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TransforM Seed Fund: Doctoral and Postdoctoral Researcher Positions (2026)

Introduction

The DFG Cluster of Excellence TransforM – Munich Center for Transformative Technologies and Societal Change – is offering up to 20 Seed Grants to support doctoral and postdoctoral researchers for a duration of up to 12 months. These positions aim to empower early-career researchers to develop independent, competitive research proposals aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and submit them to external funding bodies.

About the TransforM Seed Fund

The TransforM Seed Fund is a strategic initiative designed to assist promising early-career researchers at a pivotal stage in their academic development. It provides time, resources, and structured mentoring to transform innovative research ideas into fully developed proposals for third-party funding. This aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) by fostering advanced research skills and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting transformative technologies.

During the funding period, awardees are expected to prepare and submit applications to external funding organizations. Successful applicants and projects will maintain affiliation with the TransforM Cluster.

Expected Outcomes

• Doctoral Researchers: Development and submission of externally funded PhD scholarships or project proposals (e.g., German Academic Scholarship Foundation, DAAD, foundations, or ongoing TransforM PI projects).
• Postdoctoral Researchers: Preparation and submission of third-party funded research proposals, including funding for their own positions (e.g., DFG, BMBF, Volkswagen Foundation).

Ideal start date: March 2026

About TransforM

TransforM is a newly established social science research cluster funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) under Germany’s Excellence Strategy. It addresses the dual challenges of:

• Advancing fundamental social science research in highly technologized societies
• Rethinking technology development through a rigorous social science lens

The cluster focuses on understanding how, why, and when technologies become socially transformative, from early emergence through long-term socio-economic impacts. This focus supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Anchored at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), TransforM is embedded in Munich’s internationally recognized innovation ecosystem. Partner institutions include the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition, the ifo Institute, ZEW, Deutsches Museum, and UnternehmerTUM.

What TransforM Offers

• Up to 12 months of seed funding at TUM or a TransforM partner organization
• Employment under TV-L conditions, based on experience and qualification level
  • Typically 0.75 TV-L E13 for doctoral positions
  • Typically 1.0 TV-L E13 for postdoctoral positions
• Structured mentoring and proposal development support by TransforM Principal Investigators
• Integration into TransforM project groups and PI networks
• Access to workshops, seminars, proposal coaching, and professional development activities
• Participation in a highly interdisciplinary research community focused on technology and societal change, supporting SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

Research Focus and Thematic Priorities

Applications are welcomed from across the social sciences and humanities, especially projects aligned with TransforM’s mission and thematic priorities, which contribute to multiple SDGs including SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

TransforM Focus Areas

• Opportunity & Design
• Complexity & Resilience
• Justice & Equity
• Responsibility & Legitimacy
• Trust & Governance

TransforM Nexus Infrastructures

• Public Technology Lab
• Real-Time Response Team
• Startup & Industrial Exchange Hub
• Transformative Technology Observatory

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

Doctoral Seed Grant Applicants

• Completed or near-completed Master’s degree in social sciences or humanities, including but not limited to:
  • Science and Technology Studies (STS)
  • Political Science
  • Economics
  • Management
  • Public Policy
  • Innovation Studies
  • Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, Law, History of Science
• Applicants from other disciplines must demonstrate sufficient relevant qualification

Postdoctoral Seed Grant Applicants

• Completed or submitted PhD dissertation in a relevant social science or humanities field
• Applicants from outside social sciences/humanities must demonstrate strong subject-specific expertise

Additional Strengths

• Strong theoretical and methodological grounding
• Experience researching technology-related social issues
• International academic experience
• Ability to work in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments
• Existing (not required) connections to TransforM Principal Investigators

Application Process

1. Deadline: 23 January 2026
2. Interviews: Conducted within two weeks after the deadline
3. Expected Start Date: March 2026
4. Submit a single PDF via email to [email protected] with the subject line: “TransforM Seed Fund Application”

Selection Criteria

• Quality, originality, and feasibility of the proposed research
• Alignment with TransforM’s mission and thematic priorities
• Fit with ongoing research by TransforM Principal Investigators
• Potential to secure external funding within 12 months
• Academic excellence and career trajectory

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

TransforM is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference when qualifications are equivalent. Applications from women are particularly welcomed in line with TUM’s gender equality goals, supporting SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Contact Information

For inquiries about the Seed Fund, please contact: [email protected]

Cluster Leadership:
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Pfotenhauer (Speaker)
Dr. Caitlin Corrigan (Managing Director)
Technical University of Munich – TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology

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Disclaimer

Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. Applicants should contact the responsible organization directly and not send applications to GSO. Due to high email volume, responses to inquiries may be limited. Thank you for your understanding.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on supporting doctoral and postdoctoral researchers through seed funding, mentoring, and professional development, which directly contributes to inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • TransforM’s focus on transformative technologies and societal change aligns with fostering innovation, building resilient infrastructure, and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented and marginalized groups, supports reducing inequalities within and among countries.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The research focus areas such as justice, equity, trust, governance, and responsibility relate to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies and effective, accountable institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, and encourage innovation.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 4 (Quality Education)
   • Number of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers supported through seed funding programs.
   • Number of research proposals developed and submitted to external funding bodies.
   • Participation rates in workshops, seminars, and professional development activities.
2. For SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
   • Number of innovative research projects funded and affiliated with TransforM.
   • Collaborations and partnerships with innovation ecosystem institutions.
3. For SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
   • Proportion of applications and awards granted to individuals from underrepresented or marginalized groups.
   • Preference given to applicants with severe disabilities and women, reflecting inclusivity metrics.
4. For SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
   • Research outputs addressing governance, justice, equity, and trust.
   • Engagement in interdisciplinary and collaborative research networks promoting accountable institutions.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: globalsouthopportunities.com