Germany’s large non-university research organisations have a very good international reputation. They are where most German Nobel laureates have worked and where many globally significant research discoveries have been made and published. They offer excellent working conditions, interdisciplinary teams with researchers from all over the world, interesting and well-equipped research projects and international networking. They are also a good starting point from which international postdocs can launch their research careers.
Germany’s four large non-university research organisations
The profiles of Germany’s main research organisations differ considerably. While application-oriented research institutes like those of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft work closely with industry, the institutes of the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft focus primarily on basic research. The research centres of the Helmholtz Association, on the other hand, cover a wide range of research fields and also operate large research infrastructures, such as the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY. In contrast, the institutes of the Leibniz Association focus on demand-oriented and interdisciplinary research.
Skills development and ongoing training
Non-university research institutes place great emphasis on developing the skills of their staff and frequently offer needs-oriented internal training programmes specifically for researchers.
If your profile and your research subject fit, you can apply to one of these organisations’ institutes for a research grant, a postdoctoral research position or – with appropriate experience – a position as a junior research group leader.
Postdoc at a non-university research institute
Germany’s large non-university research institutes offer postdocs an excellent framework for developing their skills and qualifications by working in international teams on well-equipped interdisciplinary research projects.
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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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