Leipzig University’s LE4YOU programme offers flexible funding opportunities for doctoral candidates and postdocs to support their academic careers. The aim is to promote excellent research and strengthen the University’s strategic initiatives. The programme is aimed at doctoral researchers, postdocs and science managers who want to drive innovative research projects forward. The University has allocated some of its own budget to promote the professional development of early career researchers.
Funding line I: Individual Doctoral Pool (R1)
Funding line 1 supports individual doctorates by funding two R1 positions for three years. The funding is awarded following a call for applications and is aimed at graduates of a master’s, teaching or state examination programme at a German or international university who have been admitted to pursue a doctorate in Germany and have an excellent academic record. You can only apply if you will be graduating within the next seven months or have graduated within the last eight months.
To be eligible, applicants must hold a university degree and have been admitted to pursue a doctorate in Germany. The deadline for open-topic applications is 30 June. Applications consist of a letter of motivation and a project proposal. The Graduate Commission, headed by the Vice-Rector for Talent Development: Study and Teaching, decides which applications to approve. Severely disabled persons – or persons legally equal to them under Book IX of the German Social Code – are encouraged to apply and will be given preference in the case of equal suitability.
Deadline for applications
The deadline for applications is 30 June each year.
Documents to submit
- Letter of motivation, co-signed by supervisor
- Project proposal (max. 8 pages, German or English) with information on the thematic focus, publications, timetable and milestone plan, and planned research stays
- Copies of certificates, curriculum vitae and, if applicable, list of publications
- Supervision agreement
- Letter of support (LOS) from the receiving institution with information on infrastructural requirements
Completion funding
Completion funding is subject to budgetary restrictions and can be granted for a maximum of six months on application. The early career researcher must submit a written application (including the milestone plan) via their supervisor or professor at least six months before the end of the funding period. To ensure that everyone is treated equally, no further extensions are possible. It is not possible to combine applications for completion, transitional and follow-up funding.
Transitional and follow-up funding
Transitional and follow-up funding are subject to budgetary restrictions and can be granted for a maximum of six months on application. The early career researcher must submit a written application (including the milestone plan) via their supervisor or professor (PI) at least six months before the end of the funding period. To ensure that everyone is treated equally, no further extensions are possible. It is not possible to combine applications for completion, transitional and follow-up funding.
Top up working hours
In principle, it is possible to top up your working hours up to 1.0 FTE – but only with external funding. Topping up can only be allowed if it does not put the intended qualification at risk (e.g. finishing your doctorate). In order to safeguard the doctoral procedure, the supervisor and the doctoral researcher agree on further details in the supervision agreement.
Entitlement to extension after maternity and parental leave
In agreement with the employee, the grantee is entitled to an extension for maternity and parental leave in accordance with the German act on fixed-term employment contracts in academia (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG). To ensure that everyone is treated equally, no further extensions are possible.
Replacement during maternity and parental leave
The grantee cannot be replaced during maternity or parental leave; this is not governed by any procedural rules. No intended qualification can be defined in accordance with the WissZeitVG. The time limit for substitution does not apply.
Entitlement to extension for research stays
The grantee is entitled to an extension in line with the agreed milestone and qualification plan. Under the WissZeitVG, the duration of a fixed-term employment contract is extended, in agreement with the employee, by the length of the leave of absence caused by the research stay.
Funding line II: Flexible Doctoral Pool (R1)
Funding line 2 supports doctoral researchers by funding two R1 positions for three years. Applicants must have completed a master’s, teaching or state examination programme at a German or international university with excellent academic results and have been permitted to pursue a doctorate. You can only apply if you will be graduating within the next seven months or have graduated within the last eight months.
Only spokespersons or designated spokespersons of collaborative projects and LeipzigLab working groups, as well as early career researchers, can nominate applicants and submit applications. A person cannot apply on their own behalf.
Nominations can be submitted by spokespersons of collaborative projects, designated spokespersons of LeipzigLab working groups and early career researchers at levels R2 and R3. A doctoral researcher cannot apply on their own behalf. The Rectorate decides which nominations to approve based on the recommendation of the Vice-President for Excellence Development: Research and Transfer. Candidates are selected and accepted by the applicant institution through a quality-assured, multi-stage and competitive evaluation process. Severely disabled persons – or persons legally equal to them under Book IX of the German Social Code – are encouraged to apply and will be given preference in the case of equal suitability.
Deadline for applications
Funding can be applied for at any time, but no later than 12 weeks before the planned start of the measure. The application will be discussed in an official application meeting with the researchers, the Vice-Rector for Excellence Development and the Research Funding Advice team.
Documents to submit
- Detailed application with the usual documents
- Letter of support (LOS) from the receiving institution with information on infrastructural requirements
Completion funding
Completion funding is subject to budgetary restrictions and can be granted for a maximum of six months on application. The early career researcher must submit a written application (including the milestone plan) via their supervisor or professor at least six months before the end of the funding period. To ensure that everyone is treated equally, no further extensions are possible. It is not possible to combine applications for completion, transitional and follow-up funding.
Transitional and follow-up funding
Transitional and follow-up funding are subject to budgetary restrictions and can be granted for a maximum of six months on application. The early career researcher must submit a written application (including the milestone plan) via their supervisor or professor (PI) at least six months before the end of the funding period. To ensure that everyone is treated equally, no further extensions are possible. It is not possible to combine applications for completion, transitional and follow-up funding.
Top up working hours
In principle, it is possible to top up your working hours up to 1.0 FTE – but only with external funding. Topping up can only be allowed if it does not put the intended qualification at risk (e.g. finishing your doctorate). In order to safeguard the doctoral procedure, the supervisor and the doctoral researcher agree on further details in the supervision agreement.
Entitlement to extension after maternity and parental leave
In agreement with the employee, the grantee is entitled to an extension for maternity and parental leave in accordance with the German act on fixed-term employment contracts in academia (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG). To ensure that everyone is treated equally, no further extensions are possible.
Replacement during maternity and parental leave
The grantee cannot be replaced during maternity or parental leave; this is not governed by any procedural rules. No intended qualification can be defined in accordance with the WissZeitVG. The time limit for substitution does not apply.
Entitlement to extension for research stays
The grantee is entitled to an extension in line with the agreed milestone and qualification plan. Under the WissZeitVG, the duration of a fixed-term employment contract is extended, in agreement with the employee, by the length of the leave of absence caused by the research stay.
Funding line III: Flexible Postdoc Pool (R2)
Funding line 3 supports researchers at an advanced career stage by funding R2 positions for three to five years.
Only spokespersons or designated spokespersons of collaborative projects and LeipzigLab working groups, as well as early career researchers, can nominate applicants and submit applications. A person cannot apply on their own behalf.
University degree with doctorate
Funding line 3 is specifically aimed at researchers who have already achieved excellence in their field. A university degree is essential and preference will be given to candidates who have obtained a doctorate with a grade of magna cum laude or equivalent. This demonstrates not only excellent academic ability, but also an exceptional commitment to scientific research.
Experience in the research field
Candidates should also have extensive experience in their relevant scientific discipline or specific research field. Relevant publications and a substantial number of citations are important here, as they underline the research’s profile and impact. Securing external funding and successful participation in collaborative projects are also key indicators of candidates’ performance and capacity to innovate.
Experience in science management, research funding and higher education policy
Another key component of this funding line is proven experience in science management, research funding and higher education policy. Candidates should have an excellent understanding of the complex organisational structures at university and ministerial level. This is important not only for the success of their own research projects, but also for making strategic decisions that support scientific progress.
Experience with funding management
Broad experience of funding management is also very important. Experience with external and budget funding is expected. Ideally, this experience should have been gained in the public sector. This will enable researchers to make effective use of funding and ensure that resources are used in the best possible way.
Excellent knowledge of English
Last but not least, candidates should have C1-level English. In the globalised world of academia, the ability to express oneself orally and in writing at a high level in English is essential. It makes it easier to collaborate with colleagues from around the world and to access a wide range of scientific information and publications.
Nominations can be submitted by spokespersons of collaborative projects, designated spokespersons of LeipzigLab working groups and early career researchers at levels R2 and R3. A candidate cannot apply on their own behalf. The Rectorate decides which nominations to approve based on the recommendation of the Vice-President for Excellence Development: Research and Transfer and in consultation with the Research Commission. Candidates are selected and accepted by the applicant institution through a quality-assured, multi-stage and competitive evaluation process. Severely disabled persons – or persons legally equal to them under Book IX of the German Social Code – are encouraged to apply and will be given preference in the case of equal suitability.
Deadline for applications
Funding can be applied for at any time, but no later than 12 weeks before the planned start of the measure. The application will be discussed in an official application meeting with the researchers, the Vice-Rector for Excellence Development and the Research Funding Advice team.
Documents to submit:
- Detailed application with the usual documents
- Letter of support (LOS) from the receiving institution with information on infrastructural requirements
Funding line IV: Science Manager Pool (R2)
Funding line 4 supports researchers at an advanced career stage by funding science managers for up to one year.
Only spokespersons or designated spokespersons of collaborative projects and LeipzigLab working groups, as well as early career researchers, can nominate applicants and submit applications. A person cannot apply on their own behalf.
University degree
Funding line 4 is specifically aimed at researchers who are already at an advanced stage of their career, with relevant qualifications and extensive experience. A university degree is required and a doctorate is highly desirable as it underlines the expertise and commitment of the applicant.
Experience in science management, research funding and higher education policy
Excellent experience in science management, research funding and higher education policy is also essential. This experience is important not only for individual career development, but also for the promotion of scientific excellence as a whole. Candidates should have an excellent understanding of the complex organisational structures at university and ministerial level. This knowledge enables researchers to navigate the system efficiently and develop the right strategies to successfully complete their research projects.
Experience with funding management
We also expect applicants to have extensive knowledge of funding management, in particular the handling of external and budget funding. Ideally, the candidate will also have experience in the public sector, so that they have a deep understanding of the specific requirements and challenges of this environment.
Excellent knowledge of English
Last but not least, we expect candidates to have C1-level English. In the globalised world of academia, excellent language skills are crucial for facilitating international collaboration and participating in global discussions. Overall, funding line 4 is aimed at highly qualified specialists who are prepared to make a significant contribution to the further development of the scientific landscape and to drive forward innovative projects.
Nominations can be submitted by spokespersons of collaborative projects, designated spokespersons of LeipzigLab working groups and early career researchers at levels R2 and R3. A candidate cannot apply on their own behalf. The Rectorate decides which nominations to approve based on the recommendation of the Vice-President for Excellence Development: Research and Transfer and in consultation with the Research Commission. Candidates are selected and accepted by the applicant institution through a quality-assured, multi-stage and competitive evaluation process. Severely disabled persons – or persons legally equal to them under Book IX of the German Social Code – are encouraged to apply and will be given preference in the case of equal suitability.
Deadline for applications
Funding can be applied for at any time, but no later than 12 weeks before the planned start of the measure. The application will be discussed in an official application meeting with the researchers, the Vice-Rector for Excellence Development and the Research Funding Advice team.
Documents to submit
- Detailed application with the usual documents
- Letter of support (LOS) from the receiving institution with information on infrastructural requirements
General criteria
In order to receive funding, all application requirements and Leipzig University’s Statutes on Safeguarding Good Academic Practice must be met. This helps ensure ethical and responsible research. Funding lines II to IV are aimed at initiatives in the context of the Leipzig Way, including the Excellence Strategy and various BMBF collaborative initiatives. Leipzig’s “Strategy 2030” promotes cross-faculty research initiatives, while the LeipzigLab highlights emerging research fields. Nominations for research prizes are also eligible for funding.
However, the LE4YOU programme is not designed to support early career researchers in the context of professorial appointments or retention negotiations.