Careers under the microscope: This is how postdocs achieve professorships!

Careers under the microscope: This is how postdocs achieve professorships!

A current study by the University of Konstanz examined the career paths of 334 postdocs between 2004 and 2023 and published remarkable results about the whereabouts of young scientists in Germany. According to the results, 66 percent of participants achieved a tenured professorship within nine years. The most successful qualification path in this study was the junior professorship, from which 87 percent of those surveyed were able to progress to a permanent professorship.

What is particularly striking is that all junior professors achieved a lifetime professorship in the period examined. In a combination of factors, the role of junior group leaders also plays an important role, with 76 percent successfully making the step up to professorship. In contrast, those with habilitation qualifications had the lowest success rate with only 57 percent being able to achieve a professorship within nine years.

Whereabouts of postdocs and gender differences

The study also reveals that 23 percent of postdocs who did not receive a professorship still remain in the academic system, whether in research or teaching. 12 percent decided to switch to non-academic areas, such as industry or scientific management. Women left the scientific system more often than their male colleagues.

It is noteworthy that 26 percent of those surveyed were appointed immediately after completing their qualification. Another 40 percent were able to achieve a professorship within nine years. In contrast, only 8 percent of those who completed their habilitation were immediately appointed. The study's comprehensive methodology included systematic online research covering 95 percent of cases and provides valuable insights into scientific career paths.

Characteristics and requirements for an academic career

The requirements for a successful career in the scientific field are diverse. According to a report by academics.de, the ability and willingness to work academically as well as perseverance and self-discipline are of central importance. Professors emphasize the need for high intrinsic motivation and great enthusiasm for research.

Important qualities that characterize successful scientists include endurance, persistence and tolerance for frustration. Working independently, the ability to network and a high level of communication skills also play crucial roles. The work effort is high, as regular publications and the acquisition of third-party funding are essential steps on the path to becoming a professor.

In addition, openness and flexibility are required in order to live a nomadic lifestyle, whereby at least one change of location is often required after completing the doctorate, occasionally even abroad.

The results of the study make a significant contribution to the discussion about academic career paths in Germany and provide recommendations for other universities to carry out similar retention studies. The study not only shows the differences in the chances of success of the different qualification paths, but also offers a reflected view of the challenges and demands placed on aspiring scientists.

uni-konstanz.de reports that a broad survey of postdoc careers is of great importance.

academics.de adds that various personal characteristics are important for academic success.