Postdocs
The postdoc phase follows the PhD/doctorate, during which academics pursue their research more independently and further develop their academic careers. This period is designed to deepen specialized expertise, publish research findings, and often establish a unique research profile. During this time, they frequently acquire third-party funding, initiate their own projects, and gain valuable experiences, such as teaching or collaboration internationally. The postdoc phase can also serve as an orientation period for defining long-term professionial goals, either within or outside of academia.
This section offers an overview of key information for postdocs, including support and additional training opportunities, funding options, and career development aspects. The individual components serve as guidance only and vary depending on the subject area and research project.
Important Steps in the Postdoctoral Phase
Assess your strengths and interests to identify potential career paths. Determine whether to pursue an academic or non-academic career and explore relevant opportunities. Develop a personalized skills and research profile that highlights your unique abilities and expertise. Plan and implement independent research projects to demonstrate your expertise. Publish and present your findings to increase your visibility in the scientific community. Improve your management skills, as they are crucial for professional success, especially outside of academia.
Acquire a thorough understanding of national and international funding programs along with research funding opportunities. Learn how to create persuasive funding applications that clearly and effectively convey your research ideas.
Assume responsibility in leadership roles by coordinating assistants and supervising Bachelor's and Master's students. This experience will enhance your leadership skills and your ability to effectively lead teams.
Engage in the preparation of expert opinions, conduct peer reviews, and participate in university committees. These activities provide valuable insights into academic processes and enhance your standing in the scientific community.
Plan and teach courses independently. Supervise students to gain valuable teaching experience and further enhance your instructional skills.
Use opportunities for stays abroad to gain international experience and new perspectives on your research. These experiences enrich both your professional and personal development. Reflect on your long-term goals and decide if you want to stay in academia or consider alternative career paths.
Publish your research results to showcase your expertise. Consider publishing your dissertation, for example, as a book, and use your doctorate as a foundation for further publications. Additionally, develop a second area of research or prepare for habilitation to intentionally advance your academic career.
Source:
Kauhaus, H. & Hochheim, E. (Hrsg.) (2017). Qualifizierung in der Postdoc-Phase. Handreichung zur Planung und Umsetzung von Angeboten (Band 5). Uniwind GUAT. https://www.unikon.uniwind.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Kauhaus__Hochheim_April_2017_-_Qualifizierung_in_der_Postdoc-Phase.pdf
Do you have any tips and tricks for a successful academic career?
Prof Dr Birte Glimm
Prof Dr Iris-Tatjana Kolassa
Prof Dr Mathias Klier
Prof Dr Maurits Ortmanns
Get an Overview of Possible Career Paths
The EU Model 2011, developed by the University Association for the Qualification of Young Scientists in Germany (UniWiND), offers an overview of potential career paths. The individual career phases are intended as a guide and may vary based on subject area and research project. Explore further details about the specific phases of the postdoc stage.
Source:
Kauhaus, H. & Hochheim, E. (Hrsg.) (2017). Qualifizierung in der Postdoc-Phase. Handreichung zur Planung und Umsetzung von Angeboten (Band 5). Uniwind GUAT. https://www.unikon.uniwind.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Kauhaus__Hochheim_April_2017_-_Qualifizierung_in_der_Postdoc-Phase.pdf
Support and advancement of early-career researchers in the postdoctoral phase
► Alumni-Network of Ulm University: Leverage this platform to connect with fellow students and others from Ulm University.
► The Path to Professorship: Information on the journey to professorship from the German University Association.
► Your career at Ulm University: Explore information on employers, current job openings, career fairs, and more.
► Information on Postdoctoral Lecture Qualifications
Faculty of Engineering, Computer Science, and Psychology
Faculty of Mathematics and Economics
► Information Regarding Junior Professorship
► How to Reach the Faculties
Faculty of Engineering, Computer Science, and Psychology
Faculty of Mathematics and Economic Sciences
International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm (IGradU)
► Human Resources Department: The HR department will support you with your employment contract, terms, extensions, recognition of parental leave, and more. Please reach out to your assigned administrator.
► Staff Council: The Staff Council helps with questions about your employment or in conflict situations. This body also advocates for the rights of all employees at Ulm University and offers support for various concerns.
► STARTUPSÜD: Discover more about starting a business.
► Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz: Learn about the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz Contract Act as it relates to your work.
Questions and Answers on the Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act
Fixed-term employment contracts
Catch-up periods Per WissZeitVG
► Center for Research Strategy and Support: Discover additional funding opportunities.
► Information on funding programs: Find internal support programs here.
► Technology Transfer: Decide if you want to partner with companies or organizations to enhance your work or bring it to market.
► Current Course Program: Find out about a wide range of training opportunities and courses for various interdisciplinary qualifications.
► Offers of the Department of University Didactics: Find out about a wide range of topics relating to university teaching.
Further Advice and Support Options
► Parenting & Science: Discover family-friendly working and studying conditions.
► Family-Friendly University: Receive assistance with personal family-related matters.
► Equality: As a doctoral student, explore financial support options and seek personalized advice.
► International Office: Seek guidance as an international doctoral candidate.
► Conflict Counseling: Reach out to the ombudspersons regarding conflict situations related to your doctoral thesis.
► Doctoral Convention: Discuss with your fellow students about topics like your thesis, supervision, or resolving conflicts. The Doctoral Convention advocates for your interests across various university committees.
► Psychosocial Counseling: Utilize the counseling and courses available at the psychosocial counseling center.
► Representative body for People with Disabilities: Contact us for advice, assistance, or support.
► Addiction Counseling: Reach out to the addiction prevention working group.
► External Advice an Training for Early Career Researchers
Centrum für Hochschulentwicklung CHE: The CHE Centrum für Hochschulentwicklung is dedicated to an efficient and equitable higher education system. A significant aspect of its work involves applied research projects in various fields of higher education and science. The CHE is notable for its capacity to integrate research expertise with targeted communication and create actionable implementation models.
Deutscher Hochschulverband DHV: The DHV provides comprehensive services and information to academics at German universities and similar institutions of higher education and supports young academics.
Zentrum für Wissenschaftsmanagement Speyer ZWM: The Zentrum für Wissenschaftsmanagement (ZWM) is an initiative of the German scientific community. It represents an association of major universities, non-university research institutions, scientific organizations, companies, and individuals who collectively bear responsibility for efficient and professional science management.
► Promoting Early Career Researchers
Qualitätszirkel Promotion QZP: An informal working group dedicated to facilitating exchanges between universities and their graduate centers, aiming to enhance doctoral education and support the career development of postdocs.
UniWiND: Deutscher Hochschulverband für Hochschulfortbildung (UniWiND/GUAT). Their goal is to uphold high standards in the training of doctoral candidates and early career researchers to advance their careers both within and outside of academia.
► Registration for Our Newsletter: This server provides access to the email distribution environment. Here, you can manage or unsubscribe from your subscriptions, view archives, and manage or moderate mailing lists.
► Principles of sound scientific practice: Discover the requirements for rigorous research here.
Three strategies to find your job on the non-academic labour market
In the following video, Dr. Matthias Schwarzkopf shares valuable tips and insights on transitioning from the academic sector to the non-academic job market. He discusses how to better understand your skills, analyze the job market in a focused manner, and implement effective job search strategies.
Be inspired and learn how to successfully manage this important career transition!
You can find out more about the speaker at: www.kabeak.de