In cooperation with the Junior Scientist and International Researcher Center (JUNO), the DIID has conducted a survey among postdocs at HHU-Düsseldorf. The survey is the basis for a participation process for HHU-wide postdoc guidelines to take place in the winter semester 2023/2024.
In the Higher Education Development Plan (HEP), the HHU university management has set itself the goal of further improving the qualification and working conditions for scientists* in the early career phase. JUNO organizes an interdisciplinary qualification and further education program for postdocs, junior research group leaders and junior professors from all faculties in order to support the early scientific independence of young scientists. Against this background, JUNO was entrusted with the coordination and implementation of the HEP measure.
In the course of the HEP measure, JUNO and DIID conducted a survey among postdocs at HHU. The aim of this survey was to gain an overview of the current situation of postdocs at HHU. The insights gained serve as initial ideas for the development of university-wide postdoc guidelines, which will then become the subject of a joint discussion and vote in a participatory process.
Between March 23 and April 17, 2023, all HHU postdocs had the opportunity to participate in the survey.
A total of 173 people completed the survey in full.The survey is not representative, but gives first indications about the situation of postdocs at HHU. For example, the survey indicates that research and gaining knowledge is the main motivation of most postdocs. Furthermore, a large proportion of postdocs state that they consider a professorship to be a very attractive career goal, but that it is comparatively unlikely that they will achieve this goal (chance at approx. 32%). With regard to support in the postdoc phase, more than half of the respondents (54%) would like to have a mentor with whom they can discuss career issues alongside their superiors. Among non-German-speaking and female participants, this desire is strong. Around 56 percent say they are satisfied with their work-life balance. You can find the entire results report here(only available in german).
We would like to thank you for the good cooperation and wish all those responsible successful work in the coming project phases. The participation process, also accompanied by DIID, is scheduled to take place online in the coming winter semester.