RWTH Aachen University “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship 2025

Patricia Eaton3 days ago

Are you a talented postdoctoral researcher looking to take your career to the next level in Europe? RWTH Aachen University, one of Europe’s leading technical universities, has officially opened applications for its prestigious “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship. This exciting opportunity invites early-career researchers from outside the European Union to join RWTH’s vibrant research community and shape innovative projects with global impact.

Why Apply?

RWTH Aachen University is a powerhouse of scientific innovation, where academic freedom meets cutting-edge research. The fellowship provides not just a chance to conduct high-level research, but also to integrate fully into RWTH’s interdisciplinary research ecosystem. It is a unique platform to transform ideas into meaningful outcomes, while enjoying the support of a world-class institution.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will enjoy a wide range of benefits designed to foster both research excellence and career development:

Funding Duration: 24 months (two years).
Employment Package: Full-time position with a competitive salary (EG 13 TV-L, levels 1–4) including social security and health insurance.
Alternative Option: Fellowship stipend of equivalent value.
Recruitment Bonus: Potential incentive equivalent to two salary levels.
Career Development: Structured reviews, career guidance, and exit meetings.
Research Integration: Full inclusion in RWTH’s research community through the Center for Young Academics (CYA).

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to researchers worldwide who meet the following requirements:

Must be based outside the European Union at the time of application (all nationalities welcome).
Hold a PhD (awarded no earlier than four years before application) OR be in the final stages of completing a PhD by February 28, 2026.
Applicants who earned their PhD from RWTH or are currently employed at RWTH are not eligible.

Fellowship Timeline

Application Deadline: October 5, 2025
Notification of Results: Mid-November 2025
Start Date: Flexible, but no later than March 31, 2026

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via the RWTH Exploratory Research Space Portal and include the following documents:

Motivation Letter (max. 1 page)
Research Proposal (max. 4 pages, excluding references)
CV & Publication List (max. 5 pages; highlight up to 10 key publications)
Letter of Support from your RWTH host (max. 1 page)
PhD Certificate or confirmation of submission (translated if not in English/German)
Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees

Tip: Don’t just focus on publications. Highlight other contributions such as teaching, mentoring, open science initiatives, science communication, or societal impact.

Finding a Host at RWTH

A key requirement of the application is securing an RWTH host before submission. Applicants must reach out to RWTH faculty members or research groups that align with their project. Without a confirmed host, applications will not be considered.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed by an interdisciplinary RWTH committee based on:

Quality and persuasiveness of the motivation letter
Academic excellence (publications, awards, funding, teaching, outreach)
Scientific originality and feasibility of the project
Potential for collaboration with RWTH researchers

Take Your Research Career to Europe

The RWTH Aachen University “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship is more than funding—it’s a gateway to career growth, international collaboration, and research excellence in the heart of Europe. If you are passionate about pushing boundaries in your field, this is your chance to bring your project to life at one of Europe’s most innovative universities.

Application Deadline Reminder: The last date to apply is October 5, 2025.

Submit Application: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/botjje/lidx/1.