DAAD: Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience (PRIME)

In 2014 the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) initiated the programme “Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience” (PRIME) to support the international mobility of postdoctoral researchers by temporary positions at German universities in place of conventional scholarships. Support is provided for 18 months, of which 12 months have to be spent abroad and 6 months (re-integration phase) at a German university. The re-integration/return phase is mandatory. The German university administrates the salary during the whole funding period.

Eligibility

Applicants with above-average qualifications can apply. They must have completed their
doctorate with very good results before the start of funding. Neither German citizenship nor residency in Germany is a requirement. PRIME is open to both Germans and foreigners, no matter whether they are currently living in Germany or abroad. However, depending on nationalityand place of residence, restrictions may apply when choosing the destination country for the stay abroad.

DAAd provides support for 18 months: the first 12 months are spent abroad, and the remaining 6 months (mandotary) of the return phase are spent in Germany (funding cycle 12+6).

Mobility rule

Applicants must comply with the programme’s mobility rule, i.e., they are free to choose any country (except Germany) as destination for their research stay abroad, provided they have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in that country for more than 12 months in total during the three years preceding the application deadline of 31 August 2023.

The call 2023