Germany has a multifaceted and well-developed higher education system. German universities are among the best in the world and therefore represent an excellent option for the next step in your research career.
In recent years especially, Germany has invested very large amounts of money in its universities. This has been intended to secure the long-term international competitiveness of German research. It has certainly also contributed to Germany becoming one of the most popular host countries for postdoctoral junior researchers.
Support at university
Universities maintain International Offices or Welcome Centres that provide support and advice for junior researchers. That is also where you can obtain assistance on all important questions relating to your stay in Germany before you arrive. Details of contact persons and the addresses of International Offices are available on the online database Higher Education Compass run by the German Rectors’ Conference.
Wide-ranging opportunities for postdocs
Germany’s almost 400 higher education institutions offer over 20,000 degree programmes – from "3D Animation for Film and Games" to the programme "Yiddish Culture, Language and Literature". Among them you will definitely find the specific research area that matches your profile and your interests – whether as a research associate, junior research group leader or junior professor.
Postdoc at a university
Teaching and researching at a university is the logical next career step for many postdoctoral scholars. Tens of thousands of postdocs work as research associates, teachers, assistants or lecturers at German universities.
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Junior professor
Junior professorships enable postdocs not only to engage in independent research and teaching early on, but also to assume responsibility and qualify for a professorship at a university. As a rule, junior professors are appointed by universities, sometimes jointly with non-university research institutes.
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Junior research group leader
Working as a junior research group leader at a university or non-university research institute not only provides experience of managing a research team and conducting research on your own project; it also offers an opportunity to work independently and take responsibility for staffing and budgets.
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Research stays and visits
A research stay or visit will not only enable you to establish first contacts in Germany and gain an understanding of the research and higher education system; it can also make it easier to decide in favour of a research career in Germany.
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International collaborations
Realising your own research idea with an international partner broadens horizons and enables new experiences. German universities, non-university research institutes and companies are excellent cooperation partners.
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