Application for one of the eight KiTE postdoc positions
What we offer
Closing date: 31st May 2023, 23:59 CET
KiTE offers eight postdoc positions to international researchers who are open-minded to develop their career strategy within the unique interdisciplinary research environment of Kiel University.
As a KiTE fellow you will have
- the opportunity to work on your own research idea
- a three-year full-time position at Kiel University with a competitive salary and full social security
- a monthly research allowance at your own disposal
- integration into an interdisciplinary academic environment within one of Kiel University’s Priority Research Areas
- Kiel Life Science
- Kiel Marine Science
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Sciences
- Societal, Environmental and Cultural Change
- an advanced qualification programme to broaden your transferable skills
- career guidance through a mentoring team
- networking opportunities in the international academia and the regional public and private sector
- high quality of living at the Kiel Fjord
Application process
Who can apply
Application is open for excellent postdoctoral researchers of any nationality who
- are in possession of a doctoral degree at the deadline of the call.
- have completed no more than four years of full-time equivalent research after finishing their doctorate. Years of experience outside research and clearly documented career breaks will not count towards the maximum of four years.
- have not resided or carried out their main activity in Germany for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the deadline of the KiTE call (MSCA mobility rule) (until 31st May 2023).
- have contacted a potential mentor (from the KiTE mentors´ pool) ahead of proposal submission and have been able to secure a prospective mentor’s written commitment to host the fellow.
How to apply
To be considered before applying
Ahead of proposal submission, candidates have to identify and contact potential mentors from the KiTE mentors´ pool willing to host their project. Only proposals with a prospective mentor’s written commitment will be considered.
Application documents to be submitted
The following application documents (using the forms provided) must be submitted:
- Application form with personal information (to be filled out online)
- Proposal submission form (for download)
- CV including evidence of the applicant’s excellence in research and professional experience, education, mobility (for download)
- List of five most relevant publications including an explanation of the applicant’s own contribution (for download)
- Transcripts of records and degree certificates, if applicable, translated into English
- Mentor’s written commitment (to be provided by the mentor)
Submission
Submissions will be accepted online only via our application-form.
Download
For all details please check ourapplication handbook(pdf).
Selection procedure
Proposals are reviewed by a panel of external experts. Fellows will be selected in an online two-stage merit-based, gender-fair and transparent peer-review process according to the following evaluation criteria: excellence of the applicant and the proposed project (50%), impact of the project (30%) and quality and efficiency of the implementation (20%)
- Step 1: External peer review of written proposals
- Step 2: Project presentation and interview
Timetable
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 31st May 2023, 23:59 CET | Call closing |
| June – July 2023 | Selection step 1: Evaluation of written applications |
| August – September 2023 | Selection step 2: Project presentation and interview |
| September – October 2023 | Funding decision |
| January - March 2024 | Fellows’ projects start |
Frequently asked questions
How are career breaks (parental leave, elderly care, compulsory national service etc.) taken into account?
Only clearly documented time of parental leave, compulsory national service, employment outside academia without focus on research will be taken into account.
- Special rules apply for maternity: For each child born within the above mentioned eligibility period of 4 years, 18 months will be deducted from the experience in research unless the applicant can document a longer parental leave prior to the call deadline.
- Paternity: For each child born within the above mentioned eligibility period of 4 years, the documented time of parental leave taken until the call deadline will be deducted from the experience in research.
I‘m from a country outside of Europe, can I apply?
Yes, the call is open for all nationalities. Please note that all selected KiTE fellows will have to move to Kiel, Germany for the entire duration of their project.
What is MSCA?
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Part of Horizon Europe, are the European Union’s flagship funding programme for doctoral education and postdoctoral training of researchers. Please find more information on the web presence of the European Comission.
In which language should I apply?
Please submit your application and proposal in English only. Working language of the programme is English.
My transcripts and other documents are issued not in English. Should I translate them into English?
Yes, please provide all necessary application documents with a certified translation into English.
Can I apply for another funding at the same time?
Please inform us for what kind of funding you apply. You cannot accept two positions at the same time.
Can I contact more than one potential mentor?
Yes, but you have to decide in whose research group you would like to carry out your project.
Can I submit more than one proposal within this call?
No, only one submission per person is possible.
I am already in Germany. Can I apply?
Yes, if you comply with the MSCA mobility rule.
When will my proposed project start?
Between January and March 2024. You are very welcome to start even end of 2023.
How will the secondments be organized?
You will have to complete two secondments of your choice, one to a research organization in Germany or abroad and another one to a non-academic implementing partner with a duration of 3 months. KiTE will support you with the organization of the secondments.
Do I need to provide references?
No, but you have to secure a letter of commitment issued by a potential mentor from the KiTE mentors pool.
How do I find a KiTE mentor?
Please download the pdf with the KiTE keywords and KiTE mentors pool (pdf) and search for research areas you are interested in. All available KiTE mentors are listed with their specific keywords. You can also search for institutes, particular PRAs etc., but only within the given KiTE mentors´ pool.
How do I convince a potential mentor to send me her/his letter of commitment?
Discuss your project idea with her/him. If your project corrensponds with her/his research interests and your background complies with KiTE requirements, your chances to receive a letter of commitment are very high. Should a proposed research idea not be supported by a given mentor, we kindly ask the applicant not to insist contacting the same mentor again.
I don’t know anyone in Kiel. How do I find a mentor working in Kiel?
Please check the KiTE mentor's pool (pdf). Mentors are listed with their research interests (keywords). We asked every mentor to indicate a primary and two secondary keywords. Please find your own keywords in the KiTE list of keywords (pdf) and decide which mentor could host you in her/his group.
What level of German is needed?
The working language of KiTE is English. There is no requirement to speak German. KiTE fellows and their spouses will be offered a German conversational language course.
I have defended my PhD thesis but not yet received my certificate, can I apply?
You have to be in possession of your doctoral degree by the call deadline!
Can I modify my submitted application before the call deadline?
It depends on the date of submission. Applications submitted later than 24th May 2023 cannot be modified anymore.
Will I receive a confirmation that you received my application?
As the submission is to be made online only via our online form, you will receive an automatic reply that your application has been submitted. After the eligibility check and after Step 1 and Step 2 we will inform you about your results.
Do I need a visa for Germany?
During the online application process, no visa is necessary. For successful applicants Kiel University will provide any kind of support.
Can my family join me?
Yes, you can move to Kiel with your family, but it’s up to you. If you have a family, you will receive a family allowance anyway.
How can I find accommodation in Kiel?
The KiTE programme management will provide you with the contact data of related services of Kiel University and support you.
I have a question that is not listed here. What to do?
Please contact the KiTE programme manager Dr. Nadezhda Kakhro.
Who can advise me regarding my project proposal?
Regarding the content your potential mentor can advise you, regarding the formalities KiTE programme manager Dr. Nadezhda Kakhro.
What are the topics of KiTE?
KiTE is an open-topic interdisciplinary programme. Please find our topics in the KiTE list of keywords (pdf).
