The Cluster of Excellence establishes postdoctoral positions that provide outstanding researchers with the best conditions to develop their academic career after their doctorate, often involving research and writing of a habilitation (postdoctoral thesis). Supporting postdoctoral researchers is one of the central goals of the Cluster of Excellence. The Early Career Support team is on hand for issues to do with career development.
As independent project leaders, postdocs at the Cluster of Excellence are on an equal footing with professors in terms of research, and have a great deal of freedom when it comes to their own project. They are not subject to directives when organizing their research; rather, they plan their own resources and are free to set their own priorities.
The Cluster of Excellence regularly invites postdocs as visiting researchers, these coming mostly from abroad. This offers guests the opportunity to gain experience in an attractive research environment, while also giving the Cluster’s own postdocs opportunities to build international networks.
Postdocs are invited to take part in the Cluster of Excellence’s mentoring programme, which serves as a means for them to gain advice and reflect on career issues. The programme takes particular account of equality issues. Read more
Postdocs are involved in all committees at the Cluster of Excellence. They have peer representatives on the Board of Directors, the General Assembly and the Commission for Equal Opportunities and Diversity.
Supporting early-career researchers and measures to promote equity are closely interlinked in the Cluster of Excellence. Postdocs from an underrepresented group or who are at risk of discrimination can benefit from the programmes offered by the Cluster of Excellence and the University of Münster. For example, there is the programme Erstklassig! that supports female postdocs. Read more
The University of Münster offers extensive support for postdocs from Germany and abroad. The Münster Centre for Emerging Researchers (CERes) offers advice for postdocs and a comprehensive programme of workshops, information events and lectures. This is supplemented by the Career Service, the International Office and the Welcome Centre. Postdocs can also take courses in teaching at university and acquire accreditation at the Centre for University Teaching (ZHL). Read more