Researchers who already know the questions they want to ask rarely fit the classic postdoc mould. The ELBE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program at the Center for Systems Biology Dresden is built for them.
It gives outstanding independent postdocs the space, funding and collaborative network to develop their own research programmes. More than half of past fellows have gone on to faculty-level or equivalent independent positions.
ELBE Postdoctoral Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | ELBE Postdoctoral Fellows Program |
| Host | Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD) |
| Location | Dresden, Germany |
| Duration | 2–3 years |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Focus | Independent, interdisciplinary projects |
| Target | Distinguished postdoctoral researchers with their own proposals |
| Deadline | September 11, 2026 |
What the Fellowship Provides
- Fully funded research positions for 2–3 years
- Competitive personal financial support
- Funding for research-related expenditure and travel
- Full access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure
- Freedom to develop your own scientific questions
- Mentoring and support for independent research
- Opportunity to collaborate with more than one research group
- Close links with MPI-CBG, MPI-PKS and TU Dresden
- Access to facilities under the DRESDEN-concept network
Fellows keep substantial control over their research direction while working inside a highly international and cross-disciplinary environment. Also See University of Michigan Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027: $63,000 Annual Stipend
Research Areas and Candidate Profile
The programme seeks outstanding external researchers who bring new ideas, concepts or approaches to CSBD.
Preferred backgrounds include:
- Physics
- Computer science
- Mathematics
- Systems biology
- Computational biology
- Theoretical biophysics
- Related quantitative disciplines
Candidates should show strong interest in applying their expertise inside a cross-disciplinary life-science setting. Theoretical or computational approaches that work closely with experimental groups are especially encouraged.
In exceptional cases, analytically minded experimental researchers in cell biology or developmental biology may also be considered when their work bridges a laboratory and a CSBD research group.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Fellows can collaborate with multiple research groups
- Projects often combine theoretical, computational and experimental perspectives
- Within three months of arrival, fellows identify their collaborative project and host groups
- An interim mentor supports this process
- Mentorship can later be adjusted to match the chosen direction
Research Environment in Dresden
- Based in an internationally recognised scientific centre
- Direct access to MPI-CBG services and facilities next door
- Partnership with MPI-PKS and Technische Universität Dresden (Excellence University)
- Part of the wider DRESDEN-concept research network
- Strong atmosphere for developing independent academic careers
Application Process for the ELBE Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026-27
Selection is based primarily on scientific merit. Two application cycles run each year.
Key points:
- Applications accepted only through the official online system
- Email or direct contact with group leaders is not accepted
- First-stage assessment focuses on academic/research track record and the quality of the research proposal
- The proposal must clearly explain the intended work at CSBD and its contribution to the interdisciplinary environment
- Shortlisted candidates are invited to a selection symposium in Dresden on 3 November 2026
- Travel costs for the symposium are covered by CSBD
Also See: Digital Humanism Fellowship 2026–2027: Three Months in Vienna with a €3,300 Monthly Stipend
Eligibility and Requirements
- Distinguished, independent postdoctoral researchers
- Strong research record
- Clear vision for developing an independent research programme
- Compelling research proposal showing originality, feasibility and interdisciplinary potential
- Ability to identify potential collaborations with CSBD groups
Female applicants are particularly encouraged. The Max Planck Society is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities.
Deadline and How to Apply
Deadline: September 11, 2026
Applications must be submitted through the official online application system on the CSBD website.
Direct link and further details:
https://www.csbdresden.de/join-us/as-a-postdoc
For questions, contact the ELBE Program Office:
elbeprogram@pks.mpg.de
+49-(0)351-871-1934