Research Explorer Ruhr | Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Dui

First Stage Researcher (R1) (Up to the point of PhD)

Recognised Researcher (R2) (PhD holders or equivalent who are not yet fully independent)

RESEARCH EXPLORER RUHR - CALL FOR APPLICATIONS 2026

Research Explorer Ruhr is a two-week summer program for international advanced doctoral researchers and recent postdocs (< 1 year after PhD) interested in exploring the research landscape in the Ruhr area, Germany. The program is jointly offered by the universities of Bochum, Dortmund, and Duisburg-Essen (University Alliance Ruhr) under the umbrella of UA Ruhr Research Academy.

Join in to work out research compatibility with a professor of your choice and explore possibilities to come back for a longer postdoc stay with your own funding! During a two-week stay on-site from 21 June to 4 July 2026, you will meet your host researchers, explore the labs and research facilities of our universities, and work intensively on a potential third-party funding proposal.

Benefit from accompanying workshops on postdoc funding schemes and research career options in Germany. Take the opportunity to exchange ideas and network with our faculty members and early career researchers from Bochum, Dortmund, Duisburg and Essen.

The program is conducted entirely in English. The invitation includes travel expenses and accommodation.

Final date to receive applications is 15 February 2026.

• February - March:
  Call closes on 15 February and hosts will select candidates by March
• March - June:
  Virtual exchanges with your host about your potential postdoc project
• 21 June - 4 July:
  Two week stay at University Alliance Ruhr (Bochum/Dortmund/Duisburg-Essen)

The responsibility for the funding offers published on this website, including the funding description, lies entirely with the publishing institutions. The application is handled uniquely by the employer, who is also fully responsible for the recruitment and selection processes.