The German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft or DFG) offers several pathways for postdoctoral researchers to develop their careers within Germany's research landscape. These include funding for individual research projects, participation in collaborative research networks and long-term academic career development programs.

Postdocs may apply for positions in existing DFG-funded structures, such as Collaborative Research Centers, Research Training Groups and Priority Programs. Another route is the Research Grant, which funds postdoctoral researchers to conduct their own project with a host institution.

For those planning a longer-term academic career in Germany, the DFG offers prestigious programs aimed at supporting academic independence and progression toward professorships:

• The Walter Benjamin Program supports postdocs who have completed their PhD, providing them with the opportunity to conduct an independent research project in a new research environment, either in Germany or abroad. This program is particularly valuable for early-career researchers seeking to build their academic profile and enhance their research independence, with funding typically provided for up to two years.
• The Emmy Noether Program supports outstanding postdocs with 2–4 years of research experience (up to 6 years for medical doctors), allowing them to lead an independent junior research group for up to six years. This program is especially valuable for researchers aiming to meet the requirements for a university professorship in Germany.
• The Heisenberg Program is intended for researchers who already meet the formal requirements for a professorship. It provides up to five years of flexible funding through various formats — including fellowships, research positions, or Heisenberg professorships — to help candidates consolidate their academic profile and prepare for leadership roles in academia.

These DFG schemes provide robust support for both early-career and advanced postdocs and are highly regarded pathways for entering the German academic system.