Freie Universitaet Berlin: Applications Now Open for “Rising Star” Junior Fellowships in the Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy

Freie Universität Berlin’s Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy is once again accepting fellowship applications from early-career researchers from around the world. The Rising Star Fellowship Program is open to researchers who have completed a doctoral degree within the last four years. Applicants cannot be alumni of Freie Universität Berlin or have been employed at one of the university’s departments or institutes. The fellowship’s monthly stipend amounts to 2,500 euros for two years. It also includes supplementary funds for travel expenses, family members, and research costs. Applications are due by November 30, 2021, and must be submitted via email.

“The program is meant to bring international ideas and impulses to the department’s research groups and networks,” says Professor Matthias Melzig, Dean of the Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy at Freie Universität. The fellows will take part in the research activities of their host research groups or networks and publish findings together with them.

The Rising Star program is intended for researchers from both Germany and abroad. An additional fellowship is reserved for persons from developing or transition countries (in accordance with the OECD definition). Unfortunately, this specific scheme does not accept applications from China or India.

Application materials should be submitted online and must include a letter of motivation, a CV with a list of publications, a two- to four-page project outline with specific plans to collaborate with research groups at Freie Universität, as well as reference letters from two research groups within the Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy. Applicants can potentially increase their chances of success if they submit project proposals that involve two research groups from two different institutes within the department, meaning the applicant’s project spans both groups and creates collaborative connections.