An academic career usually leads to a professorship through several stages. The professorship is often the first permanent position, while intermediate positions in the postdoc phase are typically temporary. Permanent jobs in the mid-level faculty, e.g., as an academic advisor, are pretty rare.

The academics.de online guide provides a good overview of the stages of an academic career and valuable information on the chances of success and requirements.

Science management is a relatively new professional field at German universities and research institutions. Science managers steer and coordinate tasks as research officers or managing directors of research centres, graduate centres, or research training groups.

You can find a more detailed overview of the fields of activity and requirements on academics.de.

Universities of applied sciences have a practice-oriented approach to teaching and research. They are organized partly by the state and the private sector. Often, they have a specific focus (e.g., business). With usually 18 semester hours, the teaching load for professors is twice as high as at universities. That is why UAS are particularly attractive to people who enjoy teaching. Experience in business is an additional requirement for those professorships.

Learn more at academics.de.

Non-university research institutions are attractive for postdocs who want to focus on research. Those institutions offer excellent research conditions, international teams, and various funding programmes. Postdoctoral positions at non-university research institutions are usually limited to two to three years. For a successful application, you must demonstrate excellent scientific achievements.

Further information can be found in the online guide at academics.de.

With a doctoral degree, you are very well qualified for management tasks in companies and public institutions, thanks to specialist expertise and interdisciplinary competencies. The research departments of many companies offer attractive entry-level opportunities. Furthermore, the private sector is increasingly focusing on research and development to ensure its future viability. Public institutions such as foundations, government agencies, or NGOs often expect practical experience in the respective field in addition to qualifications.

Read more:

• Online guide "Working in the public sector" (academics.de)
• Online guide "Working in business and management" (academics.de)
• Online guide "Applying for jobs in research and development" (academics.de)

Numerous innovations at universities and research institutions have the potential to be marketed for the general public. If you want to implement your own idea and work in a self-determined manner, founding a company or a start-up can be an attractive opportunity after your doctorate. GUIDE, the Center for Start-ups and Innopreneurship at the University of Duisburg-Essen, will accompany you with information and guidance.