Call for Advanced Clinician Scientists

The next application deadline for the DZIF Academy programmes is 15.09.2024.

There is a distinct need for protected research time at more advanced levels within the medical career to prepare them for a long-term academic career and for taking over leadership positions and professorships.

Under this programme, 50% protected research time is granted to a limited number of excellent doctors who already hold a responsible clinical position. For a period of two years, grantees may be partially released from clinical duties while they continue to develop their clinical skills and competence.The Advanced Clinician Scientist Programme shall prepare excellent candidates to apply for a leadership position or professorship in the area of infectious diseases.

Advanced Clinician Scientist: Who can apply?

  • MDs after board certification (Fachärzte/Oberärzte), max. 10 years after board certification
  • Age < 45 years at the submission deadline (maternity and parental leave times will be considered according to the DFG)
  • own working group, proven by own or last authorship publications
  • own third-party funds raised
  • already involved in central DZIF projects/collaborations, applying with a project that is now becoming independent

Applicants may choose their host institution, which must be a DZIF member. The Advanced Clinical Scientist Programme covers 50% of a MD salary for 2 years and €15,000 p.a. for consumables to carry out a translational research project. Part-time positions are possible (min. 50%).

The next deadline for applications is 15.09.2024. Please note that the earliest start date for the programme is 1 April 2025 to allow sufficient time for evaluation and administrative processing.

Applications for the Advanced Clinician Scientist Programme must include:

  • online application form
  • motivation letter (one page) & CV
  • Confirmation from your clinical director for release from patient services (online form "Bestätigung über Freistellung")
  • Confirmation from your DZIF site coordinator
  • Letter of support from your proposed laboratory head

Applications will be reviewed based on the scientific quality of the project and its contribution to the mission of DZIF. Please send your application as a single PDF file to: