The Weierstrass Institute for Applied Analysis and Stochastics (WIAS) is an institute of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. (FVB). The FVB comprises seven non-university research institutes in Berlin which are funded by the federal and state governments. The research institutes belong to the Leibniz Association.

WIAS invites applications for the

Iris Runge Postdoctoral Program

(Ref. 26/01)

which is a dedicated funding line to advance the careers of early-stage women in mathematics.

About WIAS

WIAS is an internationally leading research institute committed to excellence in applied analysis, stochastics, statistics, optimization, numerical mathematics, and the development of algorithms and scientific software. Our research is strongly interdisciplinary, spanning mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, and data-driven applications.

About the Iris Runge Postdoctoral Program

As part of its long-term recruitment and diversity strategy, WIAS has established the Iris Runge Postdoctoral Program (https://www.wias-berlin.de/about/GS/IRunge/postdoc/index.jsp) to support promising early-career researchers who identify as women. The program offers an inspiring research environment in which fellows can engage in WIAS projects and develop an independent research agenda while increasing their international visibility.

The program is explicitly designed to attract excellent candidates from outside WIAS. Successful candidates will be fully employed at WIAS for an initial period of two years. A one-year extension is possible based on a positive internal evaluation.

To support fellows’ professional development, WIAS offers a mentoring program, individual coaching, and a variety of career development activities tailored to the needs of early-career researchers.

Who we are looking for

We invite applications from female mathematicians in their early postdoctoral phase, typically up to three years after completing their doctorate, with a strong PhD thesis related to one of the scientific fields pursued at WIAS.
If the doctoral degree was completed more than three years ago, applications may still be considered. In this case, candidates are kindly asked to elaborate how their career stage still aligns with the goals of this program. Periods of parental leave or care responsibilities are explicitly taken into account.

Application Documents

Please submit the following:

· Motivation letter (including the names of two WIAS research groups you would like to work with and a short research statement, max. 2 pages, explaining your choices)

· Curriculum vitae with copies of degree certificates and transcripts

· Two recommendation letters (to be sent directly by referees to hr@wias-berlin.de no later than the application deadline; please indicate the applicant’s name and the reference number in the subject line)

What we offer

· WIAS Berlin is a premier research institution known for its strength in optimization, optimal control, dynamical systems, and applied mathematics in general.

· Full-time position (100%) remunerated according to E13 TVöD Bund (German federal civil service pay scale).

· Mobile and flexible working arrangements.

· A certified (Audit berufundfamilie) family-friendly work environment.

· Berlin is one of the most culture-rich and diverse international cities in the world. It offers endless opportunities to enjoy life outside work, while being very affordable compared to other major cities. Neither the job nor living in Berlin requires German language (although WIAS offers free German courses). We highly welcome international applications.

· Scientifically, Berlin offers a rich landscape with numerous opportunities for research, as well as job prospects in academia and industry.

Technical queries should be directed to Dr. Eleanor Eife-Horn, WIAS Head of Administration (eife-horn@wias-berlin.de). For questions regarding the scientific scope of the program or potential research directions, please contact: Dr. Matthias Liero (matthias.liero@wias-berlin.de).

Please upload the complete application documents via our online job-application facility by February 20, 2026 using the button “Apply online”.

The preferred starting date is October 1, 2026.

We are looking forward to your application!