Argelander Mobility Grants

Postdoctoral researchers who are employed¹ at the University of Bonn (one to five years after completing their doctorate.)² 

¹ The employment contract must be valid for the entire duration of the research stay. During the stay, the contract will be paused and the grant kicks in. Upon return, the contract will be resumed. The minimum duration of the contract upon return must be six months. 

²  Family time, interruptions caused by the pandemic etc., are taken into account, please make clear in CV.

Research stays at an institution abroad for six to 12 months will be funded. A scholarship is awarded to cover travel, accommodation, living and insurance costs at the host university. The amount of the scholarship depends on the duration of the stay and the host country (the basis for calculation is the DFG's scholarship calculator- the lump-sums valid at the respective application deadline apply).

On application, the costs for accompanying children and partners can be subsidised for the duration of the research stay. This includes the following benefits: Travel allowance, visa costs, childcare costs, child allowance, partner allowance. The costs of accompanying partners are only subsidised in the case of accompanying children.

Upon return to Bonn, the postdoc contract at the University of Bonn will be resumed (for at least six months) and the postdocs will, if applicable, additionally receive up to € 25,000 for up to 12 months to complete their research project and to raise third-party funding for a project at the University of Bonn. These funds can cover: 

• Student Assistants (SHK) oder Graduate Student Assistants (WHF) - further information on the employment of assistants and a basis for calculation can be found here.
• Material costs/disposables
• Travel expenses
• Further material costs 

Furthermore, grantees will also receive intensive career coaching as well as individual consultation and guidance for third-party applications.

Applications will be assessed by an interdisciplinary selection committee consisting of representatives from all faculties involved, chaired by Prof. Dr. Ilona Grunwald, Vice Rector for Research and Career Development.

The application should include:

• Letter of motivation, including importance of the research stay abroad for the career development of the applicant (max. 2 pages)
• Project outline, with emphasis on the innovation potential and impact of the project as well as its relevance for the intended third-party funding application (max. 2 pages)
• Project plan with milestones, including the intended third-party funding application (max. 1 page)
• Budget plan for up to € 25,000 to complete the research project upon return to Bonn (up to 12 months)
• Letter of invitation by the potential host at the host institution abroad - and, if applicable, financial contribution of the host institution
• CV of the applying postdoc
• Employment contract with the University of Bonn – Please note that the employment contract must be valid for the entire duration of the research stay. During the stay, the contract will be paused and must be resumed for at least six months upon return. Applicants must clarify the modalities of pausing the contract with their superior and, if applicable, with the funding organization before submitting their application.
• Confirmation by the institute/working group that the funding of the subsequent employment upon return is secured for at least six months.

The review of the applications normally takes six to eight weeks from the deadline. 

What does it mean to pause your employment contract?

During your stay abroad, your employment relationship with the University of Bonn will be paused—for example, through special leave or a leave of absence. This means that during this time, you will not receive any remuneration (salary) from the university, but rather a scholarship (Argelander Mobility Grant). At the same time, you are not obliged to work for the university during this phase and are not subject to any instructions. This allows you to devote yourself fully to your research abroad.
 

Is the scholarship tax-free?

Scholarships may be tax-free in accordance with Section 3 No. 44 of the Income Tax Act (EStG). Whether this regulation applies in your case depends on your individual tax situation and will be assessed by the relevant tax office. Please contact your tax office for binding information.

My contract ends before the six months after my return have expired. Can I still apply?

If your current employment contract ends before the six months after your return have expired, you can only apply if you have a binding commitment from your superior that your employment will be extended. 

Can I apply for material resources for my time abroad in addition to the scholarship?

No, you cannot apply for material resources in addition to the scholarship during your stay abroad. However, you can apply for material resources for up to 12 months after your return. Please include the corresponding budget plan with your application.

Can I apply for additional funds for my time abroad, e.g. for travel and visa costs?

No, the scholarship is designed as a lump sum and covers all costs of your stay abroad – including travel and visa costs. In addition, family benefits can be applied for if necessary.