BRAIN – the Brandenburg Research Academy and International Network – is a pilot programme offering 10 incoming post-doc fellowships for a duration of 24 months to experienced young international researchers. It has been developed by the Brandenburg Ministry of Sciences, Research and Cultural Affairs together with all Brandenburg universities. The call for applications is open from January 15th to April 15th, 2014.
BRAIN will provide opportunities for international young researchers to further their academic careers by pursuing research projects in their scientific field at a Brandenburg university of their choice. Fellows will be offered a post at their preferred host university, which will provide an inspiring environment and support them in their research project. Fellows may pursue an individual project or join one of the many existing groups of young researchers.
The Berlin-Brandenburg region has a leading position in the German and international innovation landscape. The capital region offers young international researchers the highest concentration of universities and research institutions in Germany. Eight universities with a broad variety of research focuses as well as a large number of extra-university research institutions are located in the German Federal State of Brandenburg. The structure of the Brandenburg scientific landscape which combines the advantages of a manageable size of institutions and short ways between research locations with a state-of-the-art research environment presents excellent conditions for building and extending individual research co-operations and networks.
BRAIN is co-funded by the Marie Curie Programme of the European Union (co-funding of Regional, National and International Programmes).
Conditions for application:
- Eligible applicants are non-German nationals residing abroad who have not carried out any research in Germany for the last three years.
- Eligible applicants have undertaken at least three years of research since obtaining their doctorate.
- Eligible applicants need to identify a potential host university in Brandenburg and get a letter or agreement from a professor to support their research project.
Fellows will receive:
- An employment contract at their chosen host university with salaries equal to those of the Marie Curie Programme for experienced researchers, including social security and health insurance as well as pension coverage.
- A mobility and travel allowance.
- The opportunity for professional training and coaching on the development of individual and professional competencies.
- The possibility to work in an inspiring scientific environment in the Berlin-Brandenburg region.
Women are especially encouraged to apply. Brandenburg universities are very family-friendly and offer numerous possibilities of support to researchers with children (e.g. child care facilities, day-care organized during lectures, conferences or other scientific events etc). The universities will be glad to provide more detailed information to applicants.
