Overview
Postdoctoral Fellowship (PhD required)
Description
Postdoctoral Fellowship (PhD required)
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Hold a PhD in Sociology or a closely related field
Doctoral degree must have been awarded no more than five years before the fellowship start date
PhD dissertation must be submitted and defended before the contract begins
Research project must align with the research program of WZB or EUI
Demonstrated scholarly excellence and strong publication potential
Willingness to reside in Berlin or Florence for the duration of the fellowship
Commitment to active participation in the institute’s academic life
The Kohli Foundation particularly encourages applications from women and scholars from academically underrepresented groups.
Additional Information
Degree Level
Postdoctoral Fellowship (PhD required)
Available Subjects
Sociology
Preference is given to projects focusing on:
Life course research
Generational studies
However, all sociological research topics aligned with the host institute’s research agenda are welcome
Host Institutions
Berlin Social Science Center (WZB), Germany
European University Institute (EUI), Florence/Fiesole, Italy
Fellows at EUI join the Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies
Benefits
Fully funded two-year postdoctoral fellowship
Financial support for:
Living expenses
Research activities
Conference participation
Fieldwork (where applicable)
Opportunity to:
Work on a new independent research project
Advance peer-reviewed publications
Build international research collaborations
Organize workshops and academic events
Access to:
Training programs and seminars
National and international conferences
Strong mentoring and career development support
Fellowship Structure
Kohli Fellow at WZB (Berlin)
Integration into a dynamic research unit
Academic mentor from WZB staff
Participation in seminars, conferences, and training
Support tailored to the fellow’s research and career goals
Kohli Fellow at EUI (Florence/Fiesole)
Membership in the Max Weber Programme
Assigned faculty advisor at EUI
Opportunities for:
Fieldwork
International networking
Workshops and training activities
Strong interdisciplinary and international research environment
Eligible Nationalities
Open to scholars of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Hold a PhD in Sociology or a closely related field
Doctoral degree must have been awarded no more than five years before the fellowship start date
PhD dissertation must be submitted and defended before the contract begins
Research project must align with the research program of WZB or EUI
Demonstrated scholarly excellence and strong publication potential
Willingness to reside in Berlin or Florence for the duration of the fellowship
Commitment to active participation in the institute’s academic life
The Kohli Foundation particularly encourages applications from women and scholars from academically underrepresented groups.
Application Procedure
Applicants must submit the following documents:
Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of publications
Academic Career Statement
Detailed Research Proposal
Names of two to three academic referees
Referees must agree in advance to provide a reference letter if requested
Applications are evaluated in close collaboration with the host institution.
Selection Process
Selection is based on:
Academic excellence
Quality and originality of the research proposal
Fit with the host institution
Interview (in person or online)
One Kohli Fellow is selected per year
Important Dates
Current Call – WZB (Berlin)
Application Deadline: 16 November 2025
Interviews & Selection: Winter 2025/2026
Fellowship Start Date: 1 October 2026
EUI (Florence/Fiesole)
Max Weber Programme Deadline: Fall 2026
Interviews & Selection: Winter 2026/2027
Fellowship Start Date: 1 September 2027
Note: Deadlines may vary, visit official website for more updates.
About The Kohli Foundation For Sociology
The Kohli Foundation for Sociology, based in Berlin, supports innovative sociological research and academic excellence through fellowships, prizes, and infrastructure funding. Its mission is to promote cutting-edge social science research with long-term societal impact.
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
What is the Kohli Fellowship for Sociology? The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology is a fully funded two-year postdoctoral fellowship for outstanding sociologists to conduct research at WZB in Berlin or EUI in Florence.
Who is eligible to apply for the Kohli Fellowship? Scholars of all nationalities who completed their PhD within the last five years and whose research aligns with the host institution’s sociology program are eligible.
Is the Kohli Fellowship fully funded? Yes, the fellowship provides full financial support for living costs, research activities, and academic participation for two years.
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Funding
Fully Funded
Organization
Italy Universities, Germany Universities
Degree
Fellowship
Subjects
Sociology
Nationality
International Students, Domestic Students
Country
Italy, Germany
Source
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