Postdoc Vacancy in Germany: Comprehensive Guide to Research

Written by

Shrishti Bajpai

Fact check by

Afreen Abbasi

Updated on

Nov 13,2024

Postdoc Vacancy in Germany: Your Comprehensive Guide to Research Opportunities- TerraTern

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Why to Pursue Postdoctoral Jobs in Germany?

Here are a few reasons why one should look for a postdoc vacancy in Germany.

1. Research Excellence 

2. Scholarships Available

3. Career Development

4. Better Lifestyle

5. Collaborative Environment

Latest Facts and News:

• Germany ranks 4th globally in R&D spending, investing 3.13% of GDP in research (2021)

• Over 400,000 researchers work in Germany, with 30% being international

• The German government aims to increase research funding to 3.5% of GDP by 2025

• Recent policy changes have made it easier for international researchers to obtain visas and work permits

 

Understanding Postdoc Vacancy in Germany

Here’s an overview to understand the top 10 institutes for postdoc vacancy in Germany, along with salary structure:

Institute

Salary per year (EURO)

Salary per year (INR)

Max Planck Society

€45,600 - €54,000

INR 41,53,148 - 49,18,167

Helmholtz Association

€45,600 - €57,600

INR 41,53,148 - 52,45,747

Fraunhofer Society

€45,600 - €54,000

INR 41,53,148 - 49,18,167

Leibniz Association

€45,600 - €54,000

INR 41,53,148 - 49,18,167

German Research Foundation

€43,200 - €48,000

INR 39,34,649 - 43,71,832

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

€42,000 - €48,000

INR 38,25,024 - 43,71,832

University of Munich

€42,000 - €57,600

INR 38,25,024 - 52,45,747

Technical University of Munich

€42,000 - €57,600

INR 38,25,024 - 52,45,747

University of Heidelberg

€42,000 - €57,600

INR 38,25,024 - 52,45,747

Charite – Universitatsmedizin Berlin

€42,000 - €57,600

INR 38,25,024 - 52,45,747

Note: These numbers are based on the latest information on the web.

Finding a Postdoctoral Vacancy in Germany

Here are a few ways to find a postdoc vacancy in Germany:

1. Online Website 

One can look out for postdoc vacancy in Germany through online websites and webpages of universities. All the universities put out job openings on their official web pages. So, check the university web pages regularly to stay updated about the latest job openings. 

2. Academic Job Portals

The academic job portals such as EURAXESS, DAAD, Academics.com or ResearchGate also have information for postdoc vacancy in Germany. These sites can help with finding postdoctoral jobs in Germany. 

3. Social Media

There are openings for postdoc vacancy in Germany on social media sites such as Lindkln, Twitter and Facebook. These social media sites have academic groups that post about postdoc vacancy in Germany. 

Also Read: Postdoc Jobs in Germany in 2024: Latest Updated Guide

4. Networking

Attending academic conferences, seminars, and workshops can also help find postdoc vacancies in Germany. These events are attended by many professionals related to the field, creating networking and bonding opportunities. This can help me get postdoctoral jobs in Germany.

5. Funding Organisations 

One can check for postdoc vacancy in Germany on websites of funding organisations. The positions can be found on sites like DFG and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. 

Also Read: Germany Immigration 2024- Benefits, Fees, Time and Jobs

Application Process for Postdoc Vacancy in Germany

Follow the given steps to apply for a postdoc vacancy in Germany. This can help with getting postdoctoral jobs in Germany:

1. Find Job Opportunities

Find suitable opportunities using academic job portals like EURAXESS, DAAD, Academics.com or ResearchGate. You can also check the websites of German universities to learn more about postdoc vacancy in Germany.

2. Prepare Resume

Prepare your resume in a well-structured manner. Include your academic background, research experiences and any other relevant information in your CV. The resume plays a huge role in finding a postdoc vacancy in Germany.

3. Online Application

Most universities take online submissions of applications. Fill out the forms online and follow the instructions properly to avoid making any mistakes. This is an important step for applying for postdoctoral jobs in Germany.

4. Interview Process

Be well-prepared for the interview process. The interviewers mostly ask about the research topic and its details in depth, so be ready for questions related to your research topic. The interview process for postdoctoral jobs in Germany is generally conducted online. 

5. Visa Application

After getting approval for postdoctoral jobs in Germany, apply for a visa. The hiring institution often helps out with the visa process. 

Funding Opportunities for Postdocs in Germany

There are numerous funding opportunities for postdoctoral jobs in Germany. Here's a list of some funding sources for research programs.

1. German Research Foundation (DFG)

The DFG supports grants for research in all fields. It mainly funds large-scale projects that involve multiple researchers and universities. 

2. Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

This organisation funds researchers who come from abroad and are highly qualified. They provide support throughout research and help the researchers with grants to carry out their projects efficiently.

3. Max Planck Society

The Max Planck Society offers grants to researchers in a variety of fields. They majorly fund joint projects and research structured with PhD programs. 

Also Read:  How to Get Job in Germany from India in 2024? Latest Guide

4. Helmholtz Association

This association offers funding for excellent postdoctoral researchers. They mainly help the young researchers to carry out their projects. Also, they have a limited 2-3 years to fund any researcher. 

5. Leibniz Association

This association provides funding to international researchers only at Leibniz Institutes. They also provide funding for excellent researchers. 

Career Development and Progression for Postdocs in Germany

Here are the career development and progression options for postdoctoral jobs in Germany.

Also Read: Germany Study Visa Comprehensive Immigration Guide 2024

1. Academic Career Path

Most researchers take up the academic career path after finishing their research. A professor role is generally offered to researchers once they finish their research program. This involves teaching in universities and engaging with students.

2. Research Institution

The researchers can take up jobs in research institutions for leadership roles. They can help other researchers with their research skills by choosing this profession.

3. Corporate Sector

Another career path available for researchers is to get a job in the corporate sector. There are many opportunities for researchers in high-tech industries for various roles.

4. International Project

There’s a chance for researchers to collaborate with international researchers and contribute to their research work. They can participate in exchange programs and continue their research journey.

5. Government Sector

The researchers can also choose to work in government sectors. Their job here is to provide their expertise for the betterment of different industries in the country.

Also Read: Germany Work Visa: Types, Fees, Eligibility & Benefits 2024

Living and Working in Germany as a Postdoc

Here’s an overview of living and working conditions for postdoctoral jobs in Germany:

1. Research Opportunities

The research opportunities provided in Germany are well-known and prestigious. Various institutions have postdoc vacancies in Germany. Apart from that, these institutions also have funding for the researchers to make their research process easier. 

2. Work Culture

The work culture for postdoctoral jobs in Germany is collaborative. The projects often require interdisciplinary interaction, which broadens the researchers' horizons. It helps get a larger perspective, thereby helping with the research work. 

3. Work-Life Balance

The standard working hour for a postdoc vacancy in Germany is 40 hours per week. This allows the researchers to balance their personal and professional lives.

Read More: Highest Paying Jobs in Germany in 2024: Latest Guide

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting a postdoc vacancy in Germany can open career paths for various fields and sectors. It provides a dynamic career path with personal as well as professional growth. There are numerous research universities in Germany, and there are funding options. The researchers get many support options and grants to fulfil their research projects in Germany. Getting postdoctoral jobs in Germany opens future job roles in various sectors, such as academics, the corporate sector and research groups. They benefit from choosing a career path from a vast array of sectors. There are opportunities for them in all sectors, which makes Germany the ideal destination for choosing postdoctoral jobs there.

If you want to know more about postdoc vacancy in Germany and are looking for ways to do it, then TerraTern should be the one you should be asking assistance from. With services curated to make immigration easier, TerraTern is the top organization in this field for providing immigration-related services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a postdoc in Germany?

The average salary for a postdoc in Germany is around €48,000 per year.

Do I need to speak German to get a postdoc position in Germany?

Speaking German is not mandatory to get a postdoc position in Germany.

How long does a typical postdoc position last in Germany?

The typical postdoc position lasts for around 2-5 years in Germany.

Can I bring my family with me for a postdoc position in Germany?

Yes, researchers are allowed to bring their family for a postdoc position in Germany.

What are the prospects for permanent positions after completing a postdoc in Germany?

There are opportunities for getting professor jobs after completing a postdoc in Germany.