Postdoctoral career options

A successful career in academia requires international experience! Junior research programs largely target candidates who have gained research experience abroad.

• Research abroad

The German Research Foundation (DFG) offers externally funded research projects for young researchers who want to procure funds for their own research position.

• Promoting Early Career Researchers
  

You can also apply for a postdoc fellowhip e.g. from the German Research Foundation (DFG)! This will allow you to conduct independent research at the University.

• DFG research fellowships
• Postdoc fellowships from Universität Hamburg's Competence Center for a Sustainable Future (Kompetenzzentrum Nachhaltige Universität KNU)
  

Universität Hamburg offers three lines of postdoc funding as part of its Young Researcher Initiative.

• Young Researcher Initiative

Qualify for the tenure track! Junior research groups are specific funding programs that enable excellent young researchers to conduct independent research and lead a research group early on - an alternative to completing a Habilitation or becoming a junior professor.

More about Junior Research Group programs…

Becoming a junior professor, leading a research group, and completing a Habilitation (salary grade W1) are alternatives to qualify for a tenured professorship (salary grade W2/W3).

Germany implemented the junior professorship in 2002 to help young academics do research and teach without having to complete a Habilitation.

You have completed your doctoral degree with excellent grades? Become an appointed junior professor! The doctoral and working phase prior to applying for a junior professorship should not exceed six years (9 years in medicine).

Check our Appointments Office (page in German only) for jobs at Universität Hamburg

A Habilitation generally comprises an extensive research paper (Habilitationsschrift) and a lecture plus ensuing discussion.

A Habilitation presents the formal qualification to teach and conduct independent research in one’s specialty.

Completing a Habilitation, leading a research group, or becoming a junior professor are alternative requirements for tenured professorships.

Check the Appointments Office (page in German only) for jobs at Universität Hamburg