For researchers abroad, attending in-person interviews for academic positions in Germany can be both time-consuming and costly. Public research institutions often struggle to reimburse these expenses due to budgetary constraints. To address this challenge, the Dr. Wilhelmy-GSO Travel Expenses Program was launched 10 years ago. It aims to support universities and public research institutions in attracting international scientists by reimbursing travel costs for job interviews up to €2,000.
The program focuses on positions in the STEM fields with technical reference and supports travel for interviews related to W2/W3 professorships, W1/Tenure-Track junior professorships, FH professorships, and Junior Group Leaders.
So far, the program has enabled 173 researchers to travel for their job interviews. We talked to two of them about the challenges and opportunities in the German research system – and what they advise other young researchers.
The Dr. Wilhelmy-GSO Travel Expenses Program supported Dr. Julia Westermayr, a W1 Tenure-Track Professor at the University of Leipzig, and Dr. Christopher Künneth, currently holding a W1 TT on W3 Hightech Agenda Professorship at the University of Bayreuth.
Julia Westermayr: Germany offers a large academic market with an excellent research infrastructure, good international networking and many good universities with an increasing number of positions for junior professors. Furthermore, the quality of life, family friendliness, and the education system in general are very good. All these factors motivated me to apply here as early as possible and to take the opportunity to set up my own research group. There are also attractive other funding opportunities, e.g. from the DFG, such as the Emmy Noether Program.
However, the biggest challenge was probably the bureaucratic hurdle of hiring someone from another country and the bureaucracy in general.
Christopher Künneth: “I was drawn to Germany because of its strong research landscape and attractive professorship conditions. I wanted to return to Europe for these opportunities. But, I came across challenges such as the high travel costs, long travel times, and the extended application process, which took around two years.”
Julia Westermayr: “I learned about the Wilhelmy Program from the chair of the appointment committee at the university where I applied. With the program I was able to travel to Germany for a junior professorship interview without the financial burden.”
Christopher Künneth: “I found out about the Wilhelmy Program through a Google search. That was a big help because traveling from the USA for interviews would have been very costly. The program significantly reduced this financial concern.”
Julia Westermayr: “Apply as early as possible and seize opportunities regardless of your academic age. Right now, I am in my second year as a W1 Tenure-Track Professor at the University of Leipzig.”
Christopher Künneth: “Adopt a multi-faceted application strategy and remain open to opportunities in both academia and industry. I am currently holding a W1 TT on W3 Hightech Agenda Professorship at the University of Bayreuth.”
Find more pieces of advice by Dr. Thomas Wortmann, Dr. Anna Poetsch & Dr. Jan Meisner, who also returned with the help of the program, in our article “Applying to academia from abroad.”
Self-assess
Critically evaluate your skills and qualifications. Understand the competition level and be realistic about your chances. Don’t be afraid to apply early – you might be a good fit or at least get on the radar of future employers!
Understand the system and be strategic
Most grants that enable you to start your own group have hard deadlines regarding the time after your PhD. Make sure you know where and WHEN to apply. Be aware of evaluation criteria and offers (is there a Tenure Track option? How can you develop your career in this position?)
Invest in your lead time
Make contact with potential universities at an early stage. Prepare yourself well and make contacts in advance that can help you with the local conditions. This can be useful for gaining insights into the university’s specific research structures and projects.
Apply broadly but wisely
While it’s important to keep your options open by applying to multiple opportunities, a tailored application requires time and effort. Use resources and reach out to institutions/collaborators to learn more about their expectations.
Be persistent
Rejections are part of the academic journey. It is essential to learn from each experience and continue applying. As hard as it is – persistence is part of your commitment and resilience.
Take specific regulations into consideration, such as the “Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz ” and the payment structure.
Take specific regulations into consideration…
…such as the “Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz ” and the payment structure.
Talk to peers or mentors…
…who’ve already successfully undergone this process – reach out and ask for advice! GSO might be able to connect you to peers and you can also book a consultation with DHV for legal aspects and tips.
