Professional development

The Hamburg Research Academy (HRA) is the central contact point for young scientists in Hamburg. The career development programs "Navigating Successfully in Academia" and "Future Leaders in Academia – On Track for a Professorship" aim to prepare postdoctoral researchers for a career in science. If you decide to leave science during your postdoctoral research, the program "Takeoff – Strategies for Starting a Non-Academic Career" can give you orientation with regard to non-academic career options. In addition, the HRA website provides information on funding, career planning, networking and international mobility in the postdoctoral phase.

The HR Department of Universität Hamburg provides support within the framework of the program Compass: Qualification and Orientation for Young Academics in deciding about your career options and planning a career path in science. It offers various formats for qualification for future academic positions. You can also receive individual advice on your professional development or your application for university and non-university positions.

Junior professors and leaders of junior research groups can receive a tailored package of coaching, workshops and networking events within the framework of the program Rückenwind ("tail wind", website in German) of the University's HR Department, which is designed to support you on your way to a professorship. Among other things, it covers guidance through the application process for life-long professorships and training for appointment negotiations, but also soft skills such as time management and self-organization.

Since 2020, DESY offers career counselling (individually or in groups), networking events, and workshops for professional development under the umbrella of COAST. It also targets postdocs who want to leave academy and are looking for new career paths in industry or other fields. More information is provided on COAST's website.

As a future professor, teaching at a university is an important task. The Hamburg Center for University Teaching and Learning offers workshops and seminars on topics such as teaching methods, strengthening your leadership skills for teaching, the use of media in lessons or the design of examinations. You can also acquire certificates in higher education teaching.

The Agathe Lasch Coaching Program was launched in 2013 to promote equal opportunities for female scientists and expanded in 2017 to include the idea of promoting diversity. It offers the opportunity to reflect on everyday working life and questions of professional relations within the framework of individual coaching sessions. It is tailored to your individual concerns, goals, and interests and ensures confidentiality through the cooperation with external coaches.