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3:00 - 5:00 pm | Language: German | Online

Keynote speech and panel discussion

Doctorate and then what? Become a professor? At a university of applied sciences or a university?
We cordially invite you to the information event “Career Path: Professorship” on September 17, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m.
During this afternoon event, you will learn about the advantages of a professorship, the paths that lead to this career goal, and the requirements for appointment.
We have invited the following professors to speak with you. They will share their personal experiences from various stages on their path to becoming professors and will be happy to answer your questions:

Prof. Dr. Frank Beyrau, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg |  Chair of Technical Thermodynamics

Prof. Dr. Kathrin Gnoth, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences  | Molecular Biotechnology

Prof. Dr. Sevasti Trubeta, Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences | Childhood and Migration

Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to ask the professors all your questions. Ask them what motivated them to choose this path and what obstacles or detours they had to overcome. We look forward to your participation!

If you would like to attend, please register by ONLINE FORM

We are pleased to announce that the application phase for the Hector Research Career Development (RCD) Award of the Hector Fellow Academy (HFA) is now open. From September 1 to October 30, 2025, outstanding early-career researchers are invited to apply for this prestigious award.

Supporting Excellence in a Key Career Transition

Since 2020, the Hector RCD Award has been presented annually to support exceptional researchers in the fields of natural and engineering sciences, medicine, or psychology during the crucial stage between postdoc and professorship. The award is aimed specifically at W1 professors and junior research group leaders and comes with funding of €25,000.

So far, 17 scientists have been honored with the award, advancing both their research projects and their academic visibility.

👉 Call for Applications

About the Hector Fellow Academy

The Hector Fellow Academy was founded in 2013 by Hans-Werner Hector, co-founder of SAP, with the mission to strengthen Germany as a hub for cutting-edge research, foster interdisciplinary exchange, and contribute to solutions for global challenges.

The Academy unites the recipients of the Hector Science Award—renowned researchers from the natural and engineering sciences, medicine, and psychology. Besides supporting collaborative projects, the Academy is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of researchers. Alongside its PhD funding program for outstanding master’s graduates, the Hector RCD Award is a central element of this mission.

Spread the Word

We kindly invite you to share the call for applications within your networks and encourage eligible candidates to apply. Detailed information and the application portal can be found directly on the Hector Fellow Academy website.

The Max Planck Society (MPG) invites applications for its Max Planck Research Group Leader (MPRGL) positions.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to establish and lead their own independent research group at a participating Max Planck Institute of their choice for an initial term of six years. An extension of up to three additional years is possible.

👉 Important: Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Max Planck Institute(s) of their choice before submitting an official application, in order to clarify whether the institute is interested and able to provide the necessary space and resources.

Funding Package

The support includes:

• a W2 position (equivalent to Assistant Professor or non-tenured Associate Professor),

• funding for scientific staff,

• and a budget for equipment and consumables.

In total, the package amounts to up to €2.7 million for the initial six years.

Career Prospects

The position as Research Group Leader comes with strong career development opportunities:

• participation in the MPG/TUM Career Program with the option to apply for a Tenure Track Assistant Professorship at the Technical University of Munich (TUM),

• potential tenure track options with other universities on a case-by-case basis,

• and the possibility of being considered for a Director position at a Max Planck Institute in the future, for outstanding leaders.

Application Deadline

🗓️ Deadline: October 14, 2025

More information can be found on the official MPG websites:

• Max Planck Research Groups

• Application FAQs