HITS Independent Postdoc Program 2026 | Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies

Organization

Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)

Duration

2 Years (with an option of 1-year extension based on performance evaluation).

Fellowship Amount

Competitive fixed salary (as per HITS pay structure) with relocation and childcare allowances.

HITS Independent Postdoc Program 2026 | Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies

Overview

About the Organization

The Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) is a private, non-profit research institute established in 2010 by physicist Harald zur Hausen, SAP co-founder Klaus Tschira, and the Klaus Tschira Foundation. HITS conducts cutting-edge research in computational science, mathematics, natural sciences, life sciences, physics, astronomy, artificial intelligence, and data science. Researchers at HITS develop innovative computational methods to solve complex scientific challenges while collaborating with leading universities and international research institutions.


Fellowship Overview

ParticularDetails
OrganizationHeidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)
FellowshipHITS Independent Postdoc Program 2026
PositionIndependent Postdoctoral Researcher
Job TypeFixed-Term Contract
Fellowship Duration2 Years (extendable by 1 year based on evaluation)
LocationHeidelberg, Germany (Hybrid)
Employment TypeFull-Time
SalaryCompetitive Fixed Salary + Benefits
Application ModeOnline
Official Advertisementhttps://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DSQ903/hits-independent-postdoc-program

Who Can Apply?

Applications are invited from:

  • PhD holders in relevant disciplines.
  • Candidates who will obtain their doctoral degree before joining.
  • Researchers within 3 years of completing their PhD.
  • International applicants.
  • Researchers from computational sciences, AI, physics, biology, mathematics, software engineering, data science, astronomy and interdisciplinary research.
  • Applicants with innovative independent research proposals.

Why Apply?

  • Conduct fully independent postdoctoral research.
  • Access world-class computational infrastructure.
  • Collaborate with internationally renowned researchers.
  • Receive competitive salary and relocation support.
  • Childcare allowance for eligible researchers.
  • Opportunity for one-year fellowship extension.
  • Build international research collaborations.
  • Work in one of Germany's leading theoretical research institutes.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Hold a doctoral degree or equivalent qualification before joining.
  • Apply within 3 years after completion of their PhD.
  • Submit an original independent research proposal.
  • Have research interests aligned with HITS research areas.
  • Not have previously conducted research at HITS (except brief visits).
  • Demonstrate excellent academic achievements and research potential.

Selection Process

  • Online application submission.
  • Screening of applications.
  • Evaluation of research proposal.
  • Shortlisting.
  • Interview.
  • Final selection.
  • Results announced in February 2027.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should:

  1. Visit the official application portal.
  2. Complete the online application.
  3. Upload all required documents.
  4. Submit:
    • Updated CV
    • Letter of Motivation
    • Two-page Research Proposal
    • Contact details of two referees
  5. Submit the application before the deadline.

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.


Important Dates

  • Application Opens: August 2026
  • Last Date to Apply: 1 November 2026
  • Interview: After shortlisting
  • Result Announcement: February 2027

Official Links

Official Advertisement

https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DSQ903/hits-independent-postdoc-program

Financial Support

Fellowship Amount: Competitive fixed salary (as per HITS pay structure) with relocation and childcare allowances.

Eligibility Criteria

PhD completed or expected before joining.
Apply within 3 years of PhD completion.
Strong research background.
Independent research proposal.
Research aligned with HITS research areas.

Important Dates

0 Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
1 Results: February 2027

Streams

Science
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