Call for Advanced Clinician Scientists

There is a distinct need for protected research time at more advanced levels within the medical career to prepare them for a long-term academic career and for taking over leadership positions and professorships.

Under this program, 50% protected research time is granted to a limited number of excellent doctors who already hold a responsible clinical position. Recipients may be partially released from clinical duties for up to two years to further develop their qualifications and expertise as clinically active scientists. The Advanced Clinician Scientist Program shall prepare excellent candidates to apply for a leadership position or professorship in the area of infectious diseases.

Advanced Clinician Scientist: Who can apply?

• MDs who have successfully completed their board certification (Fachärzte/Oberärzte); board certification must have been obtained no more than six years prior to the time of application. Maternity and parental leave periods will be taken into account in accordance with DFG regulations.
• Membership in or other affiliation with a scientific or professional society is not required. However, applicants must demonstrate a relevant track record in infectious disease research.
• Applicants must outline a perspective for their future work in infection research.
• Leadership of an independent research group, demonstrated, among other things, by own or last-author publications.
• Successful acquisition of own third-party funding.
• Own third-party funds raised.
• Existing involvement in key DZIF projects or collaborations. The application should focus on a project that builds on an existing DZIF context and is to be developed into an independent research project or further pursued independently.

Applicants may choose their host institution, which must be a DZIF member. The Advanced Clinical Scientist Program covers 50% of a MD salary for 2 years and €15,000 p.a. for consumables to carry out a translational research project. Part-time positions are possible (min. 50%).

The next application deadline is September 14, 2026. Please note that the program's earliest start date is April 1, 2026, to allow sufficient time for evaluation and administrative processing.

Applications for the Advanced Clinician Scientist Program must include:

• online application form
• motivation letter (one page) & CV
• Confirmation from your clinical director for release from patient services (online form "Bestätigung über Freistellung")
• Confirmation from your DZIF site coordinator
• Letter of support from your proposed laboratory head

Applications will be reviewed based on the scientific quality of the project and its contribution to the mission of DZIF. Please send your application as a single PDF file to: