Postdocs and senior researchers
From challenges to opportunities
The period of qualification leading up to a professorship or another permanent position in science can bring many challenges.
Successfully navigating through this phase involves establishing yourself as an independent researcher, increasing your visibility and opportunities, and minimizing risks. This requires strategic planning, networking, and continuously building upon your research profile.
Key components of your career during the postdoc phase include publishing your research in reputable journals, securing external funding to support your projects, gaining valuable international research experience, and establishing collaborations with other researchers. The European Competence Framework for Researchers provides useful guidance by outlining a competency framework for researchers, including progression levels (Foundational to Expert) for skills such as mobilizing resources, project management, communication about scientific findings, knowledge transfer and self-management aspects
During this time, you should also be contemplating your long-term career goals, whether to pursue a position in academia or explore opportunities outside of academia. It's important to carefully consider your options as early as you can and align them with your interests, skills, and framework conditions. An overview of different career paths for postdocs is also provided by the German Postdoc Network, which may help you explore possible options.
We’re here to assist!
Regardless of the career path you choose or the questions you may have, the SICSS is here to assist you on your personal career journey, drawing on years of experience in advising, coaching, and training.
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What’s the difference between Postdocs and Senior Researchers?
Postdocs or Recognized Researchers (R2) are not yet fully independent, particularly in terms of having their own extensive visibility and research output. They are mostly researchers up to 4 years after obtaining their doctorate. The group of postdocs is primarily in the orientation phase and development for independence in research.
Senior Researchers or Established Researchers (R3) have already developed a certain degree of independence and are usually doing research more than 4 years after receiving their doctorate. R3 Researchers are expected to complete habilitation or habilitation-equivalent achievements within a reasonable time - depending on the qualification periods in the sense of the “Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz” (WissZeitVG).