Junior Research Group Leader

The supervision of a junior research group gives graduated researchers the chance to start their research in good time. Young researchers have to apply for the position as a leader of a research group on their own initiative. A junior research group leader is not supervised by a professor and can lead the group on their own, also with regard to recruiting academic staff. In contrast to junior professors, junior research group leaders are only exceptionally instructed with certain tasks concerning research and teachings. In addition, the good financial support gives the group leader more independence.

There are several ways to apply as junior research group leader. Among the funding organisations offering such programmes, is the Emmy Noether Programme of the DFG and non-university research institutions. For the conditions to apply please check the programme of the respective organisation.

Basically, in most programmes post-doctorates are funded for 2 to 4 years and are strongly advised use this time for experience abroad. The career prospects of junior research group leaders to gain a professorship are good. Many of the post-doctorates funded by the Emmy Noether Programme now have a professorship.