What makes the German system distinct?

Unlike in many other countries, a professorship is – with few exceptions – the only permanent position in German academia.

The main “currency” on your way there: publications, grants, and service, including teaching and committee work in university self-governance. However, success also depends on how well you fit with an institution – its focus, strategy, and people.

Germany’s federal structure adds complexity. Each Bundesland sets its own rules, salary systems, and position types. In addition, there are differences between universities and non-university research institutions such as the Max Planck Society, Helmholtz Association, Leibniz Association, and Fraunhofer Institutes.

Always check the specific conditions at the institution you are interested in.

Academic Career Tracks in Germany

There is no single path to a professorship. After your PhD and postdoctoral phase, you need to qualify for a W2 or W3 professorship (W stands for Wissenschaft, meaning “science” or “scholarship”). W2 roughly corresponds to associate professor, W3 to full professor.

You can reach this level through a junior group leader position or a W1 (“junior” or assistant) professorship. Both usually last about six years and may or may not include a tenure track. Afterward, you typically apply for a new position.

The habilitation – a traditional qualification allowing independent teaching – remains common in the humanities, social sciences, and chemistry. Others gain equivalent experience through W1 or group leader roles. Direct applications from postdocs to W2 or W3 positions are possible but rare.

Contracts and the “Academic Clock”

For international researchers, German contract rules and time limits can be confusing. A key regulation is the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG), which limits how long researchers can be employed on fixed-term academic contracts.

Important points:

• The clock starts with your first German employment contract, not with the funding source.
• Third-party funded positions usually count toward the limit.
• Scholarship periods are often treated differently.

Keep a record of your employment history and ask your HR department or Research Services how your case is counted.

More details can be found in our article with the DHV.

What Selection Committees Are Looking For

Publications and grants are essential, but they are not everything. Selection committees also look at your institutional fit and broader academic profile.

Ask yourself:

• What can you contribute to the university’s or faculty’s strategy?
• With whom would you collaborate?
• What is your research vision and teaching portfolio?
• How do you demonstrate leadership, supervision, and service experience?

Professors hire future colleagues, not just excellent scientists. Make sure your CV shows readiness to lead and collaborate.

Funding Strategies

Germany and the EU offer many programs to help early-career researchers establish their own groups. Most are aimed at candidates four to six years after the PhD, so start planning early.

Create an overview of funding options, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Check examples of successful proposals on the DFG website and contact program officers if you have specific questions. Use your university’s Research Services and Graduate Centers to test the fit of your ideas and clarify requirements.

Parallel Paths: Keeping Options Open

Many researchers build rewarding careers beyond professorships – for example in research management, science policy, industry, or the nonprofit sector. Statistically, it is far more common to move beyond academia than to become a professor.

To learn more about non-academic career paths and how to use LinkedIn effectively, see our articles on careers beyond academia.

Campus Allies You Can Rely On

Do not navigate the system alone. Most universities offer valuable support through:

• Graduate Centers
• Research Services
• International Offices
• Career Services
• Mentoring programs

These units can help you with contracts, funding opportunities, and CV strategy. Use their expertise early on.

Still Have Questions?

Explore our advisory services for individual guidance and additional resources.