Resources for Postdocs
There are many organisations and networks in Germany, that provide valuable resources for postdocs. Explore their websites and materials to learn more about the German academic system, funding opportunities, networking events and potential career paths!
German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (DHV)
Are you targeting a postdoc-position or a professorship in Germany and do you need answers to a range of questions?
The German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (DHV) offers valuable support to you with legal and career advice and with a broad range of seminars that will prepare you thoroughly for your research stay in Germany. Moreover the DHV with its 33.500 members acts in the political, legal and business interests of all scientists from Postdoc onwards.
Find more information on our website!
EURAXESS
EURAXESS, an initiative of the European Commission, has supported mobile researchers with resources on funding, jobs and careers in addition to mobility services across Europe and beyond for more than 20 years. Operating in 43 countries with over 700 support centres, it supports researchers and research institutions with mobility-related topics such as social security, residency, jobs and funding opportunities.
As part of the new ERA Talent Platform, EURAXESS continues to enhance its offerings. Programmes such as the Researchers Beyond Academia (REBECA) programme help researchers by bridging the gap between academia and industry through mentoring. Tools such as REBECA Practice help researchers broaden their career horizons. Another offer, the EURAXESS Startup Tour, fosters networking and helps researchers explore startup ecosystems and entrepreneurial opportunities close-up in a range of countries.
Discover more on the German EURAXESS portal.
Research in Germany
The “Research in Germany” initiative showcases Germany as a hub for research and science in globally relevant markets. Launched by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in 2006, the initiative is primarily implemented by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
We aim to support international researchers at different career levels by providing comprehensive information about Germany as a country of science and research, fostering a platform for international exchange.
Through our website, newsletter and social media, we offer valuable tips and resources for postdocs, such as our guide 6 Steps to Your Postdoc in Germany, which outlines funding programs, organizations, databases, job portals, and reasons to pursue a postdoc and other career opportunities in Germany.
We strive to build a network of international researchers, sharing essential information about visas, insurance, and living in Germany, along with success stories from international researchers.
German Scholars Organization
GSO (German Scholars Organization) is a nonprofit based in Berlin and acts as an independent ally for researchers, especially for those at the “bottleneck” in their careers. We offer programs to promote leadership and independence in research, connect researchers across sectors and disciplines, and offer guidance through career development services. Our expertise focuses on the German job market.
Here are a few highlights:
→ Find our articles on career topics!
→ We offer affordable Career Services, such as Career Coachings and CV-Checks.
European Liaison Office of the German Research Organisation
At KoWi, we offer information, advice, and training on EU research funding. Our focus is on funding opportunities within the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
We support researchers, EU liaison officers, and administrators at universities and research institutions across Germany, offering tailored guidance to navigate the complexities of EU funding. Through close collaboration with key EU institutions, we stay at the forefront of research policy and funding developments, ensuring that our community receives the most relevant and up-to-date support.
At KoWi, we support you in finding the right opportunities, including MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships and ERC Starting Grants. We offer information sessions, individual advice, proposal proofreading, and workshops to help you succeed. Visit our website and follow us on social media for updates and guidance!
At KoWi, we support you in finding the right opportunities, including MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships and ERC Starting Grants. We offer information sessions, individual advice, proposal proofreading, and workshops to help you succeed. Visit our website and follow us on social media for updates and guidance!
Network against Abuse of Power in Science
The Netzwerk gegen Machtmissbrauch in der Wissenschaft e.V. (short: MaWi, Network against Abuse of Power in Science) offers external, independent and partial counselling to those affected by abuse of power in science. Abuse of power is a problem for society as a whole and is therefore also widespread in science. However, there has been little awareness of abuse of power in science.
On our website we also document case examples, which can be sent to us anonymously. This is because abuse of power is a very diverse phenomenon that is intertwined with various cross-cutting dimensions, such as the requirements of good scientific practice, various categories of discrimination and precarious employment conditions in science. We offer workshops and lectures for institutions to raise awareness of the issue. We also contribute to policy debates and exchange ideas with other initiatives and committed individuals.
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft e.V.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft e.V. (DFG) is Germany’s largest independent research funding organisation. Supporting Early-Career-Researchers (ECRs) is one of its primary mission statements.
The DFG strives to advance the scientific independence of ECRs, provides a high standard of support and ensures that ECRs from all disciplines receive adequate funding to conduct their research projects in the most suitable environment. The DFG’s funding programmes are tailored to different postdoc stages.
Further, the DFG promotes academic careers via recommendations such as the Principles of Effective Career Support in Academia. The Research Careers Team informs about funding opportunities through online talks and an info mailbox, attends career fairs and organizes networking events.
Help us build the info hub!
Do you know any other interesting organization or network providing support and information for postdocs in Germany? Let us know and help us build a large info hub for postdocs!
Disclaimer: The links to external websites provided on this page are for informational purposes only. We do not control or endorse the content, accuracy, or reliability of the material provided by these organizations. By visiting these external sites, you acknowledge that we are not responsible for any of the information or services offered by third-party organizations.
