Academic Staff Development works in close collaboration with the Vice-rector for Research and Academic Staff Development to implement legal requirements and structural measures which advance the careers of junior researchers at the University of Konstanz. We create new university structures, frame processes and provide expert support for the purpose of promoting our junior researchers. In 2015, our concept for quality assurance in doctoral education was awarded the second prize by the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts. In 2017, the University of Konstanz successfully competed within the Federal Government-Länder Tenure-Track Programme.
Individual support
The advancement of junior researchers is one of five key objectives set out in the university’s mission statement. As a “Universität für den wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs” (a university that supports junior researchers), we take great pride in fostering the independence of our junior academics early on. To that end, we offer a variety of individual development activities. Whether you’re a new doctoral candidate just about to embark on your research degree or a recently appointed professor, our Academic Staff Development team is here to help. Our experience in coaching and support is extensive, which means that we know all about the chances and challenges that junior academics face.
Supporting the Rectorate
The Academic Staff Development team supports the Rectorate in all matters pertaining to the advancement of junior researchers. We devise institutional strategies, support a variety of university committees and organisational units and assist with reports, requests and surveys. We are involved in preparing and coordinating the codes of practice for junior researchers and doctoral students, work on the university’s tenure track concept, conduct the doctoral students’ and follow-up surveys and assist with the implementation of new legislation.
Structural support
Academic Staff Development provide guidance to individual departments, university institutions funded by the Excellence Initiative and various doctoral programmes on issues pertaining to the advancement of junior researchers. These include, but are not limited to, staff development, academic supervision and careers advice. Research groups: we make sure that your funding applications comply with current legislation on the advancement of junior academics and lend a helping hand with the implementation process once funding has been approved.
Welcoming culture
Our induction and orientation programmes contribute widely to the culture of appreciation that is unique to the University of Konstanz. The Rector regularly hosts receptions for new doctoral researchers, junior professors and newly appointed professors. Doctoral researchers are cordially invited to attend our “Welcome Week” and we would like to encourage newly appointed professors to sign up for the “Professur am See” (professorship by the lake) programme, which provides a plethora of useful information as well as networking and training opportunities to see your career at the University of Konstanz off to the best possible start. We are your first port of call if you’re an academic new to the University of Konstanz. Academic Staff Development hold welcome talks for junior professors, fellows of the Zukunftskolleg and other institutions involved in advancing and supporting junior academics. We would like to encourage incoming international researchers to attend our “Introduction to the German Higher Education System” talk, which we offer in collaboration with the Welcome Center.