On the path to professorship, leading a research group is a key milestone in Germany, often seen as equivalent to a habilitation and a decisive step toward academic independence.

For Andrea Kirsch, this step came after five years as a postdoc at the University of Copenhagen. Through the NRW Rückkehrprogramm (NRW Returning Scholars Program), she returned to Germany and is now Junior Professor at Ruhr University Bochum, developing functional oxide materials for future energy systems.

“Without a network, it’s really tough.”

Her story shows the challenges and opportunities of independence: building connections, navigating applications, and turning funding into a lasting position.

Andrea’s recommendations for future junior group leaders — from peer to peer:

Build networks and mentors who open doors

Andrea only learned about the NRW Returning Scholars Program call because a befriended professor in Aachen pointed her to it. She also chose her postdoc in Denmark after hearing the PI was a strong mentor aside her scientific excellence. The people around you can make opportunities visible.

• Attend conferences and summer schools to grow your network.
• Be explicit with mentors about your career goals — they can only support if they know.

“The most important thing is to find mentors you can really ask what matters and what doesn’t. People who know how the academic system works and genuinely want to support you.”

Treat applications as training grounds

Andrea started applying for professorships one year after finishing her PhD. Although rejections were discouraging, they sharpened her proposals.  By the time NRW opened, she could apply in three days.

• Think of every application as practice, as each attempt prepares you for the next opportunity.

Negotiate for what really matters to you

The NRW Returning Scholars Program offers an advantage: because the funding is tied to the researcher, not the host, Andrea could approach several universities and negotiate for a Tenure Track. Here’s what helped her succeed:

• Define your non-negotiables before you start talks
• Communicate openly and clearly, but don’t reveal every detail about other offers
• Even if the process is consuming, use this rare chance — it may not come again

Communicate clearly in front of selection committees

In the NRW Program, the jury spans different fields, so clarity is key. When juries are broad, keep explanations simple and avoid overload.

• Rehearse your talk with non-specialists to check clarity and delivery.
• Expect personal questions on leadership and motivation — honesty works better than scripted replies.

Set boundaries to protect yourself

Directly after her PhD, Andrea decided she would try for six years to secure a junior professorship. If it didn’t work, she would move to industry. This boundary gave her clarity and prevented endless uncertainty.

• Define your own timeframe and alternatives — knowing when you would pivot, for example, to industry, protects your focus and energy.

Closing her story, Andrea reflects on the steep learning curve of the first year as a group leader:

“Everything takes longer than you think — hiring, equipment, administration. It is both challenging and rewarding.”

Patience and boundaries helped her keep energy for what matters most: the science and the people. Independence is not just about opportunity, but about the capacity to use it well.

About the NRW Rückkehrprogramm

Since 2007, the Ministry of Culture and Science of NRW has promoted the return of outstanding young scientists from abroad. Around 65 researchers have received up to 1.25 million euros over 5 years to establish research groups in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The call is open! This year’s topic: Life Sciences. Apply here!