KHYS Postdoc Days 2024

10–11.30 a.m.
online (zoom)

Are you a postdoc thinking about starting a second postdoc phase at KIT? Or maybe you are just about to finish your doctorate and would like to learn more about the next step in academia? In this lecture, Jana Schmitt, coordinator of the Postdoc Office at KIT, will outline the possibilities of becoming a postdoc at KIT, the offers and services that are available to you as a postdoc, and how you can use this important qualification phase well for yourself and your career. In addition, Oliver Kaas, advisor for international mobile researchers at the International Scholars & Welcome Office at KIT, will give you an overview on services and support structures for incoming international scientists and Julia Schuller, coordinator of the Young Investigator Group Preparation Program, will introduce you to KIT´s funding program for international postdocs that will qualify you for a successful academic career.

Speakers: Jana Schmitt (KHYS), Oliver Kaas (IScO), Julia Schuller (YIGPrepPro)
Format: Online (zoom)
Target group: Postdocs, Postdoc Aspirants, International Postdocs
Max. participants: 60

10.30 a.m.–12 p.m.
online (zoom)

In this online lecture, our expert Anna Dost from KIT's Research Office (FOR) will introduce you to the most important funding schemes in the postdoc phase and present available services for postdocs at KIT in this regard. However, the main focus of her talk will be on funding options with a view to your next career stage.

Speaker: Anna Dost (FOR)
Format: Online
Target group: Postdocs, Postdoc Aspirants, International Postdocs
Max. participants: 80

4.30–7 p.m.
Room 145/146, Allgemeines Verfügungsgebäude (AVG) (Bld. 50.41),
Adenauerring 20a

The postdoc phase is the crucial stage to set the course for a successful career as a scientist. An obvious next step to pursue a career in academia seems to be a position as junior research group leader and to qualify for a leading position in science such as a professorship. However, the question remains: What next? Since there are only limited positions available as leading scientists with unlimited contracts or as professors, postdocs might also ask themselves to which alternative career options a junior research group can lead instead. So in this panel discussion we will talk with current and former research group leaders about their career paths. What challenges and opportunities during their phase as junior research group leader do/did they experience? What does a junior research group position really qualify for? This will also include people outside academia.
In the subsequent get-together at 6 p. m. with beverages and snacks participants will have the chance to get to know fellow postdocs and talk to our panelists.

Please note: The main focus in this panel discussion will be on important aspects during a junior research group position and the prospects afterwards. If you are also interested in the different funding options for junior research groups, please have a look on our online lecture ▶ Funding for Postdocs.

Panelists:

•  
• ▶ Dr. Gary Davidson (Group leader, Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS))
• ▶ Dr. Xufei Fang (Group leader, Institute for Applied Materials - Mechanics of Materials and Interfaces (IAM-MMI))
• ▶ Dr. Jubin Kashef (Strategic Program Manager at STRATEC SE)
• ▶ Prof. Dr. Henriette Sudhaus (Geophysical Institute (GPI))

Host: ▶ Jana Schmitt (KHYS)

Format: On-site
Target Group: Postdocs, Postdoc Aspirants
Max. participants: 90

11 a.m. –12 p.m.
online (zoom)

In this event, KIT Career Service will present their services for postdocs and give you an overview of what is important when you are applying for jobs outside of academia. Our expert, Sabine Reiser, will focus on industry-ready CVs and cover letters to give you a head start in the application process.

Speaker: Sabine Reiser (Career Service)
Format: Online
Target group: Postdocs, Postdoc Aspirants, International Postdocs
Max. participants: 60

4.30-7 p.m.
Seminar Room A+B, Audimax (Bld. 30.95),
Straße am Forum 1

This event will briefly introduce the participants to possible career paths in the French as well as the German science system after the doctorate. Cassandre Devos (UniStra), project officer for the development of a career programme for international researchers at the Euraxess Service Centre of the University of Strasbourg and Jana Schmitt (KHYS/KIT), coordinator and career counselor of the KHYS Postdoc Office at KIT, will give a short overview of framework conditions, formal aspects and academic positions. Get a first impression on how to become a postdoc, a research group leader or a professor in the respective country. There will be also time for answering your questions. In the following get-together with beverages and snacks you can seize the chance to network and get to know your fellow postdocs.

Speaker: Cassandre Devos, University of Strasbourg (UniStra), Jana Schmitt (KHYS)
Format: On-site
Target group: Postdocs, Postdoc Aspirants, International Postdocs
Max. participants: 60

3–5 p.m.
Campus South, Adolf-Würth-Building (11.30), Foyer

Are you a postdoc looking for information regarding attractive career options outside academia? Are you aware of what future employers expect from you and how to apply in the best possible way? Are you wondering how to make the best of your postdoc phase to qualify for future occupations?

A representative of the Human Resources Department of ABB as well as a postdoc who has left academia to pursue a career there will share practical tips, insights and experiences on how to successfully transition to ABB. They will also answer your questions in a Q&A session. During the last bit of the event, you will get the possibility to talk, network and exchange experiences over coffee and cake.

 

▶ ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on over 140 years of excellence, ABB’s more than 105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.

Speaker: Jana Schmitt (KHYS), Cornelia Glock, HR Business Partner (Corporate Research Center Germany), Dr. Francisco Mendoza, Research Team Manager Sensor Solutions (Corporate Research Center Germany)
Format: On-site
Target group: Early career researchers
Max. participants: 40

9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Triangel Studio (Kronenplatz)

Are you ready to explore the impact of your research? Imagine unlocking the full potential of your work by diving deep into the WHY behind it.
Join us for an inspiring workshop where we will explore the Golden Circle framework, focusing on the core motivations that drive your research. Together, we'll align your work with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identifying the areas where your research can make a significant difference in the world. Based on this we will create an action plan on HOW your research can have impact in different transfer areas, so you know what your next steps could be.

Speaker: Schadi Neumann (maKeIT)
Format: On-site
Target group: Postdoctoral and doctoral researchers of all disciplines
Max. participants: 40