RWTH Aachen University “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship

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RWTH Aachen University Port to Europe Postdoc Fellowship program for international researchers in Germany

 

 

RWTH Aachen University—one of Europe’s foremost technical universities—has opened applications for the “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship. The program invites scholars based outside the European Union to pursue independent, high-impact research in collaboration with RWTH chairs, institutes, and laboratories. Crucially, it couples academic freedom with structured support so fellows can convert ideas into real-world outcomes while building durable European networks. For scope, eligibility, and official terms, consult the university’s call details.

To ensure both scientific excellence and societal relevance, the fellowship welcomes proposals across disciplines and prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong originality, feasibility within 24 months, and clear potential for collaboration with RWTH research groups. Throughout, fellows receive mentoring, skills training, and access to infrastructure that accelerates publication, funding, and career progression. 

The RWTH Aachen University “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship supports early-career researchers from outside the EU to conduct cutting-edge research in Germany. This fully funded 24-month program offers salary, research freedom, and career support, helping scholars strengthen their academic trajectory while integrating into Europe’s innovation-driven research ecosystem.

Fellowship at a Glance

    • Duration: 24 months (full-time)

    • Location: RWTH Aachen University, Germany

    • Start Date: Flexible, but no later than

      March 31, 2026

    • Employment: Full-time position under EG 13 TV-L (or equivalent fellowship arrangement, where applicable)

    • Disciplinary Scope: Open to all academic fields, provided the proposal aligns with the host chair/institute’s research focus

What “EG 13 TV-L” Means

Under Germany’s public-sector collective agreement for the Länder (TV-L), EG 13 corresponds to the standard salary group for postdoctoral researchers, with step increases based on experience. Consequently, fellows receive a competitively benchmarked salary and the social benefits associated with German academic employment.

Objectives of the Fellowship

The “Port to Europe” program is designed with four strategic aims:

    • Attract Global Talent: Bring outstanding postdoctoral researchers from non-EU countries to Europe’s research ecosystem.

    • Foster Research Freedom: Enable fellows to frame and drive original research questions with strong intellectual merit.

    • Build Collaboration Networks: Strengthen ties among RWTH, international partners, and European consortia; in turn, this supports future EU proposals.

    • Encourage Societal Impact: Advance research that can inform policy, catalyze innovation, or underpin technology transfer.

Expert Tip: When shaping your proposal, explicitly articulate expected outcomes (e.g., publications, datasets, prototypes) and who benefits (industry, policymakers, communities). This clarity often strengthens review scores.

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply if you:

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  • Are currently based outside the European Union (German nationals abroad may also apply).

  • Hold a Ph.D. awarded within the last 4 years (documented career breaks—such as parental leave—are considered).

  • Will complete your doctorate by February 28, 2026 (if pending at submission).

  • Did not obtain your Ph.D. at RWTH Aachen and are not currently affiliated with RWTH Aachen.

    • Notes on Eligibility Nuances

      • Mobility focus: The scheme prioritizes incoming talent, therefore residency outside the EU is required at application.

      • Discipline neutrality: STEM, medicine, social sciences, arts, and humanities are eligible—alignment with the host is the key determinant.

      • Research ethics: Human/animal studies must include appropriate approvals; plan these timelines into feasibility.

    Evaluation Criteria

    Applications are assessed on:

      • Academic Excellence: Publications, awards, invited talks, and success with external funding.

      • Collaboration Potential: Fit with the host unit, complementarities, and plans for co-supervision or cross-faculty work.

      • Scientific Quality: Originality of the question, method rigor, and contribution to the field.

      • Feasibility: Clear workplan, milestones, and a realistic 24-month timeline.

      • Motivation: Persuasive narrative showing why

        RWTH is the right place and how the fellowship advances your career.

    How to Score Strongly

    Structure your proposal around work packages with measurable outputs, list target journals or venues, and add a risk-mitigation plan. Reviewers appreciate both ambition and credible delivery paths.

    Application Process

    Applicants must submit documents in PDF format through the RWTH online portal:

      1. Letter of Motivation (max. 1 page): Summarize fit, host alignment, and long-term career plan.

      2. Research Proposal (max. 4 pages, excluding references): Include objectives, method, timeline, risks, and expected outcomes.

      3. Curriculum Vitae (max. 5 pages): Highlight publications (up to 10 key outputs), awards, and project leadership.

      4. Letter of Support from RWTH Host (max. 1 page): Confirms supervision and resource availability.

      5. Ph.D. Certificate (or official proof of expected completion by the noted date).

      6. Copies of Academic Degrees (Bachelor, Master, etc.).

    Official Deadline: October 5, 2025, 11:59 pm (CET). Late or incomplete submissions are typically ineligible.

    Application Portal: Apply Here [2]

    Selecting a Host (and Strengthening Fit)

      • Identify a chair or institute with aligned methods or datasets; send a concise, outcomes-oriented pitch.

      • Propose joint activities—seminars, lab meetings, co-supervised student projects—to demonstrate integration.

      • Where relevant, outline future EU proposals (e.g., MSCA, ERC Starting)

        that your fellowship will seed.

    Next Cycle (Projection)

    Based on prior call patterns, the next intake is likely to open around early spring. We will update soon once RWTH confirms the month and portal details.

    Benefits and Support

      • Full Salary (EG 13 TV-L): Competitive remuneration with step progression as applicable.

      • Research Freedom: You define the project; the host provides intellectual and infrastructural backing.

      • Integration & Visibility: Access to RWTH’s clusters, seminars, and interdisciplinary networks.

      • Career Development: Training in grant writing, leadership, open science, and research impact.

    Practical Advantages for Incoming Fellows

      • Relocation Support: Guidance on visas, housing, and settling-in logistics.

      • Research Enablers: Facility access (labs, HPC, core units), library services, and data management support.

      • Pathway to Permanence: The track record built here can position you for EU grants, junior group leadership, or tenure-track applications.

    Why Choose RWTH Aachen?

      • Top-Ranked Technical University: RWTH’s reputation in engineering, materials, AI, sustainability, and biomedical technologies enhances research reach and recruitment.

      • Strategic Location: Situated at the tri-border with Belgium and the Netherlands, Aachen is a natural “port to Europe” for collaboration and mobility.

      • Industry Linkages: Long-standing partnerships with major companies and research institutes foster technology transfer and real-world impact.

      • Open, Interdisciplinary Culture: Cross-faculty initiatives and graduate schools enable multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex challenges.

    Internal Resources You Can Leverage

      • Interdisciplinary colloquia and doctoral schools

      • Research data services and open-access support

      • Entrepreneurship and patent advisory units

    Actionable Tip: Add a data-sharing or open-science plan to increase transparency and citation potential—an attractive point for reviewers and future collaborators.

    Conclusion

    The RWTH Aachen “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship is a compelling gateway for international scholars seeking a 24-month, fully funded opportunity in a world-class European setting. By combining salary-backed independence, expert mentorship, and deep integration into RWTH’s research ecosystem, the program equips fellows to deliver field-advancing scholarship and durable networks that endure well beyond the award period. For authoritative terms, eligibility, and submission procedures, consult RWTH’s official materials.

    FeatureDetails
    Program NameRWTH Aachen University “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship
    Host CountryGermany (RWTH Aachen University)
    Funded ByRWTH Aachen University (EG 13 TV-L contract or equivalent fellowship)
    Duration24 months (full-time, with fixed timeline)
    Study ModeFull-time, residential fellowship in Aachen
    EligibilityPh.D. within 4 years; based outside EU; not previously affiliated with RWTH
    Financial SupportEG 13 TV-L salary, research support, integration services, career training
    Fields of StudyOpen to all disciplines; proposal must align with RWTH host institute focus
    DeadlineOctober 5, 2025, 11:59 pm CET (Next cycle: early spring, update soon)
    Official WebsiteRWTH Aachen “Port to Europe” Fellowship

     

     

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What is the RWTH Aachen “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship?

    It is a fully funded 24-month fellowship supporting international postdoctoral researchers to conduct independent research at RWTH Aachen University in Germany.

    Who can apply for the RWTH Aachen postdoc fellowship?

    Applicants must hold a Ph.D. within the last 4 years, be based outside the EU, and not previously affiliated with RWTH Aachen.

    What is the duration of the RWTH Aachen postdoc fellowship?

    The fellowship lasts 24 months full-time, with fixed start dates and a maximum completion deadline of March 31, 2026.

    Does the RWTH Aachen postdoc fellowship provide a salary?

    Yes, fellows receive a competitive salary under the German public sector scale EG 13 TV-L or an equivalent fellowship arrangement.

    What fields of research are eligible at RWTH Aachen?

    All academic disciplines are eligible, provided the research proposal aligns with the host chair, institute, or laboratory’s focus.

    What documents are required for the RWTH Aachen fellowship application?

    Applicants must submit a motivation letter, research proposal, CV, Ph.D. certificate, academic degrees, and a support letter from an RWTH host.

    When is the deadline for the RWTH Aachen fellowship?

    The application deadline is October 5, 2025, at 11:59 pm CET. The next call is expected in early spring, update soon.

    Do I need an RWTH host to apply for the fellowship?

    Yes, a support letter from a host chair, institute, or laboratory is mandatory for application to the fellowship program.

    What evaluation criteria are used for the RWTH Aachen postdoc fellowship?

    Applications are judged on academic excellence, originality, collaboration potential, feasibility of the plan, and motivation for joining RWTH Aachen.

    Why choose RWTH Aachen University for a postdoc fellowship?

    RWTH offers world-class research facilities, EU networking opportunities, a competitive salary, and a strategic location at Europe’s innovation crossroads.

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