Application & Selection Criteria

ACTIVATE will enable the fellows to devote equal time (50/50) to clinical responsibilities and protected research, set within a well-established research environment. Fellows join as group leaders and independent principal investigators, with their own laboratory and office space, and the freedom to shape their research strategy. ACTIVATE is embedded in the well-established training structures of the Mainz Research School of Translational Biomedicine (TransMed). TransMed will support the fellows along with their individually assigned team of senior mentors

What ACTIVATE offers

• Six years of funding (evaluation after 3 years)
• 50% contractually guaranteed protected research time 
• Financial support (€ 135,000 per year, including the own research position)
• An excellent scientific environment in the field of immunology with multiple opportunities for collaboration and access to cutting-edge infrastructure 
• Career development and family life integration 
• A structured clinical-scientific qualification program via TransMed with leadership training, mentoring and individual coaching 
• Regular exchange with other (advanced) clinician scientist programs (at the UMC Mainz and other BMFTR-funded sites)

Application Requirements

• Clinician scientist with completed specialist training
• Position - or - offer of employment as physician at UMC Mainz
• Outstanding scientific track record with a clear independent research profile in an immunology-focused field
• Successful acquisition of third-party funding
• Strong motivation to pursue a long-term career as an advanced clinician scientist in translational medicine with an innovative research concept
• Commitment to Open Science and good scientific practice
• Collaborative team player with proven interpersonal and management capabilities

Selection Process

The UMC Mainz is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups, are warmly encouraged.
Positions will be open to both internal and external candidates.

The selection of ACTIVATE-Fellows involves a two-stage selection process:

1. Applications will be reviewed by the Advanced Clinician Scientist Selection Board (ACSSB), including four internal (UMC, JGU) basic and clinical scientists and two external clinical scientists.
2. Based on application rankings, top candidates will be invited to interviews with the ACSSB. Interviews will be conducted in person whenever possible, with videoconference options for external candidates. The UMC equal opportunity officer will participate in the interviews.   

Timeline for First Call

Deadline for Applications 2026: 31.10.2026

On-Site or Virtual Interview: tba (November - December 2026)

Start of Funding: Q1/2027

Documents & Modalities

The application is submitted in English and includes:

• A concise research program outlining scientific and clinical goals, with milestones for six years of funding.
• A CV, including education, clinical experience, research achievements (complete publication list and record of acquired third-party funding), and leadership roles.
• Personal statement reflecting on motivation, leadership qualities, and vision for contribution to the field.
• A letter of support from the senior mentor of the scientific department including access to laboratory space and infrastructure. In addition, the fellow’s status as an independent group leader must be ensured.
• A letter of support from the senior mentor of the clinical department ensuring support for clinical career development.
• A commitment letter from the director of the clinical department ensuring 50% protected research time.

For details, please see the documents below: 

Call for Application (PDF 189,2 KB)

Application Guidelines(PDF 93,9 KB)

Application Form (PDF 186,9 KB)