From PhD to Professorship

A Practical Guide to Academic Careers in Germany
1. Auflage 2025
ISBN: 978-3-8252-6632-5
Verlag: UTB GmbH

Buch, Englisch, 300 Seiten, Format (B × H): 148 mm x 211 mm, Gewicht: 472 g

Planning to continue your academic career in Germany? Mirjam Müller empowers international early career researchers to navigate the critical postdoc phase with confidence. With insights into career opportunities, working conditions, and qualification requirements, she sheds light on formal and informal rules that shape academia in Germany. This practical guide applies proven methods from academic career coaching to help you reflect on your goals, strengthen your portfolio, and plan your next steps. Learn how to build a strong academic profile, master the rules of the German research system, and make informed, strategic career decisions. As the first English-language guidebook tailored to the German academic landscape, it’s your essential toolkit for building a successful academic career in Germany.

Verfügbar in drei Ausgabearten: Print, E-Book (PDF), Web-Book (Buch als Website).

Autoren/Hrsg.

Müller, Mirjam

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Berufliche Bildung Berufs- und Studienberatung, Karriereplanung
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Allgemeines Ausbildung, Jobs, Karriere: Human- & Sozialwissenschaften
• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Schulen, Schulleitung Universitäten, Hochschulen
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Allgemeines Ausbildung, Jobs, Karriere: Naturwissenschaften, Technik, Medizin

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface 7
1. Introduction: Navigating Academic Careers in Germany 9
10 Key Features of the German Academic System 17
2. The Postdoc Phase at a Glance 21
2 1 One Phase or Several? Career Progression in the Postdoc Stage 22
2 2 Choosing the Right Research Environment 25
2 3 Shifting Roles: Entering the Postdoc Phase 26
2 4 Summary: Understanding the Postdoc Phase 28
10 German Academic Terms You Should Know 29
3. Developing Your Academic Portfolio 33
3.1 Research Profile 34
3 2 Publications 41
3 3 Habilitation or Equivalent 50
3 4 External Funding 56
3 5 Honors and Awards 64
3 6 Conference Presentations 69
3 7 Networks and Mentors 76
3 8 International Collaboration 83
3 9 Peer Review Activities 89
3 10 Professional Memberships 93
3 11 Teaching 96
3 12 Knowledge Transfer 103
3 13 Practical Work Experience 107
3 14 Leadership and Advisory Roles 109
3 15 Committee Work 118
3 16 Organization and Management 122
3.17 Summary: Building and Reflecting Your Academic Portfolio 126
10 Steps to Starting Your Postdoc in Germany 131
4. Employment Framework for Academic Careers in Germany 135
4 1 Job and Scholarship Opportunities 135
4 2 Employment Conditions 149
4 3 Job Postings and Application Procedures 160
4 4 Career Goals in German Academia 170
4 5 Balancing Research and Family 176
4 6 Summary: Navigating Structures, Securing Opportunities 182
5. Strategies for Your Academic Career 183
5 1 Networking 183
5 2 Writing 192
5 3 Visibility 196
5 4 Time Management and Balance 203
5 5 Career Planning 212
5 6 Alternative Career Paths 229
5 7 Summary: Building a Strategic and Sustainable Academic Career 235
6. Conclusion: Pursuing a Career in German Academia? 237
Appendix 241
References 277
Endnotes 287
Index 289
Reflection Exercises 293

Über Autor(innen)

Müller, Mirjam
Mirjam Müller is one of Germany’s leading academic career coaches. She is Head of Postdoc Affairs at the Academic Staff Development unit at Universität Konstanz and advises university leadership on strategic career development, after roles in early-career support at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. As an author, trainer, and speaker, she works across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.