Call for Clinical Leave Applications

The overall goal of the DZIF Academy is to close the gap of multidisciplinary training approaches within infection research in order to master the biological complexities associated with infectious diseases. To achieve this goal, the DZIF Academy grants up to six 1-year or 1.5-year Clinical Leaves per year for physicians in clinical training. 

The purpose of the programme is to offer doctors currently working in direct or indirect patient care the chance to be fully released from clinical duties in order to pursue an experimental or clinical infection research project at one of the DZIF partner laboratories or study sites. Even before applying, candidates should plan whether a 12- or 18-month exemption will be sought.

Those funded in the previous year can apply once for a six-month extension. An extension must be applied for early (no later than 3 months before the end of the term) in order to ensure a continuous contractual connection.

Note: Individual funding in conjunction with the Clinical Leave programme stipend may not exceed a total of 18 months.

Clinical Leave Programme: Who can apply?

• Physicians with a doctorate in clinical and scientific work
• Doctors with active patient service for at least two years
• Previous scientific work (at least one publication as first author)
• Not older than 35 years at the time of application (maternity and parental leave times are taken into account according to the DFG)

Applicants choose their host institution, which must be a member of one of the DZIF partner sites. The research programme shall be coordinated between the applicant and the foreseen host institution, which should preferably take place outside the applicant’s home institution to increase interactions within DZIF. In the exceptional case where a research project would require use of resources within one’s home clinic, 50% of funding can be applied for if 50% of the position is co-funded by the home institution, and full release from the clinical duties must still be granted for the applicant.

The Clinical Leave Programme covers a full MD salary and ensures release for one or 1,5 year to carry out a translational research project. The host institution receives €15,000 p.a. for consumables.

The next deadline for applications is 16.03.2025. Please note that the earliest start date for the programme is 01.09.2025 to allow sufficient time for evaluation and administrative processing.

Applications for the Clinical Leave Programme and a six-month extension or “follow-up-“stipend must include:

• Online application form
• Motivation letter (one page) & CV
• Confirmation from your clinical director for full release from patient services (online form)
• Confirmation from your DZIF site coordinator
• Letter of support from your advisor / proposed laboratory head 

Applications are reviewed on the basis of the scientific quality of the project and its contribution to the DZIF mission. A maximum of three grants per DZIF study site and application period will be awarded. Please send your application as a single PDF file to

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