Postdocs

Have you successfully completed your PhD and plan to pursue an academic career? Then the so-called postdoctoral phase begins for you. The information on the following pages is primarily aimed at postdoctoral researchers who completed their doctorate up to four years ago. However, advanced postdocs, junior research group leaders or junior professors will also find helpful information and suitable programs for career development.

With the links that you will find on this page, we aim to provide you with answers to the most important questions regarding your postdoctoral phase: Here you will find an overview of topics related to research, teaching, and financing for PostDocs, as well as international mobility and the training and support services available to you during your postdoctoral phase in Hamburg. We have also compiled information on possible pathways for an extra-university career after completing your doctorate.

PostDoc Welcome Night

Are you starting your postdoctoral phase or feel that you have not yet familiarized yourself with all the offers, services, and contact points available for PostDocs in Hamburg?

The MIN Graduate Center and PEP (PIER Education Platform) host the biannual PostDoc Welcome Night, where we aim to provide you with comprehensive information about support structures available to you during your postdoctoral phase. In addition to brief impulse workshops on career paths within and outside of academia, you will have the opportunity to network with other PostDocs over snacks and drinks.

Dates and registration information will be published each year in the INDICO event calendar, in the UHH event calendar and via the information channels of the MIN Graduate Center.

Procedure of the Postdoctoral Phase

Outstanding research performance is the basic prerequisite for a successful career in science. In the early postdoctoral phase – usually two to four years after your PhD – the aim is to gain orientation for your future career in academia, gain further experience in research and teaching at the university, and sharpen your scientific profile. This encompasses publishing, applying for third-party funds, participating in conferences, and expanding your (international) scientific network.

In the advanced postdoctoral phase the highest priority is to obtain the appointability for a professorship with life-long tenure. You should enhance your visibility in your research field, explore new areas of research and gain more experience in leading a research group and in independent teaching. One option to optain the appointability for a professorship is the Habilitation (postdoctoral qualification in Germany), others include the junior research group leadership or a junior professorship.