The Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships support early career researchers from Africa, Asia and Latin America who are associated with one of the thirteen departments at the University of Konstanz. As a ZUKOnnect Fellow, you can use this time to extend your research networks and to get to know the research environment at the University of Konstanz while keeping your roots and position at home. As these fellowships can build a first bridge to the German and European academic system, we also encourage doctoral students in their last year to apply. The Zukunftskolleg will not offer employment contracts for ZUKOnnect Fellows.

The Zukunftskolleg is an Institute for Advanced Study (IAS). It offers fellowships as well as a diverse support network to promote the independence of early career researchers. Researchers at the postdoctoral level can work with minimal administrative constraints and enjoy the freedom to engage in meaningful exchange with other up-and-coming colleagues as well as with distinguished senior researchers. Researchers in the humanities, social and natural sciences come to Konstanz from around the world to perform first-class research. The Zukunftskolleg is a keystone in the University of Konstanz's institutional strategy to promote top-level research. The University of Konstanz is one of Germany’s eleven Universities of Excellence.

We offer:
We offer during the on-campus research stay, a stipend of € 1,200/month for doctoral students and € 2,000/month for postdoctoral researchers (following DAAD guidelines) as well as standard expenses for one economy-class trip to Konstanz and back. Moreover, you will have the chance to participate in events organized by the Zukunftskolleg. We also privide you with access to library resources, to IT services, and to research support services (via Research Support). After the on-campus research stay at the Zukunftskolleg, ZUKOnnect Fellows will benefit from a digital fellowship extending the total funding period to 12 months. The digital fellowship will be remunerated with € 100/month.

Your requirements:
You were born AND work in a country in Latin America, Asia or Africa. You hold a doctorate (max. 2 years of postdoctoral experience) OR are a doctoral student in your last year. Your academic education was completed at a university in Latin America, Asia or Africa (see FAQs for details). You do not hold a permanent professorship, nor do you have a habilitation or equivalent qualification (Venia legendi). Your research project should tie in with one of the disciplines represented at the University of Konstanz. You should name a researcher at the University of Konstanz with whom you intend to collaborate (no need to contact person(s) in advance). Preference will be given to applicants who plan to team up with one of our current Zukunftskolleg Fellows.

Your responsibilities:
You will live in Konstanz or nearby throughout the on-site ZUKOnnect Fellowship (the Welcome Centre at the University of Konstanz will support you with all organizational aspects of relocating to Konstanz). You will actively contribute to the interdisciplinary dialogue at the Zukunftskolleg during weekly Jour fixe meetings (in the semester). You will interact with fellows and researchers in relevant departments at the University of Konstanz. You will give a presentation in a seminar or a public lecture. You will acknowledge the Zukunftskolleg’s support in any publications resulting from the stay. You will write a short report on your activities and achievements (within 6 months of completing your ZUKOnnect Fellowship).

Please submit your application documents in English as PDF files via our online application portal. The reference number is 2020/232.

Applications should include:
1. A letter of motivation (including your objectives for the research stay at the Zukunftskolleg and an explanation of how your research ties in with the research landscape at the university) (maximum 2 pages)
2. Short description or summary of your current research project (maximum 3 pages incl. bibliography)
3. A detailed work and time plan for your on-campus research stay
4. Your curriculum vitae
5. Relevant certificates (doctoral certificate OR a letter from your doctoral supervisor confirming the status of your doctoral thesis)
6. One academic letter of reference, on official letterhead paper and signed by the respective reviewer

More information is available online, where you will also find an extensive FAQ document. Further questions can be directed to Daniela Kromrey via e-mail: zukonnect@uni-konstanz.de or by phone: (+ 49 (0)7531 88–5686). If the budget situation permits, the Zukunftskolleg can grant financial support for family members who accompany the ZUKOnnect Fellows during the scholarship.

We look forward to receiving your application, including all required documents, until 24 February 2021 (15:00 CET).