DAAD PRIME 2025/26 – Call for Applications

DAAD PRIME 2025/26 – Call for Applications. Are you an accomplished postdoctoral researcher looking to advance your academic career in Germany with international experience? The DAAD PRIME (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience) Programme 2025/26 is now open for applications! This prestigious fellowship, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), offers 18 months of employment at a German university (TV-L E13 salary scale), including a 12-month international research stay and a 6-month reintegration phase in Germany. If you hold a completed doctorate with excellent results, have strong research ambitions, and aspire to a long-term academic career in Germany, this fully funded opportunity is for you! The deadline to apply is August 29, 2025.

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Background & Job Description

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), supported by the BMBF, offers the Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience (PRIME) to attract and retain highly qualified postdoctoral researchers for academic careers in Germany. This programme uniquely combines a significant international research period with a structured reintegration phase into the German scientific system. Unlike traditional scholarships, PRIME provides a temporary employment contract with a German university for the entire 18-month duration. It’s designed to provide participants with a crucial qualification step, fostering independent research and international collaboration while preparing them for a continued career in German academia.

Tasks

Selected fellows will undertake an 18-month research project that includes:

• A 12-month international research stay at a host institution outside Germany (university, non-university research entity, or industry).
• A 6-month reintegration phase at a German university.
• Conducting independent research under the guidance of scientific mentors at both host institutions.
• Collaborating and establishing connections between international and German academic institutions.
• Developing and implementing a detailed research proposal and time schedule.
• Adhering to DAAD guidelines on ethics and good academic practice.

DAAD PRIME 2025/26 – Call for Applications

Qualifications

Education and Certification

Applicants of all nationalities and disciplines must hold a completed doctorate with excellent results by the time funding starts (between June 1 and November 1, 2026).

Experience

Candidates must be within 6 years of their first PhD (with allowances for parental/care periods) and have at least one peer-reviewed publication (co-authorship accepted). A key eligibility requirement is that applicants must not have resided or worked in the proposed foreign host country for more than 12 months during the last 3 years (mobility rule). Crucially, applicants must intend to pursue a long-term academic career in Germany after the fellowship. They are responsible for securing invitation letters and scientific mentors from both a German university (which will be the employing institution) and a foreign host institution prior to applying.

Additional Information

The DAAD PRIME fellowship offers comprehensive funding for 18 months, including:

• Employment at a German university under the TV-L E13 salary scale (typically €5,000 – €6,400 per month gross, depending on experience).
• An expatriate allowance during the 12-month research stay abroad (approximately €1,500 – €2,800 per month, varying by location).
• A DAAD travel allowance, including for accompanying spouses and children.

The employing institution must be a German university that confirms willingness to employ the candidate and provides a scientific mentor. The foreign host institution must also provide infrastructure and mentoring.

Key Dates:

• Application Deadline: August 29, 2025.
• Results Announced: March 2026.
• Orientation Meeting: March/April 2026.
• Fellowship Start: Between June 1, 2026 – November 1, 2026.

Application Documents: Applications must be submitted via the DAAD Portal and require numerous documents, including an online application form, CV (Europass recommended), a 1-page career plan, a detailed 7-8 page research proposal, time schedule, host letters from both institutions, ethics checklist, degree certificates, language certificate (if required), one academic letter of recommendation, marked key publications, and a summary of doctoral thesis. All documents must be in English (or German for certificates) and uploaded as PDF files.

Please Note: As the publisher of this job post, I am not affiliated with DAAD. I am simply sharing this opportunity for the benefit of my audience. For the most accurate and up-to-date information and to access the application portal, always refer to the official DAAD website for the PRIME program.

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