Postdocs

The MDC Global Fellow is an initiative that brings outstanding international postdoctoral researchers to the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin. Embedded in MDC’s vibrant scientific community, the program supports innovative, co-supervised research projects that tackle today’s biomedical Grand Challenges through cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Each Fellow leads an independent project, jointly supervised by two Max Delbrück Center research groups, creating new synergies across disciplines. This model is designed to support interdisciplinary thinking, provide access to diverse methods, and foster scientific creativity. While many projects may integrate experimental and computational approaches, the program supports all combinations of disciplines and methodologies that together enable ambitious, cross-cutting research.

The 3-year fellowship offers:

• A competitive salary and full-time employment (TVöD-Bund)
• Research and mobility funding
• Consumables and investment budget
• A structured co-supervision and mentoring framework
• Access to MDC Academy’s advanced training portfolio
• Full integration into a collaborative and innovative, global scientific environment

Application manual

Download complete application guidelines

Eligibility

Before starting the application process, please make sure that you are eligible to apply for our program. 

Applicants must:

• Hold or be about to complete a PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline
• Demonstrate scientific excellence and potential for independent research
• Show motivation for interdisciplinary, co-supervised research
• Not have prior association (including guest contracts) with the MDC or other German research organization exceeding 12 months within the last 3 years prior to the submission deadline

Applicants are expected to proactively contact and engage at least two MDC research groups to co-develop their proposal. Applications received without the support of MDC research groups will be discarded. While many projects may integrate experimental and computational approaches, the program supports all combinations of disciplines and methodologies that together enable ambitious, cross-cutting research.

A list of participating group leaders available to host Global Fellows can be found on our website.

 

Application documents

All documents should be available in English. If you do not have an English version of documents, a translation certified by a public notary or other official will be sufficient. 

All documents must be uploaded as .pdf files (max of 32 MB).

The complete application package includes:

PhD degree certificate

If you have not completed your doctoral program yet, provide preliminary documents, such as confirmation of enrollment, temporary transcripts, expected date of graduation.

Curriculum Vitae

In addition to regular CV which can be uploaded as a file, you will be asked to list your employment history, research experience and publications.

Project abstract (max. 1500 characters including spaces)

A summary of project vision proposal

Project vision proposal (max. 4000 characters including spaces)

Outline your research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Include timeline and milestones. You should explain how your project will draw on the expertise, resources, or technologies available in each lab, as well as your own skills and background. Projects are expected to take advantage of the interdisciplinary environment and infrastructures available at MDC and should address Grand Challenges in biomedical research. 

Motivation statement (max. 3000 characters including spaces): Focused on your interest in team science

Briefly describe your motivation to work in a collaborative, team science environment. What draws you to interdisciplinary research, and how does your approach align with MDC’s mission and values? You may reflect on how this fellowship supports your career goals, how you see yourself contributing to the MDC community, and what excites you about joining an institution built on cooperation and shared scientific ambition.

Rationale for selecting co-supervisors and anticipated scientific impact (max. 2000 characters including spaces)

Describe why you have chosen the two MDC research groups as co-hosts, and how their complementary expertise will enable your project. Explain what unique skills, experience, or perspectives you bring, and how your background enhances the collaboration. You may also reflect on the anticipated broader impact of your project — within MDC’s interdisciplinary community, and in advancing biomedical knowledge or contributing to societal benefit.

Contact details of two referees

Applicants must provide the names and contact details of two referees. Referees will be contacted directly by the MDC to submit their letters of recommendation. Please ensure that your referees are informed and available during the application period. We strongly recommend that you confirm they have received the email invitation. If they do not receive it within a few days of your submission, please ask them to check their spam folder or contact us at globalfellow@mdc-berlin.de. Reference letters must be submitted not later than 3 days after the application deadline.

If applicable, proof of recognition of your Master's and doctoral degree in Germany

The proof can be determined via the anabin database and can be submitted as a PDF attachment to the application. Further information can be found at Recognition of Degrees and Achievements.

Review process and interviews

Applications must be submitted via MDC application portal (link TBC). Only complete submissions received by the deadline will be considered. Each applicant may submit only one application. 

All submitted applications will undergo a three-stage evaluation process:

1. Eligibility Review
   Conducted by the Postdoc Office to ensure applications meet the formal eligibility criteria.
2. Proposal Assessment
   Conducted by the Selection Committee, comprised of MDC faculty and chaired by Associate director of Scientific Talent Management, based on the scientific excellence of the applicant, the feasibility of the proposed project, and its relevance to the aims of the program.
3. Online Interview
   Shortlisted candidates from stage two will be invited to a virtual interview with members of the Selection Committee. They will give a short presentation on their research and their project vision and motivation. The committee will assess both scientific strength and commitment to international, interdisciplinary research.

Key Dates

• Application opens: August 4, 2025
• Application deadline: September 17, 2025 (11:59 PM CET)
• Online interviews: October 7, 2025
• Results notification: October 2025
• In-person visits to MDC: November 2025 (with travel budget provided)
• Fellowship start: From January 2026 (within 6 months of selection)

Contact

globalfellow@mdc-berlin.de