University of Münster's COFUND Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you're an early-career or senior postdoctoral researcher passionate about exploring the complexities of migration, diaspora, and citizenship, the University of Münster's COFUND Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 offers a unique opportunity to advance your research within a vibrant interdisciplinary and international network. Funded under the European Union's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND scheme, this programme provides a platform for scholars to engage deeply with contemporary global migration dynamics.
📝 Fellowship Summary
Location: Münster, Germany
Host Institution: University of Münster
Academic Level: Postdoctoral (Early-career and Senior)
Target Group: Researchers in Social Sciences and Humanities
Fields of Study: Migration, Diaspora, Citizenship
Funding: Monthly salary ranging from €4,629.74 to €6,580.44, depending on experience
Duration: 24 months for early-career postdocs; 6 months for senior fellows
Application Deadline: 27 June 2025
Start Date: 1 May 2026
Eligibility: Researchers worldwide meeting MSCA mobility and experience criteria
📚 Fellowship Overview
The COFUND Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme "Migration, Diaspora, Citizenship" (MDC) at the University of Münster aims to attract talented researchers globally to investigate the interconnected themes of migration, diaspora, and citizenship. The programme fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across ten faculties, including Business and Economics, Educational and Social Sciences, Geoscience, History/Philosophy, Law, Music, Philology, Psychology/Sport and Exercise Science, and Theology .
Fellows will design and lead individual research projects, engage in interdisciplinary exchanges, and participate in the MDC Training Programme, which includes colloquia, lecture series, workshops, and courses on citizen science, research management, and idea development . Opportunities for secondments to a global network of academic and non-academic partners are also available, enhancing the fellows' international and intersectoral experience.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Financial Support: Competitive monthly salary based on experience.
Professional Development: Access to a structured training programme focusing on research and transferable skills.
Networking Opportunities: Integration into an international research community with opportunities for collaboration and secondments.
Institutional Support: Work within a university committed to offering tailored occupational training and continuing education opportunities.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
General Requirements:
MSCA Mobility Rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to the programme’s call deadline.
PhD Completion: A completed PhD in social sciences or humanities by the application deadline
Additional Criteria for Early-Career Postdocs:
Up to six years of research experience post-PhD.
At least one monograph or three major articles published, especially in migration, diaspora, and citizenship studies.
Demonstrated project experience and membership in national and international research networks.
Additional Criteria for Senior Fellows:
More than six years of research experience post-PhD.
Publication of one monograph or three major articles, plus three additional publications in relevant fields.
Extensive project experience, preferably as Principal Investigator or similar roles.
Active membership in multiple international research networks.
At least one additional distinction or intersectoral experience.
📝 Application Procedure
📂 Required Documents:
Contact information and CV.
Copy of PhD certificate.
Names and contact details of two referees.
Mobility statement in line with MSCA mobility rule.
List of publications.
Project description including:
Working title and three key words.
300-word summary.
2,000-word detailed project description.
Plans for research, dissemination, workshop organisation, and secondments.
Statement on previous collaborative projects.
Ethical issues form, self-assessment, and strategy.
📬 Application Submission:
Applications must be submitted online by 27 June 2025. Please ensure all documents are compiled as per the guidelines provided on the official MDC website. Note that application materials will be shared with network partners involved in the selection process
ℹ️ For inquiries, contact Ms. Lina Stücker at cofund.mdc@uni-muenster.de.
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
