The German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (Deutscher Hochschulverband, DHV) offers answers—and concrete support. With more than 33,900 members, DHV is the largest professional body representing academics / postdocs in Germany. From legal counsel to job listings, from contract advice to coaching for trial lectures, the DHV supports researchers at all stages of their academic journey.

We spoke with Roya Darabi (Head of Marketing and Sponsorship) and Katharina Lemke (Head of the Legal and Consulting Department) to unpack what postdocs—especially international scholars—should know.

Membership: Who Can Join and Why It Matters

A common assumption is that DHV is only for professors. In reality, postdoctoral researchers, junior professors, habilitation candidates, and research group leaders are all encouraged to become members—regardless of whether they’re based in Germany or abroad. The organization explicitly welcomes international researchers who are considering a return or planning a long-term academic career in Germany.

Membership includes much more than a name on a list. Postdocs get access to career and legal advice, job postings for professorships, and guidance through critical transitions, such as negotiating appointments or preparing application materials. Services are available in English, too, and many of the people seeking support are international researchers navigating the German system for the first time.

Coaching and Personalised Preparation

Beyond legal support, the DHV members benefit from one-on-one coaching that addresses both the content and performance side of career milestones. Whether you’re preparing for a trial lecture, writing a research concept, or navigating appointment committee meetings, the organization offers expert guidance. Also, with the DHV’s Academic Job Posting Service, you receive personalised and bundled weekly job advertisements for professorships, sent directly to your e-mail inbox.

English-speaking advisors are available, and coaching is often adapted for international researchers unfamiliar with the German system.

Legal Advice and Career Strategy

The cornerstone of the DHV membership is legal advice tailored to the complexities of academic careers. Whether you’re unsure about your contract terms, facing uncertainties related to the Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG), or curious about what it means to hold civil servant status (Beamtenstatus), the DHV provides guidance that is both precise and practical.

Their legal support covers:

• Higher education law, e.g. in appointment procedures as an applicant or as a member of an appointment committee
• Civil service law, e.g. on salaries and pensions as a professor or the possibility of taking on part-time work
• Employment law, e.g. the Law on fixed-term contracts in academia (in German: Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz”)
• or collective bargaining provisions

Still exploring?

If you’re still exploring, DHV offers many resources that don’t require membership. On their website, you’ll find legal explainers, overviews of compensation structures, and summaries of each German state’s higher education laws. Their career newsletter “PLUS” offers monthly updates and tips relevant to researchers at every stage.

Key Takeaways for Postdocs

• You don’t need to be a professor to join the DHV—membership is open to postdocs and researchers preparing for a professorship.
• All individual services are available in English and tailored to international contexts.
• Members gain access to professorship listings, legal consultations, career coaching, and high-quality seminars.
• The organization is especially valuable if you’re considering a return to Germany or navigating the system from abroad.

To explore further or become a member, visit their website and dive into their services here!