Jobs
Job announcements for positions within the group of Earth and Planetary Geodynamics (EPG) will be listed here. We also welcome discussions about potential PhD or postdoctoral fellowship applications to various funding agencies; several relevant funding schemes are listed below. Finally, the following working document outlines the expectations for prospective group members, as well as what you can expect from the chair, Prof. Dr. Anna Gülcher, as a supervisor and mentor.
Recent positions
EPSS@UFR is funded by the Volkswagen Foundation within its “Understanding the Earth as a System” initiative. This grant establishes a new research focus at the University of Freiburg that connects Earth System Science with Planetary Science. EPSS@UFR uses Venus as a natural laboratory for exploring the evolution of Earth, Venus, and similar rocky worlds. The project is structured around three interconnected themes: (i) tectonics and volcanism on Venus and early Earth, (ii) mission preparation and data integration, and (iii) coupled interior–climate pathways of rocky planets. Within this framework, several positions will be funded:
About us
An overview of the Earth and Planetary Geodyamics (EPG) research group.
Teaching
Our teaching offerings and information about theses/research projects.
Team
Introduction to our team members, a list of contact details, and location.
Other funding opportunities and sources
Researchers interested in joining the EPG group at the University of Freiburg are encouraged to apply for individual fellowships or scholarships that support doctoral or postdoctoral research in Germany. Many of the programs listed below provide full financial support, including a monthly stipend or salary, travel allowance, and research expenses. I am happy to support candidates in developing competitive proposals for these schemes or to apply directly for fellowships with a candidate in mind.
Funding for PhD positions
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DAAD Graduate Scholarships and Research Grants
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers full PhD scholarships for international students or German students who study abroad, as well as shorter stays for research projects or thesis-related projects. Funding includes a monthly stipend, travel allowance, and health insurance.
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DFG-funded PhD positions
The German Research Foundation (DFG) funds research projects and structured graduate programs that host PhD researchers. Individual applicants cannot apply directly to the DFG, but candidates are welcome to discuss project ideas that could form the basis of future DFG proposals.
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State Graduate Funding Programme (Landesgraduiertenförderung Baden-Württemberg)
The state of Baden-Württemberg supports excellent doctoral candidates enrolled at its universities. Fellowships typically cover three years of funding and include a monthly stipend plus potential extensions for family or research needs.
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EPG’s own PhD positions
Occasionally, fully funded PhD positions are advertised through projects in our group externally funded through a grant.
Funding for postdoc positions
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DFG Walter Benjamin Programme
This programme from the German Research Foundation (DFG) supports early-career researchers in conducting independent research in Germany or abroad. Provides full salary and project-related expenses for up to two years for researchers they consider well integrated in the German academic system.
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Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers
Prestigious fellowship for international postdocs who wish to conduct independent research with a host in Germany. Covers living costs and (generous) research expenses for 6–24 months, as well as an intensive German language course.
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DAAD PRIME Postdoctoral Fellowships
Prestigious fellowship for postdocs; applicants must have been studying/working in Germany for 3 out of the past 5 years. Designed to build international research experience while securing a path back into the German science system, it funds a 12-month independent research stay abroad followed by a mandatory 6-month reintegration at the German host university
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Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships (EU)
EU-funded fellowships supporting cross-border research mobility and independent projects in collaboration with a European host. Applicants apply jointly with their host institution.
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SNSF Postdoc.Mobility (Switzerland)
The Swiss National Science Foundation offers postdoctoral fellowships for researchers trained in Switzerland, or Swiss nationals, to carry out research abroad. Funding covers living costs, travel, and research expenses.
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Other national “postdoc abroad” programs
Many national research councils offer postdoctoral mobility schemes to support researchers pursuing research abroad. Examples include the Dutch NWO Rubicon programme, the French ANR mobility fellowships, and the US NSF postdoctoral fellowships.
Moreover, there are opportunities for funding schemes for research visits and stays at Freiburg, as well as collaborative projects. Please get in touch if you are interested in any of these!
Funding for collaborative projects and research visits/stays
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Freiburg Institute of Advanced Studies (FRIAS)
FRIAS offers time-limited research residencies in Freiburg, welcoming both established researchers and promising early-career scholars (with a minimum of a completed PhD) from all disciplines, based in Freiburg, Europe, and beyond. To support collaborative initiatives, FRIAS also funds group research projects that bring together interdisciplinary teams, encouraging innovative approaches to research topics and questions across all fields. You can find more information on the many funding schemes of FRIAS on the webpage, please do reach out if you are interested in any of the FRIAS funding schemes!
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Visiting fellowships for experienced researchers
Several programmes support short- to medium-term stays for postdoctoral and senior researchers at a German host institution. Examples include the Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers, MSCA Staff Exchanges, and Fulbright Visiting Scholar grants. I am happy to host experienced researchers interested in short-term collaborative projects.
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External funding schemes for research visits for postdocs and early career scientists
Many funding programs support short-term research visits for postdoctoral or early-career researchers to collaborate with host institutions abroad. Examples include DAAD Research Stays for Academics and Scientists, DFG Mobility Funding, and Mercator Fellowships, as well as institutional travel or mobility grants offered by universities and research councils. Such visits typically last from a few weeks to several months and foster scientific exchange and collaboration. I am happy to host visiting postdoctoral or early-career researchers interested in joint projects.
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PhD visitor fellowships and exchange opportunities
Many national PhD funding schemes and universities offer short-term research fellowships or mobility grants that support doctoral candidates spending several months abroad at a host institution. Examples include DAAD Short-Term Research Grants, Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, Erasmus+ mobility funding, and national doctoral programs with a research stay abroad component (e.g., from NWO, SNSF, NSF, or ANR). I am happy to host visiting PhD researchers interested in short-term collaborative projects.
