Young Investigator Group Preparation Program (YIG Prep Pro)

Are you an early career researcher with a promising research idea? Apply now for the

Young lnvestigator Group Preparation Program (YIG Prep Pro), a postdoctoral fellowship and support program at KIT

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 Al Systems
• Quantum Technologies
• Nanomaterials
• Elementary Particle and Astroparticle Physics
• Health Technologies
• Mathematics in Sciences, Engineering, and Economics

lnterdisciplinary 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 f ellowship 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

lf 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

Your Benefits at a Glance

KIT – The University in the Helmholtz-Association