Career options for experienced researchers

Have you already worked on several research projects since completing your doctorate? And would you like to gain specific research experience or realise a particular project? German universities, non-university research institutes and companies offer very good preconditions for advancing your research and developing your career.

Scientists settting up an experiment on a laser link at the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics in Munich (MPQ)

Your research options:

Professorship

Are you one of the best in your field? Then you should become a professor at a German university or university of applied sciences. Make a contribution to research and teaching in your subject.

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A professor and a scientist discuss antique fragments and clay pots.

Visiting professorship or visiting lectureship

Would you like to increase your international experience in research and teaching, establish contacts or complete a research project under favourable conditions? Then spend several months working at a university in Germany.

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A group of lawyers discusses legal problems in a seminar room of the Max Planck Institute for International Private Law in Hamburg.

Leading a research group

Are you looking for the challenge of leading your own innovative research project? Do you have the expertise to lead a team of researchers? If so, apply to head a research group at a university or a non-university research institute in Germany.

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Researchers working on an experiment in the arc-heated wind tunnel L2K in the supersonic and hypersonic technology department in the Aerodynamics and Flow Technology Institute of the German Aerospace Center. V. (DLR) in Koeln

Researcher in a company

Do you enjoy a challenge and finding solutions to practical problems? A leadership position in research and development at a German company offers a wide range of interesting responsibilities.

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Research stays and visits

A research stay or visit will not only enable you to make your 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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Dual careers

Highly qualified couples who are both planning a career in Germany can receive targeted support from dual career networks at universities.

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