Young Investigator Group Preparation Program (YIG Prep Pro)

Young Investigator Group Preparation Program (YIG Prep Pro)

Join the Young Investigator Group Preparation Program (YIG Prep Pro) at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) , a postdoctoral fellowship supporting early career researchers in establishing their own junior research group.

Program Focus

All applications with particularly innovative and creative research ideas will be considered. For the 2026 cohort, KIT prioritizes applicants in the following research areas:

• Chemical and Electrochemical Energy Storage
• Atmospheric Change and Future Cities
• Engineering Trustworthy and Embodied AI Systems
• Nanomaterials
• Health Technologies
• Mathematics in Sciences, Engineering, and Economics

Mentorship and Training

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.

Fellowship Options

• YIG Prep Pro funded fellowship
• Funding includes salary, starter equipment, and a consumables budget for up to two years.
• Remote mentorship is available for current overseas positions; travel expenses for guest stays at KIT are covered up to twice per program year.

Eligibility

International researchers who obtained their PhD no more than 3 years ago and have substantial international research experience.

Qualifications

• Strong international research background – demonstrable experience as a PhD candidate and/or postdoctoral researcher, preferably including at least one period of 6 or more months abroad after your degree.
• Promising research idea – a well‑defined project that fits within one of KIT's research domains (see above) and aligns with the research activities of the prospective host institute at KIT. Both thematic fits should be explicitly addressed in the proposal.
• Excellent scientific track record – highly visible and relevant publications that qualify you to provide academic leadership for a junior research group, or that clearly show the potential to do so in the near future. The length of postdoctoral experience will be considered.
• Outstanding communication and teamwork skills – ability to convey complex ideas clearly, collaborate constructively, and manage projects analytically. A willingness to assume responsibility and to continue developing both research competencies and personal attributes is expected.
• Willingness to relocate – readiness to move to Germany for an extended period of time.

Benefits at a Glance

• Launch your independent career – Establishing a junior research group at KIT is a decisive step toward a professorship and gives you early‑career independence.
• World‑class research environment – Work in a vibrant, internationally recognized setting where you can turn your research idea into reality.
• Strong institutional support – KIT's deep expertise and interdisciplinary breadth in both research and teaching ensure optimal integration of your project.
• Diversity‑friendly campus – Benefit from a welcoming atmosphere that includes an International Scholars & Welcome Office, childcare services, and dedicated programs for personal and career development.

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted until February 6, 2026 . All information about YIG Prep Pro, the application process, and the selection criteria is available on our website: