Young Investigator Group Preparation Program (YIG Prep Pro)

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany, supports international postdocs in securing third-party funding to establish their own junior research group at KIT. The focus is on highly competitive junior research groups, including the DFG Emmy Noether Program and the ERC Starting Grant.

All applications with particularly innovative and creative research ideas will be considered. For the 2026 cohort, we prioritize applications related to the scope of the following research areas:

• Chemical and Electrochemical Energy Storage
• Atmospheric Change and Future Cities
• Engineering Trustworthy and Embodied AI Systems
• Quantum Technologies
• Nanomaterials
• Elementary Particle and Astroparticle Physics
• Health Technologies
• Mathematics in Sciences, Engineering, and Economics

Interdisciplinary proposals spanning these fields are welcome.

Through YIG Prep Pro, you will receive tailored mentorship, proposal strategy guidance, and training to prepare a competitive, third-party-funded junior research group proposal. Leading a junior research group provides early independence and is excellent preparation for a professorship.

YIG Prep Pro fellowship options:

YIG Prep Pro funded fellowship

Spend your postdoc phase at KIT while preparing your junior research group proposal. Funding includes salary, starter equipment, and a consumables budget for up to two years.

YIG Prep Pro remote fellowship

If you are currently employed at an institution abroad and your position is already funded, KIT offers remote mentorship and proposal support. Up to twice per program year, travel expenses for guest stays at KIT are covered.

Who can apply?

International researchers who obtained their PhD no more than 3 years ago. Applicants should have substantial international research experience (as a PhD candidate and/or postdoc).

Applicants should meet the following criteria

• Strong international research background - demonstrable experience as a PhD candidate and/or postdoctoral researcher, preferably -including at least one period of 6 or more months abroad after your degree.
• Promising research idea - a well-defined project that fits within one of KIT's research domains (see above). It should also align with the research activities of the prospective host institute at KIT (list of KIT institutes and Scientific Computing Center). Please contact the head of the institute early in the process. Both thematic fits should be explicitly addressed in the proposal.
• Excellent scientific track record - highly visible and relevant publications that qualify you to provide academic leadership for a junior research group, or that clearly show the potential to do so in the near future. The length of postdoctoral experience will be considered.
• Outstanding communication and teamwork skills - ability to convey complex ideas clearly, collaborate constructively, and manage projects analytically. A willingness to assume responsibility and to continue developing both research competencies and personal attributes is expected.
• Willingness to relocate - readiness to move to Germany for an extended period of time

Your Benefits at a Glance

• Launch your independent career - Establishing a junior research group at KIT is a decisive step toward a professorship and gives you early-career independence.
• World-class research environment - Work in a vibrant, internationally recognized setting where you can turn your research idea into reality.
• Strong institutional support - KIT's deep expertise and interdisciplinary breadth in both research and teaching ensure optimal integration of your project.
• Diversity-friendly campus - Benefit from a welcoming atmosphere that includes an International Scholars & Welcome Office, childcare services, and dedicated programs for personal and career development.

We look forward to receiving your application no later than February 6, 2026. All information about YIG Prep Pro, the application process, and the selection criteria is available on our website: kit.edu/research/yig-prep-pro.php