2023/2024 DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience – P.R.I.M.E. for Research study in Germany (Funded)

In 2014 the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) initiated the programme « Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience » (PRIME) to support the international mobility of postdoctoral researchers by temporary positions at German universities in place of conventional scholarships. The programme has been funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The European Union co-funded the programme until 2019 (EU/FP7/Marie Curie Actions/COFUND). Support is provided for 18 months, of which 12 months have to be spent abroad and 6 months (re-integration phase) at a German university. The re-integration phase is mandatory. The German university administrates the salary during the whole funding period.

DAAD PRIME funds the international mobility of postdoctoral researchers with temporary positions at German universities. Postdocs who see their long-term career perspectives in Germany receive funding for an independent research stay abroad, based on temporary employment at a German university. The grant also includes a mandatory return phase for reintegration into the German science system. The programme aims to provide participants with an important qualification for a continued career in science. The target group are postdoctoral researchers who see their long-term professional career in Germany. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) provides the funds for this programme.

Eligibility Requirements

Only candidates with an above-average scientific record will be considered. You must have completed your doctorate before the start of funding with very good marks (at least magna cum laude / very good for a doctorate in Germany). If the doctorate is not graded, the decision lies with the DAAD selection committee.
While not recommended, it is possible to apply in the final stages of the doctorate. o Applicants must comply with the programme’s mobility rule, i.e., they are free to choose any country (except Germany) as destination for their research stay abroad, provided they have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in that country for more than 12 months in total during the three years preceding the application deadline of 31 August 2023. Time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention will not be taken into account.
Applicants who are EU nationals, resident citizens, or have been continuously active in research for three years’ full-time equivalent in the EU prior to the time of recruitment may spend their research stay outside of the EU. All other applicants must stay in the European Union for their 12months “abroad” phase.
To be considered for funding, applicants living abroad are expected to state their intent to continue their research careers in Germany upon completion of the return phase.

Requirements

Applicants with above-average qualifications from all faculties can apply.
They must have completed their doctorate with very good results before the start of funding.
There are no restrictions regarding nationality and current residency. However, depending on nationality and place of residence, restrictions may apply when choosing the destination country for the stay abroad (see application requirements).

Funding

DAAD provide funding for an 18-month employment contract at a German university to conduct a 12-month research stay abroad with a subsequent return phase to Germany.
During your 12 months abroad, you may combine stays at several research institutions in one or several countries. You need to indicate all host institutions in the application form.

Funding Duration

DAAD provide support for 18 months: the first 12 months are spent abroad, and the remaining 6 months of the return phase are spent in Germany (funding cycle 12+6). If your science or insurance and residence law requires an alternate schedule, other models may be chosen with approval of DAAD.
Integration into the German social security system is a prerequisite for the research stay abroad, therefore funding may have to begin with a 1-month starting phase in Germany (funding cycle 1+12+5).
The respective local statutory insurance determines your status.

Application Procedure:

Documents to be uploaded in the DAAD-Portal:

1. completed application form
2. curriculum vitae without chronological gaps and in tabular form (please specify the month and duration, e.g., MM / YY – MM / YY); e.g., EU standard http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/documents/curriculum-vitae
3. your career plan (one page max.) Please outline your career planning and explain how the intended PRIME funding will advance your further professional development as a scientist.
4. a) short summary/abstract of the research project (not to exceed half a page) with b) a clearly recognizable working title and c) an indication of keywords. The summary must enable the allocation to a specific subject area and be suitable as preliminary information for potential reviewers.

Timeline: