collaborative academic activities. 

Why the MBSF Fellowship Matters

Many postdoctoral fellowships focus mainly on individual research. In contrast, the MBSF programme emphasizes intellectual exchange across disciplines.

Key benefits include:

• • Up to four years of fellowship support.

  • Independent research opportunities.

  • Interdisciplinary academic environment.

  • Regular scholarly colloquia and workshops.

  • International networking.

  • Access to Hebrew University’s research resources.

  • Opportunities for long-term academic collaboration.

Moreover, fellows become part of an international scholarly community where discussions take place in English, creating an inclusive environment for researchers from diverse backgrounds. 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should review the official fellowship guidelines carefully before applying.

Academic Qualifications

Eligible applicants include:

1. 1. Scholars who earned a PhD from an Israeli or German university.

   2. Citizens of Israel or Germany who obtained a PhD in another country.

   3. Researchers specializing in any humanities or social sciences discipline.

Importantly, applicants must satisfy the fellowship’s PhD completion window specified in the current call for applications. Researchers with young children may qualify for an extended eligibility period under programme rules. 

Research Fields

Applications are welcome from areas including:

• • History

  • Philosophy

  • Literature

  • Sociology

  • Anthropology

  • Political Science

  • Psychology

  • Cultural Studies

  • Linguistics

  • Religious Studies

  • Economics (excluding purely applied projects)

  • Other humanities and social sciences disciplines

Notably, research does not need to relate to Israel, Germany, or Jewish Studies. 

Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support

The MBSF fellowship provides generous financial and academic support.

Successful fellows receive:

• • Monthly fellowship stipend of approximately 9,000 NIS.

  • Fellowship period of up to four years, subject to annual review.

  • Office space at the Mandel School.

  • Housing support for fellows relocating to Jerusalem.

  • Additional assistance for eligible international fellows relocating with family.

  • Access to academic events and professional development activities. 

Besides financial support, fellows benefit from mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and excellent research facilities.

Research Environment

One of the programme’s greatest strengths is its collaborative atmosphere.

Fellows participate in:

1. 1. Biweekly colloquia.

   2. Academic workshops.

   3. Guest lectures.

   4. Study excursions.

   5. Cultural activities.

   6. Informal scholarly discussions.

Rather than working in isolation, researchers engage with colleagues from multiple disciplines, encouraging new perspectives and collaborative research projects. 

Step-by-Step Application Process

Preparing early greatly improves application quality.

Step 1: Review the Official Guidelines

Read the official fellowship announcement carefully.

Pay close attention to eligibility rules, required documents, and formatting instructions.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

Typical application materials include:

• • Cover letter.

  • Academic CV.

  • List of publications.

  • PhD dissertation abstract.

  • Detailed research proposal.

  • Two recommendation letters.

The research proposal represents the most important part of the application and should demonstrate originality, academic significance, and future research potential. 

Step 3: Submit Through the Online Portal

Applications must be completed through the Hebrew University online scholarship system.

Applicants should ensure that referees submit recommendation letters before the deadline.

Step 4: Interview Stage

Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview with the Academic Committee.

Interviews may take place in person or online depending on programme arrangements. 

Expert Tips for a Strong Application

Competition for the fellowship remains high.

Improve your application by following these strategies:

• • Develop an original research proposal.

  • Explain your project’s broader academic significance.

  • Demonstrate interdisciplinary thinking.

  • Show how your research extends beyond your PhD.

  • Request recommendation letters early.

  • Carefully follow formatting instructions.

For example, a historian from Germany researching migration could strengthen an application by integrating perspectives from sociology and political science rather than focusing solely on historical analysis.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even excellent researchers sometimes weaken their applications.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• • Reusing an outdated research proposal.

  • Ignoring page limits.

  • Writing an overly technical proposal.

  • Choosing referees unfamiliar with your research.

  • Missing document deadlines.

  • Overlooking eligibility requirements.

Attention to detail reflects professionalism and preparation.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

The MBSF Postdoctoral Fellowships in Humanities and Social Sciences provide an outstanding opportunity for exceptional researchers seeking an interdisciplinary academic environment. With generous funding, long-term support, and access to one of Israel’s leading universities, the programme enables fellows to pursue ambitious research while engaging with an international scholarly community.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, begin preparing your application well before the deadline. Invest time in developing a compelling research proposal, secure strong recommendation letters, and consult the official programme guidelines to ensure your application is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)