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Publication: Orientation in german academic career system (only in german)
In addition to important information on career paths in the German academic system, the publication centers on a conversation guide that researchers can use in discussions with their supervisors.
The UniWinD Special is aimed directly at German and international researchers with doctoral degrees across all disciplines. It offers practical guidance on career paths within the German academic system and explains terminology, job categories, and legal frameworks with a focus on the R2 and R3 career phases. The guide is also suitable for shaping the onboarding process and for supporting advisors and leaders in academic administration.
This UniWinD Special presents the findings of the working group “Transparency and Information on Career Paths,” which was formed within the UniWinD Postdoc Support Network and collaborated from 2024 to 2025.
Information for postdocs (TUC internal)
Graduate academy newsletter
The Graduate Academy newsletter is published at the start of each semester. Here you’ll find the latest information on graduate support, current workshops, and TU-internal job postings.
Skills and career platform
The online “Qualification and career” platform offers up-to-date opportunities each semester from a wide variety of TU departments, such as the Office for gender equality, the Funding advisory service, the University library, the Computer center, the ZHD, and others. It’s worth checking back regularly.
FFI-News from the Funding Advisory Service
The Funding Advisory Service offers the TU-internal mailing list “FFI-News,” which provides information on current TUC-relevant calls for proposals and news regarding research funding and knowledge and technology transfer. You can register here.
Information for external postdocs at TU
DFG Prospect series (German/English)
The DFG regularly offers the “Prospect Series” for early-career researchers, which provides information on funding opportunities for academic careers. The events are held in both German and English.
The following dates are scheduled until summer 2027:
- 11.12.2026, 9:00 - 10:30 Uhr – The Emmy Noether Programme (in English)
- 13.01.2027, 14:30 - 16:00 Uhr – The Walter Benjamin Programme (in English)
- 15.02.2027, 15:00 - 16:30 Uhr – DFG Funding Opportunities for Postdocs (in English)
- 18.03.2027, 14:30 - 16:00 Uhr – The Heisenberg Programme (in English)
- 08.04.2027, 14:30 - 16:00 Uhr – The Emmy Noether Programme (in English)
- 05.05.2027, 14:00 - 15:30 Uhr – DFG-Fördermöglichkeiten für Postdocs
- 11.06.2027, 10:00 - 11:30 Uhr – The Walter Benjamin Programme (in English)
The access link will be posted here 1–2 days before the event. Registration is not required.
FIT newsletter from the University of Kassel
Behind the newsletter “Research, International affairs, and knowledge transfer”—or FIT Newsletter for short—is a database with a newsletter function where staff at the University of Kassel and partners from the FIT network enter new information daily on research funding opportunities, event announcements, calls for proposals, and much more.
There, you can sign up with a personalized profile and, based on your preferences, receive up-to-date information on calls for proposals, programs, deadlines, and more.
German postdoc network
Postdocs in the early stages of their careers are automatically members
The "German PostDoc Network" (GPN) was founded in 2024 with the goal of fostering nationwide networking among postdocs and increasing their visibility within the German academic system.
The GPN is an English-language network.
Their mission...
to improve the postdoctoral experience by creating opportunities for connection, collaboration, and community-building,
to gather and disseminate crucial information to ensure that postdocs are well-informed and supported,
to empower postdocs to represent their interests and influence policies that affect their professional and personal development.
Podcast recommendations
It's definitely worth a listen. Anywhere you can find podcasts.
"Questions for early-career researchers" podcast
This podcast series from the Graduate Academy at Leibniz University Hannover addresses questions from and for “early-career researchers.” With a rotating cast of guests, the hosts discuss types of employment, career paths, and everything that matters in the period after earning a Ph.D. and perhaps before becoming a professor.
Podcast "Exhausted Academia"
"Exhaustion, overload, burnout: Work-related chronic stress brings to their knees precisely those who appear to be particularly high-performing—those who are willing to push beyond their own limits over a long period of time."
This fascinating podcast takes a highly structured approach to the topic of “burnout” in academia over the course of 10 episodes, featuring high-quality moderation and placing the discussion within a systemic context while giving various stakeholders a voice on the subject.