The Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin is inviting applications for its 2027–2028 College for Life Sciences Fellowships, supporting early-career researchers in life sciences, natural sciences, medicine and psychology. Successful fellows can spend three to five months in Berlin, receive a stipend based on their previous salary and access studio accommodation on campus.
Applications must be submitted by 1 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. Applicants need a doctorate by the start of the fellowship and at least one lead-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Background & Job Description
The College for Life Sciences is an early-career programme at the Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, an Institute for Advanced Study. It gives promising researchers an opportunity to step away from laboratory and clinical routines to focus on their own projects, reflect on their research approaches and exchange ideas with scholars from different disciplines.
The fellowship is designed for researchers at the beginning of their academic careers, including postdoctoral researchers, junior group leaders, lecturers, and assistant, associate and junior professors.
The programme does not provide laboratory space. Instead, it offers time for independent thinking, intellectual exchange and engagement with Berlin’s academic and scientific community.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Institution | Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin |
| Programme | College for Life Sciences |
| Fellowship period | Academic year 2027–2028 |
| Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Duration | Three to five months |
| Eligible fields | Life sciences, natural sciences, medicine and psychology |
| Funding | Stipend based on previous salary |
| Accommodation | Studio accommodation on campus |
| Application deadline | 1 November 2026, 23:59 CET |
| Application fee | Not specified in the supplied information |
| Application portal | Wissenschaftskolleg online application |
| Programme information | Official fellowship announcement |
Tasks
This is an academic fellowship rather than a conventional employment position. Fellows are expected to pursue a project of their choice while participating in the Wissenschaftskolleg’s international intellectual community.
The programme provides opportunities to:
- Develop and reflect on an independent research project.
- Explore new areas of knowledge and research cultures.
- Exchange ideas with scholars across different disciplines.
- Engage with Berlin’s scholarly and scientific community.
- Use the institute’s library and IT services.
The programme is intended to create time for thinking and intellectual development rather than provide laboratory facilities.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Applicants must have obtained their doctorate by the start of the fellowship.
They must also have at least one lead-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
There are no stated restrictions based on nationality or age. Researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds within the life sciences, natural sciences, medicine and psychology are welcome to apply.
Experience
The programme targets early-career researchers, including postdoctoral researchers and junior academic staff. Successful candidates usually have two or more years of postdoctoral experience, although the source describes this as typical rather than a strict minimum requirement.
Applicants who have served as principal investigators for more than five years are advised to consider applying for a regular Wissenschaftskolleg fellowship instead.
Researchers working at institutions in Berlin are not eligible for consideration under this call.
Additional Information
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive several benefits during their three-to-five-month residency in Berlin.
- Salary-based stipend: A full stipend calculated according to the fellow’s previous salary. The source does not specify a single fixed amount.
- Campus accommodation: Studio accommodation at the Wissenschaftskolleg.
- Independent research time: Freedom to pursue a project of the fellow’s choice.
- International academic community: Opportunities to exchange ideas with scholars from various fields.
- Research resources: Access to the institute’s library and IT services.
- Academic networking: Access to Berlin’s scholarly and scientific community.
The fellowship offers a residential research environment but does not provide laboratory space.
Fellowship Period
The fellowships take place during the 2027–2028 academic year, from September 2027 to July 2028. Each residency lasts between three and five months.
Applicants should consult the programme information to understand the available arrangements and plan their proposed residency accordingly.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- Project outline: Approximately 1,000 words describing the proposed project.
- Motivation letter: Approximately 500 words explaining why the applicant wishes to receive the fellowship.
- Complete curriculum vitae: A detailed academic CV.
- Publication list: A list of the applicant’s publications.
The project topic is open. The institute does not impose specific thematic requirements for the proposed project.
Application Deadline
The deadline is 1 November 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).
Applicants should prepare their documents early and submit the complete application through the official online portal before the deadline.
How to Apply
Interested researchers should review the programme details and prepare their application documents.
To apply:
- Confirm that your research field and career stage match the programme.
- Ensure that you will have obtained your doctorate before the fellowship begins.
- Prepare a project outline of approximately 1,000 words.
- Write a motivation letter of approximately 500 words.
- Compile your complete CV and publication list.
- Submit your application through the official online portal before the deadline.
Apply online: Wissenschaftskolleg Fellowship Application Portal.
Read the official College for Life Sciences programme information before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the Wissenschaftskolleg Life Sciences Fellowships offer?
The fellowships offer a three-to-five-month research residency in Berlin, a stipend based on previous salary and studio accommodation on campus.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 1 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Early-career researchers in life sciences, natural sciences, medicine and psychology may apply if they meet the doctorate and publication requirements.
Is a PhD required?
Yes. Applicants must have obtained their doctorate by the start of the fellowship.
Is postdoctoral experience required?
Successful candidates usually have two or more years of postdoctoral experience. The supplied announcement describes this as typical rather than a strict minimum requirement.
How much is the stipend?
The stipend is based on the applicant’s previous salary. The supplied announcement does not provide a fixed stipend amount.
Is accommodation provided?
Yes. The fellowship includes studio accommodation on campus.
Does the fellowship provide laboratory space?
No. The programme is designed to give researchers time to think, develop projects and engage with other scholars rather than provide laboratory facilities.
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. The announcement states that there are no restrictions based on nationality.
Can researchers based in Berlin apply?
No. Applications from scientists working at institutions in Berlin cannot be considered under this call.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a project outline of about 1,000 words, a motivation letter of about 500 words, a complete CV and a publication list.
Where can I submit my application?
Applications are submitted through the official online portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Wissenschaftskolleg College for Life Sciences Fellowships offer an opportunity for early-career researchers to step back from routine laboratory or clinical work and develop their research ideas in an international academic setting. The salary-based stipend and campus accommodation may make the Berlin residency particularly attractive to eligible scholars.
Applicants should pay close attention to the doctorate and lead-author publication requirements, prepare the requested documents and submit their applications before the November 2026 deadline. Researchers based at institutions in Berlin should note that they are excluded from consideration under this call.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed shares fellowship, scholarship, employment and education opportunities for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin and do not represent the institute in its selection decisions. Applicants should verify eligibility, stipend arrangements, residency details and deadlines through the official programme website before applying.
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