The UMEA Postdoctoral Excellence Program (UMEA PEP) is aimed at scientists who completed their doctorate no more than 12 months ago and who are pursuing a career in medical research. You can apply with a research project that preferably relates to one of the main research areas of Essen University Hospital (cardiovascular medicine, infectiology and immunology, oncology, transplantation, or translational neuroscience and behavioral science). 

As part of the program, you will receive funding for your own position for 24 months (EG 13 TV-L, depending on your personal circumstances in accordance with the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG)). 

Requirements: 

• Doctorate obtained no more than 12 months ago.
• Doctorate grade of at least very good (magna cum laude).
• At least two published/accepted original works as first or last author (or one with an impact factor > 15), at least one of which must be in a journal ranked in the top 25% of the field (1st quartile JIF, Clarivate). In the case of shared authorship, a declaration of assignment from the other author(s) is required.

Applications for the upcoming application round must be submitted by December 15, 2025, via the application portal of the University Hospital Essen. There you will find detailed information on the application process . 

Application documents: 

• Completed application form, including project description and schedule
• Curriculum vitae in tabular form, including list of publications
• Copies of certificates (degree certificate in natural sciences, doctoral degree certificate)
• Letter of support from the host working group (use of work and laboratory space, financing of consumables, etc.)

Application procedure: 

The application documents, in particular the project description and schedule, will be evaluated by the UMEA PEP Board. The applicants with the best evaluations will be invited to present their project to the Board in a short presentation at the end of January 2026. The exact date will be announced at a later stage.