FELLOWSHIP

We offer fellowships for physicians with a strong scientific background and a focus on non-communicable diseases, including metabolic disorders, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and eating disorders.


ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

  • Completed medical degree
  • Completed PhD or submitted dissertation (equivalent to MD or MD/PhD; for applicants who have submitted their dissertation but have not yet completed it, proof of submission and a signed letter from the supervisor stating the likelihood of success is required).

 

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

  • Qualifications and publication record, preferably in the field of non-communicable diseases
  • Feasibility, scientific quality, novelty, and strategic suitability of the planned scientific project
  • Applicants will complete a clinical specialist training at the University of Leipzig Medical Center in the field of non-communicable diseases (preferably in cardiology, endocrinology, laboratory medicine, pediatrics, or psychosomatics)
  • Applications from candidates from abroad or from other universities are explicitly welcome
  • No age limit
  • Part-time employment possible (up to 50% reduction in the clinical part)
  • Applicants commit to participating in the program for 36 months (100%)


 

 

PROTECTED RESERACH TIME & FUNDING

 

Participants in the program will be released 50-75% of their clinical duties for scientific qualification and research, which will be regulated by contract. There is no strict requirement for how this percentage should be distributed over the three-year program. This is intended to ensure a flexible adaptation to the needs of the participants, their progress in their academic career, and specific aspects of their clinical specialization. With the application, the applicants, mentors, and institute directors must submit a timeline. We recommend a 6-month full-time start phase for scientific qualification to create a basis for the independent research project.


The host institution/clinic must confirm the suitability of the clinical training for specialist training to avoid possible delays in the clinical qualification phase. To achieve this goal, the directors of the MD-LEICS-supported institutions/clinics participate in the program and guarantee that the research time for specialist training is recognized.


We strongly recommend that external applicants contact their preferred PI before applying to discuss the feasibility of the proposed project.

 


FUNDING INCLUDES:

  • Full-time medical position for 3 years, remuneration according to TVÄ (20% cost coverage by the clinic/institute of the PI)
  • Consumable and travel costs (including national/international conferences)
  • Support by scientific research assistants
  • Publication costs
  • hourly childcare, and childcare during conferences/travel

 


 

 

QUALIFICATIONS PROGRAM & MENTORING

The MD-LEICS program offers a comprehensive clinical and scientific qualification as well as access to cutting-edge research facilitie and state-of-the-art labs.


THE QUALIFICATION CONCEPT COMPRISES:

  • Scientific qualification in modern diseases
  • Research Rotation with protected research time (50-75% release from medical duties)
  • Clinical education / residency
  • Career development/ Professional skills training

 

The curriculum offers a wide range of training activities, including data management, statistics courses, seminars on Good Clinical Practice, Good Research Practice, grant application, graphical design, scientific writing and publishing, technology seminars, and communication.


To ensure a balanced clinical, scientific, and academic career development of Clinician Scientists, the funding is accompanied by a multidisciplinary mentoring program.
Within the MD-LEICS program, each Clinician Scientist is mentored by three mentors (scientific mentor, external mentor, and leader of the (guest) institution).



 

 

EQUALITY & COMPATIBILITY OF FAMILY & CAREER

All MD-LEICS institutions offer a work, research, and study environment that promotes equal opportunities and a family-friendly work-life balance.


We:  

  • commit to creating a work and training environment that allows all project team members to balance their family and career responsibilities.
  • offer flexible working hours and part-time employment options.
  • assist in finding childcare with specialized childcare services and offer different childcare options.
  • support a career development tailored to scientists.


Of course, projects can be extended during maternity leave and parental leave. Similarly, part-time employment is enabled.