The Medical Scientist Program (MSP)

The “Main” funding line of the Medical Scientist Program of the Faculty of Medicine at RWTH Aachen University is aimed at outstanding scientists in medical research who work exclusively in research (and not clinically). Young scientists from all disciplines are addressed. The aim is to provide them with better conditions for the further development of their own scientific career and freedom to develop their own research ideas by funding the position. The program is aimed at early career researchers, in this case in the late doctoral or early postdoc phase. Applications are only submitted during ongoing calls for proposals via the ProFund portal.

In addition, the MSP includes a funding line for women on the path to habilitation. Further information can be found on the corresponding program page.

The eligibility requirements in brief:

(This is only a brief overview; the detailed information in the statutes is decisive. Please also note the compatibility with other funding instruments of the faculty)

The following criteria in particular must be met at the time of application for funding under the MSP:

• Applicants must have an employment contract with a remaining term that extends at least until the planned (earliest) start of the funding or submit a confirmation of continued employment from the clinic/institute directorate that covers this period
• A concrete research concept must be submitted, showing how the funded time is to be used in detail. A research topic must be identifiable on which the individual's future career can build. The clinic/institution lead must approve the research concept and confirm the provision of the infrastructure and financing of the necessary material and, if applicable, other resources.
• For applicants, the doctoral procedure must be at least so far advanced that the dissertation has been received by the doctoral office and only the defense of the dissertation is pending.

Medical doctors must confirm that they will not pursue any clinical activities during the funded period and that they intend to pursue an academic career. Proof can be provided in the form of a joint declaration by the applicant and the respective clinic/institute lead.