Call for Applications: Two-Year Postdoctoral Fellowship at the DAI Madrid

In 2026, the DAI offers a research scholarship, subject to the availability of budget funds, expected to start on 01.01.2026 for a period of 24 months.

Consistent with its statutory tasks, the DAI awards research scholarships to promote scholarly projects that meet with the interests of the DAI and directly link up with the tasks of the latter. The scholarship is awarded to well-demarcated, independent research projects and for the encouragement of scholarly exchange whose aim it is to significantly contribute along the lines of the German Archaeological Institute. The results obtained under a research scholarship are presented in a publication on the project.

The research project must be based in the western Mediterranean region. The focus should be on the movement and exchange of objects, ideas, or people in Western Europe and North Africa during prehistory, antiquity, late antiquity, or the early Middle Ages. A direct thematic connection with the host countries of the Madrid department (Spain, Morocco, and Portugal) is preferable. The scholarship requires residency in Madrid. If necessary, free accommodation can be provided at the Madrid Department's research center.

Applications may be submitted by German or foreign researchers who have completed a doctorate in archaeology or related fields such as history or art history. Remuneration is set at 2.050.-€ for PostDocs. Family and child allowances may be paid upon request. Further details are provided in the DAI guideline for fellowships

Applications addressed to the director of the Madrid Department must be submitted by 01.09.2025 in a single PDF file to the address stipendien@dainst.de. Please state the reference number FS26-Madrid in your application.

Please submit the following documents with your application in digital form:

• Cover letter
• Filled and signed application form for research scholarships (Download english form / Download german form)
• Exposé describing the research project (max. length: 10.000 characters incl. spaces)
• Work plan for the scholarship
• Diplomas of all academic degrees
• Complete list of own publications
• Academic resumé including information on marital status and nationality (max. length: 2 pages)

Research scholarships are awarded in accordance with the DAI’s research scholarship guideline effective since 01.09.2020. The DAI’s scholarship committee decides about the allocation of research scholarships.

Your personal data connected with your application will be treated with greatest care and discretion. For information on data privacy protection policy, please go to www.dainst.org/datenschutz. There you will find information (compliant with Art. 13 DSGVO) about the scope and the manner of how we handle your personal data as well as your rights regarding this matter.