Postdocs at Chemnitz University of Technology
The period after completing a doctorate is an important stage in further academic and professional development. This page gives postdocs at Chemnitz University of Technology an overview of training and networking opportunities, career paths, and support for securing and carrying out research projects. Programs across universities complement the opportunities offered by Chemnitz University of Technology.
Professional development and networking
ZfwN training program
Each semester, the Center for Young Scientists (ZfwN) offers a training program for doctoral candidates, postdocs, researchers pursuing a habilitation, and junior professors. Events cover topics including academic writing and publishing, research projects and external funding, personal skills, and career development.
TUCgraduate Day
The annual TUCgraduate Day, formerly known as the Day of Young Scientists, addresses topics related to academic qualifications and career paths. Talks, discussions, and opportunities for exchange allow participants to learn, share experiences, and build contacts across faculty boundaries.
TUC-Lunch Break
The regular TUC-Lunch Break is open to postdocs and junior professors at Chemnitz University of Technology. Lunch together in the cafeteria on Reichenhainer Straße provides an opportunity for informal exchange and networking. The event is organized by Dr. Laura Weyh.
Contact: Dr. Laura Weyh
Opportunities across universities
UA11+
Chemnitz University of Technology has been a member of the UA11+ university alliance since November 2025. The alliance brings together medium-sized, research-intensive universities of regional importance from different German federal states. Alongside representing shared interests, the alliance aims to strengthen cooperation in research, teaching, and knowledge transfer. It also gives researchers additional opportunities for professional development and networking across universities.
Information about Chemnitz University of Technology’s membership in UA11+
JUMP2: Moving toward a professorship
As a member of UA11+, Chemnitz University of Technology participates in the JUMP2 support program. The program is aimed at researchers in the R3 career stage, particularly leaders of junior research groups, researchers pursuing a habilitation, and junior and tenure-track professors. JUMP2 supports their academic career planning and provides targeted preparation for the next career step, especially the transition to a permanent professorship.
The participating universities offer these services to their members free of charge.
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Professional development program
The workshops, held mainly online, are tailored to the requirements of the R3 career stage. Topics include paths to a permanent professorship, day-to-day university work, and effective self-management and staff leadership.
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Peer consultation
In facilitated small groups, participants discuss current professional questions and challenges over a series of meetings. The cross-university, interdisciplinary mix offers new perspectives and mutual support on the path to a permanent professorship.
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Future Leader Mentoring
The mentoring program connects participants with experienced professors from partner universities. It focuses on developing their academic profiles, preparing for professorial appointment procedures, and building professional networks over the long term.
Contact: Dr. Nadia Lois
Career paths and permanent positions
Clear and reliable career paths and stable employment conditions are important prerequisites for a long-term career at a university. Against this background, Chemnitz University of Technology has reviewed and developed its existing plans for permanent employment in line with the amended Saxon Higher Education Act.
These plans describe various routes to permanent employment in research, teaching, and research management:
- Wissenschaftsmanagerinnen- und Wissenschaftsmanagerkonzept
- Lehrstellenkonzept
- Forschungsmultiplikatorkonzept
- Entfristungskonzept Senior Research and Teaching Associate
- Forschungsexzellenzkonzept
- Funktionsstellenkonzept
The requirements and criteria for the individual position categories are described in detail on Chemnitz University of Technology’s page on permanent employment concepts.
Research and external funding
Information for applicants
Chemnitz University of Technology provides information on the application phase, contacts, and internal support measures for the preparation of major research projects. This guidance relates in particular to German Research Foundation (DFG) Collaborative Research Centers and Research Units, as well as EU projects. Parts of the information are visible only to members of the university after signing in.
External Funding Department
The External Funding Department supports applications for externally funded projects and their financial administration. Its work includes formally reviewing applications, helping to prepare budgets, and preparing documents for signature. Once funding has been approved, the department also assists with setting up projects, requesting funds, submitting amendment requests, and preparing interim and final reports.
Information and contacts for the External Funding Department
ZEUSS
The Central EU Service Office for Saxony (ZEUSS) supports researchers at Saxon universities in securing funding from Horizon Europe. Its advice starts with assessing a project idea and choosing a suitable funding instrument. It also covers support with preparing applications, contract negotiations, and the management and administration of successful EU projects.
ZEUSS also helps researchers find international cooperation and network partners and offers dedicated interview training for European Research Council funding programs. The type and scope of support depend on individual needs. The ZEUSS newsletter provides updates on current calls, events, and developments in European research funding.
Research awards
Chemnitz University of Technology recognizes outstanding academic achievements with research awards. Information about current calls, eligibility requirements, and deadlines is published on the university’s website.
Stay informed
Mailing list for postdocs
The ZfwN postdoc mailing list provides targeted information on training, events, networking opportunities, and other topics relevant to the postdoc stage.
Research news
For current research news, the Forschungsnews mailing list is also available.
ZfwN newsletter
The ZfwN newsletter regularly shares information about events, calls for applications, and news from the research community.
