As a so-called "third country national" (German: Drittstaat), you require visa to enter Germany. In most of the cases, this also means you have to have a specific visa depending on your purpose.

This means, you cannot come with a tourist visa to Germany with the purpose of applying to a residence permit to study or to work.

Go ahead and apply to the nearest local German embassy or consulate!

Since (or if) you are confirmed to start working at CISPA, you should have received your Hosting Agreement (Aufnahmevereinbarung).

Though the specifics might differ depending on your local consulate/embassy, when you mention your purpose of travel to Germany while you are booking an appointment, they will direct you accordingly on the required documents for your application.

ⓘ Make sure to apply well in advance, as the visa process might take a while depending on the workload of the local embassy/consulate!

"Visa? Residence Permit? Aren't they the same thing?"

To be able to enter Germany, you need a visa. A visa usually lets you stay in Germany for up to 3 months (Tourist/Schengen Visa, also known as Type C Visa), or up to 6 months (National Visa, also known as Type D Visa).

However, to be able to stay longer in Germany and to work/study etc, you need a residence permit.

You applied/about to apply? Meanwhile, check the types of Residence Permit

You already have your entry visa, know what type of Residence Permit you need and even already started living in a flat!? Then, go and find out more about Converting your Visa to a Residence permit / Applying for a Residence Permit