Postdocs at the University of Würzburg
As a postdoc, you are a driving force behind our strong research profile and international visibility. Whether in research, interdisciplinary collaboration, teaching or transfer – you play a key role in shaping our university. With your expertise and ideas, you bring quality and innovation to our organisation and are a vital agent for development. We want to create a working environment in which you can explore, pursue your scientific research freely and develop your talents.
We welcome you – whether you are already pursuing a postdoc at the University of Würzburg or are interested in doing so! Get information, familiarise yourself with our offers and contact us at any time with your concerns!
Postdoc Network of the University of Würzburg
Join our Postdoc Network for the latest information, invitations and networking opportunities!
When you register, we will keep you up to date about
- Calls for funding programmes, competitions and prizes
- Lectures and workshops by experts on career-relevant topics
- Networking events with peers, university members and external stakeholders
Postdoc – what now?
The postdoctoral phase is an exciting time to orientate yourself and grow. After the doctorate, it offers the chance to advance your own research projects, take on responsibility and build new collaborations. It is a phase brimming with opportunities – to deepen your knowledge, broaden your perspectives and further develop your own scientific path. Find out more about the specific goals in the early and advanced postdoc phase and possible career paths beyond academia.
Early Postdoc Phase
up to three years after the doctorate
The early postdoc phase marks the beginning of the next stage of your academic career. You familiarise yourself with new tasks and requirements and settle into your role as a postdoc. You explore new research areas and broaden your portfolio. At the same time, an important decision has to be made: Is an academic career at the university an option or rather a professional path outside academia?
- You further develop your research profile by setting research priorities that you stand for and that go beyond your dissertation topic.
- You share your research ideas with colleagues and work together to create new scientific perspectives and develop project concepts.
- You gain an overview of the funding landscape, seek out suitable funding programmes and plan your first project applications.
- You distinguish yourself in teaching by specifically expanding your portfolio of content, formats, student groups and didactic concepts.
- You grow your networks and increase your visibility in the scientific community.
- You clarify your professional goals and create new prospects for the future – in academia or beyond.
- You expand your academic, methodological and interdisciplinary skills in line with your career goals.
Are you also experiencing the early postdoctoral phase in this way? We would appreciate to hear about your experiences!
Advanced Postdoc Phase
up to six years after the doctorate
In the advanced postdoc phase, you pursue an academic career and prepare yourself for a leadership role in science. The focus is on qualifying for a professorship, for example through a habilitation or comparable academic achievements. This phase is characterised by growing independence and increasing responsibility in research, teaching and project management.
- You demonstrate your academic qualification through a habilitation or equivalent achievements.
- You publish your research results in high-ranking scientific journals and present them at conferences.
- You acquire your own funding (e.g. DFG grant, ERC Starting Grant, Emmy Noether Programme) and lead your research projects and groups.
- You take on increasing responsibility in academic supervision and leadership and develop your leadership skills further.
- You are confident in teaching and are able to realise a diverse range of courses.
- You build strategic networks at home and abroad and develop sustainable collaborations for the next step in your career.
- You monitor ongoing appointment procedures in your discipline and prepare your application for a professorship.
Are you also experiencing the advanced postdoctoral phase in this way? We would appreciate to hear about your experiences!
Career Paths Beyond Academia
Leaving the academic context after the doctorate does not constitute a sudden break, but can be a conscious and sensible career decision. Only some postdocs choose the path to a professorship. At the same time, you can opt for a variety of attractive career paths beyond academia in companies, the public sector, foundations, NGOs or in science management. Doctoral graduates bring along specialist knowledge, the ability to analyse and to work autonomously, and often international experience – qualifications that are sought for in many sectors. Therefore, they have equal opportunity of taking on positions of responsibility outside academia.
- Explore your profile: Reflect on your interests, recognise your strengths and create a personal skills profile!
- Reflect on your working environment: Define your desired working environment – what framework conditions do you find particularly important?
- Conduct market research: Find out about relevant industries, potential employers and positions that match your profile!
- Optimise your self-presentation: Showcase your profile in professional networks to increase your visibility with recruiters!
- Build networks: Establish contacts with non-university stakeholders (in companies, NGOs, the public sector, etc.) and attend industry-specific events!
- Expand your competences: Strengthen career-relevant skills such as project management, leadership and negotiation through targeted further training!
- Craft a professional application: Prepare yourself and tailor your application documents for selection interviews in order to present yourself in an authentic and confident manner.
Our Offers for Postdocs
The Professional Development Network (PDN) of the University of Würzburg, together with other co-operation partners, offers you a wide range of services. These cover various subject areas and provide you with individual support in your professional development.
- The German Postdoc Network (GPN) is committed to strengthening the postdoc phase at German universities and research institutions through exchange, cooperation and a shared identity.
- Once a year, during the Postdoc Appreciation Week (PAW), research institutions, universities – including the University of Würzburg – and postdoc networks collaborate to create a nationwide programme that provides postdocs with information, networking opportunities and further training.
