The postdoc phase

In the pursuit of a professorship or an academic leadership position, the early postdoc phase (the period of approx. three years following your doctorate) is a highly productive stage in your personal academic development. Expect to expand your subject-specific and methodological competence, further develop your academic independence and build your own academic portfolio in research, teaching and management. In addition to publishing your research, it may be important to attend conferences to further your education, gain experience in industry, establish international cooperations and expand your communication and management skills. Reflecting on your own career goals is also very important in this phase. As a postdoc, you can hone and enhance your subject-specific and individual professional skills, benefit from conversations with your colleagues, and take advantage of our career advice services — to make a conscious decision about the next career steps.