Working Groups
Our Working Groups (WGs) are the heart of the German Postdoc Network (GPN)—where ideas take shape, connections flourish, and impact happens! We warmly invite postdocs and enthusiastic supporters to actively engage with the network, collaborate with peers, develop valuable skills, contribute to shaping GPN’s future, and enhance your CV along the way.
Our WGs focus on meaningful, mid- to long-term projects—such as organizing our annual conference or conducting a postdoc survey. Whether you bring fresh ideas or want to contribute to ongoing initiatives, you’ll have the flexibility to work self-organized with creative freedom while we provide the necessary infrastructure and support to ensure efficient, results-driven collaboration—without excessive time commitment.
Currently, we have four specialized working groups and one overarching team, each with a unique vision and scope.
🚀 Ready to make a difference? Sign up for a WG to actively shape the GPN, or reach out if you have additional ideas and skills you'd like to contribute!
Our Working Groups
WG Annual Conference
The goal of Annual Conference Working Group is to create a platform where postdocs from all institutions and research topics are invited to:
- come together,
- discuss shared challenges,
- showcase their work,
- inspire collaboration.
We aim to provide a space for postdocs to expand their professional network, meet potential future employers, and engage in interdisciplinary learning.
Therefore, the Annual Conference Working Group’s main objective is to plan and execute the second Germany-wide Postdoc conference in 2027.
Dr. Rachel Gilmore
Heidelberg University Hospital
Research Field: Human Genetics
After being a member of last year's Annual Conference Working Group, it was impossible to imagine not contributing again this year. The immense pride I felt for what we accomplished as a group putting on the First GPN Annual Conference was indescribable, and I am so looking forward to helping make the Second Annual Conference a success. Postdocs in all disciplines deserve a space to connect with each other, be supported through infrastructure & resources, and receive acknowledgement for their hard work. Having the chance to play a role in bringing those opportunities to postdocs all across the nation is something I take seriously and with honor.
Dr. Simone Fabian
University of Regensburg
Research Field: Yeast Genetics
After contributing to the visuals and marketing for our first Annual Conference, I was inspired to take a more active role in strengthening our postdoc community. I truly value the postdoctoral phase as a time for growth, exchange, and new perspectives, and I believe it becomes even more meaningful when we create spaces to connect across disciplines. For me, one of the most valuable aspects of such exchange is hearing feedback and ideas from people outside one’s own field. I am also motivated to help increase the visibility of underrepresented groups in academia. As a woman in science, this is something I care deeply about, and I would like to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for postdocs.
Former spokespersons
WG Advocacy
The working group aims at representing postdocs working in Germany and advocating for postdoc rights. Our mission is to empower postdoctoral researchers in Germany by focusing on four key objectives:
- Raising Awareness: Inform stakeholders and amplify postdoc challenges.
- Empowering Postdocs: Educate on rights, obligations, and laws.
- Advocating for Accountability: Promote fairness and institutional responsibility.
- Representation: Give postdocs a unified voice.
- Highlighting Postdoc Value Beyond Academia
Dr. Stefan Pieczonka
The University of Queensland & TU Munich
Research Field: Analytical Food Chemistry
Campaigns like 'Ich bin Hanna' have spotlighted the precarious conditions in academia. With unstable contracts, limited career prospects, and resulting mental health and life-planning challenges, both affected individuals and decision-makers recognize the urgent need for change. But what shape will it take, and will we have a stake in the process? As the GPN, we can unite the collective voice of postdocs to advocate for our interests and position ourselves as key contributors to policymaking.
Dr. Yves Klinger
Justus Liebig University Gießen
Research Field: Ecology
I wanted to improve things in the German academic system since the start of my PhD. As member of the Working group Advocacy, I want to play an active role in improving the academic landscape for postdocs. As a spokesperson of the group, I want to foster collaboration with other networks, create sustainable structures that future members of the network can build on, and stand up for postdoc rights where necessary.
WG Survey
The Survey group aims to gain a deeper understanding of the realities postdocs face in Germany by collecting and analyzing data on key topics such as working conditions, mental health, career trajectories, and scientific integrity.
To achieve this, the WG reviews existing literature and designs, distributes and evaluates its own survey. The findings will be shared with postdocs and institutions to raise awareness and contribute to policy discussions, working closely with the other working groups to support evidence-based recommendations.
By gathering valuable insights, this WG strives to highlight challenges, inform decision-makers, and drive positive change for postdocs in Germany.
Dr. Maria Dorofeikova
Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine
Research Field: Neuroscience
I am eager to deepen our understanding of the experiences of postdocs in Germany, and to support mental health of young scientists by collaborating with Working Group Advocacy on policy recommendations.
Dr. Nicholas Russell
Humboldt University of Berlin
Research Field: Mathematics and Plant Biology
Having conducted two surveys with the Max Planck PostdocNet, I understand the void of statistics and information we have about postdocs and how impactful this information can be. Therefore, a survey on postdocs throughout Germany is vital towards understanding the problems that postdocs face so that we can represent and advocate for them.
Former spokespersons
WG Strategy & Concepts
This working group supports the GPN Coordination Office in shaping key structures like the advisory board and regional groups—ensuring they meet postdocs' needs. It also oversees the formation of new working groups, sets topics for Town Hall meetings, and contributes to the network’s strategic direction.
Looking ahead, the group will play a role in financial consolidation and provide feedback on outreach activities, including talks, social media, and newsletters. It also brings forward topics relevant to postdocs.
As an advisory body, the WG operates without elected structures or appointed spokespersons.
... and join one of our working groups! We will contact you soon and invite you to the next meeting of the working group!
