About Company
RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany’s leading technical universities, renowned for its strong emphasis on engineering, natural sciences, and applied research. Founded in 1870, it has evolved into a global hub for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university comprises 260 institutes across nine faculties, offering a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. With nearly 45,000 students enrolled in 173 study programs during the winter semester 2024/25, RWTH Aachen is among Europe's top institutions for science and engineering research
Job Description
RWTH Aachen University – “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship
Host Institution: RWTH Aachen University, Germany
Fellowship Type: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (all disciplines)
Duration: 24 months (full-time employment or stipend option)
Start Date: Flexible, but no later than March 31, 2026
Application Deadline: October 5, 2025
Call Opens: August 15, 2025
Notification of Results: Mid-November 2025
Overview
The “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship offers outstanding early-career researchers from outside the EU the opportunity to conduct innovative research at RWTH Aachen, one of Europe’s leading technical universities.
The fellowship supports ambitious postdocs across all disciplines, integrating them into RWTH’s vibrant research community. Fellows will benefit from academic freedom, interdisciplinary collaboration, and structured career development support.
Applications are particularly encouraged from women and candidates whose experiences will enrich RWTH’s culture of diversity and inclusion.
What the Fellowship Offers
Full-time employment under German public sector pay scale (EG 13 TV-L, levels 1–4)
Alternative stipend option equivalent to full-time salary
Social security & health insurance coverage
Recruitment bonus: Potential financial incentive (up to 2 salary levels)
Structured career development, including mid-term and exit reviews
Integration in RWTH’s research community via the Center for Young Academics (CYA)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be based outside the European Union at the time of application (all nationalities welcome)
Hold a completed PhD (≤4 years postdoctoral experience) OR be in the final stages of completing a doctorate (PhD awarded by February 28, 2026)
Secure support from an RWTH host researcher
Not have obtained their doctorate from RWTH or be currently employed at RWTH
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via the RWTH Exploratory Research Space Portal and include:
Letter of Motivation (max 1 page)
Research Proposal (max 4 pages, excl. references)
CV + Publication List (max 5 pages; up to 10 key publications)
Letter of Support from RWTH host (max 1 page)
PhD certificate or confirmation of completion (certified translation if needed)
Copies of previous academic degrees (Bachelor’s/Master’s)
ORCID iD, ResearchGate, or similar academic identifier
Applications missing required documents or not meeting format rules will not be considered.
Evaluation Criteria
Selection is made by an interdisciplinary RWTH committee based on:
Quality and persuasiveness of the motivation letter
Academic record (publications, awards, grants, teaching, impact)
Feasibility and originality of the proposed project
Potential for collaboration with RWTH researchers