RWTH Aachen University invites early-career researchers from outside the European Union to conduct their next research project at an institution where academic freedom, reliable long-term funding, and European culture and values come together.
Committed to its profound social responsibility, RWTH tackles the major global challenges of our time and translates pioneering research into real-world impact. RWTH brings together knowledge, methods, and findings from across our research fields, integrating deep disciplinary expertise within the interdisciplinary consortia established in our Profile Areas.
The “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship offers postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to become an integral part of RWTH’s research community.
This two-year fellowship is open to all disciplines and supports postdocs with a strong research profile, an outstanding academic record, and the ambition to build their careers in a thriving, innovation-driven academic environment.
Applications are especially encouraged from women and from individuals whose background and experiences will further enrich the university’s culture. Apply today and bring your project to Europe!
Fellowship Overview
The Port to Europe Fellowship aims to attract highly qualified postdoctoral researchers from outside the European Union to conduct their work at one of Europe’s leading technical universities.
- Funding Duration: 24 months
- Host Requirement: Applicants must have the support of an RWTH host
- Start Date: Flexible, but no later than March 31, 2026
- Call Opens: August 15, 2025
- Application Deadline: October 5, 2025
- Notification of Results: By mid-November 2025
Eligibility
Applications are welcome from researchers who meet the following criteria:
- Location: Based outside the European Union at the time of application (all nationalities are eligible)
- PhD Status: Hold a completed doctorate (with no more than four years of postdoctoral experience) or be in the final stages of completing a doctorate, to be awarded by February 28, 2026, at the latest
- Ineligible Applicants: Individuals who earned their doctorate from RWTH or are currently employed by RWTH are not eligible to apply.
What We Offer
- Full-time employment with a competitive salary at grade EG 13 TV-L (German public sector pay scale, levels 1–4), including full social security and health insurance coverage.
- Recruitment bonus: Potential financial incentive equivalent to two salary levels
- Alternative arrangement: Fellowship stipend of equivalent value instead of employment contract
- Structured career development: Mid-term and final progress reviews, including perspective and exit meetings
- Research integration: Full inclusion in RWTH’s research community and access to institutional resources through the Center for Young Academics (CYA)
Evaluation Criteria
Fellows will be selected by an interdisciplinary committee of RWTH researchers, based on:
- Quality and persuasiveness of the motivation letter
- Academic record (for example: publications, awards, success in securing competitive research funding, teaching experience, and knowledge transfer activities)
- Potential for collaboration with RWTH researchers
- Scientific quality and originality of the proposed project
- Feasibility of the proposed project
For more information and to apply visit https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/forschung/angebote-fuer-forschende/rwth-center-for-young-academics/~botjje/rwth-port-to-europe-postdoc-fellowships/?lidx=1
