Doctorate and Postdoc Phase

Osnabrück University offers different ways of doing a doctorate: Individual doctorates, doctoral programs and research training groups. We have compiled information for you on the formalities of starting a doctorate, on funding options, on shaping the doctoral phase and on dealing with potential conflicts.

The postdoc phase is a crucial time for developing academic skills and honing your own research profile. We have compiled information on academic qualifications, career development and research practice for academics who have completed their doctorate and are working as a postdoc in research and teaching at the university.

ZePrOs offers researchers in all qualification phases and from all disciplines a target group-specific information and consulation service in a confidential setting: on questions of planning and organization, challenges and conflicts, professional orientation and career development as well as research funding.

Each semester, ZePrOs offers doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers in the early stages of their careers a diverse program of courses and events in the fields of science and methodology, leadership skills, self-management skills, career planning and working techniques as well as language and media skills.

ZePrOs' mentoring programs offer female doctoral candidates and postdocs (all genders) individual support with personal development, career orientation and networking. We offer two alternating programs: "Together on the path to a professorship" for all postdocs and "Career prospects after the doctorate" for female doctoral candidates. First-generation academics are especially encouraged to participate in the programs. The long-term goal of both programs is to strengthen equal opportunities in the academic system.

At Osnabrück University, there are many opportunities for crossdisciplinary networking during the doctoral and postdoc phase. Networking activities include, for example, attending courses on key competences, participating in conferences, colloquia, regulars' tables and leisure activities, as well as participating in working groups or in the PhD/postdoc representative committees.

Postdocs, but also doctoral candidates in the final phase of their doctorate, have the opportunity to acquire third-party funding to carry out their own projects and thus advance their scientific independence in the postdoc phase.

As a central research and service facility of Osnabrück University, virtUOS researches and develops innovative technologies in the field of teaching and university organization. Based on this, virtUOS offers a wide range of digital tools, advice and support in the field of university didactics, among other things, which contribute to a conducive teaching and learning culture.