RWTH Aachen University “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship 2025–2026

Omran Aburayya
Aug 19
3 min read

If you are an ambitious early-career researcher outside the European Union seeking to advance your academic journey in a thriving research ecosystem, applications are now open for the RWTH Aachen University “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship offers talented postdocs the opportunity to conduct a two-year research project at one of Europe’s leading technical universities while benefiting from structured career development, strong academic support, and access to RWTH’s interdisciplinary research environment.

📚 Fellowship Summary

Location: RWTH Aachen University, Germany
Level: Postdoctoral fellowship (all disciplines)
Target Group: Early-career researchers from outside the European Union
Funding Duration: 24 months
Fellowship Start Date: Flexible, but no later than 31 March 2026
Application Deadline: 5 October 2025
Notification of Results: By mid-November 2025
Employment & Salary: Full-time employment under EG 13 TV-L (levels 1–4) or equivalent fellowship stipend
Additional Benefits: Social security, health insurance, career development support, integration into RWTH’s research community

🎓 Fellowship Overview

The “Port to Europe” Fellowship is designed to attract highly qualified postdoctoral researchers from across the globe (outside the EU) to RWTH Aachen University. Fellows will engage in innovative research projects within RWTH’s interdisciplinary Profile Areas, benefit from academic freedom, and access resources that support cutting-edge research.

The program fosters international collaboration, long-term career perspectives, and exposure to European values and academic culture. Applications from women and underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged.

✅ Fellowship Benefits

Competitive Employment: Full-time position at salary grade EG 13 TV-L (levels 1–4) with social security and health insurance.
Recruitment Bonus: Possible financial incentive equal to two salary levels.
Alternative Option: Fellowship stipend of equivalent value instead of an employment contract.
Structured Career Development: Mid-term and final reviews, mentoring, and perspective meetings.
Research Support: Access to RWTH’s institutional resources, labs, and facilities via the Center for Young Academics (CYA).
Integration: Full inclusion in RWTH’s international research community and support from the Welcome Center for housing, visas, and family services.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

PhD Requirement: Applicants must hold a completed PhD (with no more than 4 years postdoctoral experience) or be in the final stages, with degree awarded by 28 February 2026.
Geographic Requirement: Applicants must be based outside the European Union at the time of application.
Exclusions: Candidates who earned their PhD at RWTH or are currently employed there are not eligible.
Research Background: Strong academic record with publications, awards, teaching, or research funding experience.
Host Requirement: Applicants must secure support from an RWTH host prior to applying.

🔍 Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed by an interdisciplinary committee based on:

Academic record and research achievements
Quality, originality, and feasibility of the proposed project
Persuasiveness of the motivation letter
Potential for collaboration with RWTH researchers
Broader academic contributions (teaching, mentoring, open science, outreach, societal impact)

📝 Application Procedure

All applications must be submitted via the RWTH Exploratory Research Space Portal.

📂 Required documents (PDF format):

Letter of Motivation (max. 1 page)
Research Proposal (max. 4 pages, excl. references)
CV & Publication List (max. 5 pages, up to 10 key publications)
ORCID iD or similar profile link
Letter of Support from RWTH host (max. 1 page)
PhD certificate or confirmation of completion (with certified translation if necessary)
Previous academic degrees (Bachelor’s/Master’s)

Finding a Host

Applicants are required to secure an RWTH host before applying. Potential hosts can be identified through RWTH’s Profile Areas and research directories. Host placements cannot be arranged after submission.