TUM Global Postdoc Fellowship
More details :
The TUM Global Postdoc Fellowship offers a unique funding opportunity for external postdoctoral scientists currently residing abroad who wish to start their research at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). This fellowship provides 24 months of support, allowing fellows to diversify their research profiles within a TUM department and initiate new research projects in collaboration with TUM scientists. The fellowship is open to researchers who have completed their doctorate within the last three years or who will complete their doctorate within the next 12 months. Applicants must reside outside of Germany at the time of submission.
The application process for the TUM Global Postdoc Fellowship involves two phases. In Phase I, candidates do not need to submit a letter of support from a TUM host. However, during Phase II, applicants must identify and secure support from a TUM host who will endorse their application. The fellowship is open to all research topics, and applicants are encouraged to propose projects that align with the research interests of the supporting chair, institute, or lab at TUM.
Eligibility :
To be eligible for the TUM Global Postdoc Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Doctorate Timeline: Applicants must have completed their doctorate no more than three years ago.
Alternatively, applicants who will complete their doctorate within the next 12 months are also eligible to apply.Residency: Applicants must reside outside of Germany at the time of submission.
Research Alignment: Applicants must propose a research project that matches the interests and expertise of a TUM chair, institute, or lab.
Application Phases:
Phase I: No need to submit a letter of support from a TUM host.
Phase II: Applicants must identify a TUM host who will support their application.
The fellowship is open to researchers from all disciplines and encourages diverse and innovative research proposals.
Required documents :
To apply for the TUM Global Postdoc Fellowship 2024, you will need to provide the following documents in English:
Phase I:
Letter of Motivation (approx. 1 page): Explain your motivation for joining TUM for your postdoctoral research.
Describe your professional goals and how they align with your research interests.
Detail how the TUM professor(s) you wish to work with match your research scope.
Ensure your letter is accessible to a broader audience, as the selection committee may not be experts in your specific field.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) including list of publications (max. 5 pages): Provide a comprehensive CV with a list of your publications.
Copy of your best paper (max. 1 publication): Submit a copy of your most significant publication.
PhD certificate or equivalent: Include a PhD certificate, confirmation of PhD submission, or a statement from your PhD supervisor indicating completion within the next 12 months.
Reference Letter from your supervisor: The letter can be uploaded by you or directly by the referee through the application portal.
Names of potential TUM hosts: List up to three TUM hosts (active TUM Professors/Heads of Institutes/Chairs/Junior Fellows) you are interested in working with.
Phase II:
Research Proposal (max. 4 pages): Present your research project in a way that is understandable to non-experts.
Address opportunities with the TUM host and your career plans, including why TUM and your chosen host are the best fit.
Outline your future career plans and subsequent funding applications during the fellowship.
Keep the proposal within four pages, including references and footnotes.
Letter of Support from your TUM host: Obtain a signed letter of support with the TUM logo from your TUM host.
Ensure you secure confirmation from your TUM host before preparing Phase II documents, as each host can support only two applications per Call.
How to apply :
To apply for the TUM Global Postdoc Fellowship, follow these steps:
Review Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including completion of your doctorate within the last three years or anticipated completion within the next 12 months, and residency outside of Germany at the time of application.
Prepare Application Materials: Gather necessary documents, such as your CV, a detailed research proposal, and any other required supporting materials.
Phase I - Initial Application: Submit your initial application without a letter of support from a TUM host.
Ensure your research proposal aligns with the interests of a specific chair, institute, or lab at TUM.
Identify a TUM Host: During Phase I, begin identifying potential TUM hosts whose research aligns with your proposed project.
Initiate contact with potential hosts to discuss your project and gauge their interest in supporting your application.
Phase II - Securing TUM Host Support: If you pass Phase I, you will need to secure a letter of support from a TUM host for Phase II.
Submit the letter of support along with any additional required documents.
Submit Final Application: Complete and submit your final application by the specified deadline (30 September).
Await Decision: Applications will be reviewed, and successful candidates will be notified.
The Scholarship Benefits:
The TUM Global Postdoc Fellowship 2024 offers a comprehensive package to support successful candidates during their 24-month tenure. Fellows will receive:
Monthly Stipend: A stipend of €2,670 per month.
Kick-off Payment: A one-time initial payment of €430.
Munich Metropolitan Area Allowance: An additional monthly allowance of €350 for researchers residing in the Munich metropolitan area.
Family Benefits: Possibility to apply for family benefits to support dependents.
Additional Funding: While the fellowship does not include additional payments for consumables and conferences, these expenses may be covered by the host upon agreement.