Several prestigious funding instruments support postdoctoral researchers working across Europe, including Germany. These include the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and the European Research Council (ERC) Grants.

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships support researchers who hold a PhD and wish to carry out their research abroad. Applicants must meet mobility requirements and have no more than eight years of postdoctoral experience.

Complementing this are the European Research Council Grants, which are among the most competitive and prestigious in Europe. They support high-potential researchers to establish and lead independent projects at a host institution in the EU or associated countries.

• ERC Starting Grants are for researchers 2–7 years post-PhD with a promising track record and an ambitious, ground-breaking proposal. Grants offer up to €1.5 million over five years.
• ERC Consolidator Grants target researchers 7–12 years post-PhD who have already demonstrated independence. Funding can reach up to €2 million over five years.
• ERC Synergy Grants support small groups (2–4 researchers) tackling complex research questions together. These grants offer up to €10 million (or €14 million in exceptional cases) over six years and encourage interdisciplinary and collaborative work.

All ERC grants require a letter of commitment from the host institution and are applied for via the EU’s Funding & Tenders Portal.