The  postdoc phase is characterized by different levels of experience, requirements and opportunities. Employment and funding of postdocs are usually temporary and mainly involve scientific activities with the aim of gaining further scientific qualifications. IFW postdocs often take their next career step outside the IFW. so the aim of IFW support for postdocs is to prepare young scientists as well as possible for success in the competitive environment of academia. This refers to the development of an independent research profile, the generation of visibility in the community and also includes assistance in finding funding opportunities and applying for projects.

To ensure transparency and enable the best possible planning of career paths and decisions, regular staff review talks where further carreer perspectives of postdoctoral researchers are beeing individually discussed with the institutes' directors. These meetings are used to agree on the further academic qualifications to be obtained during the postdoctoral period. 
 

Postdoctoral researchers are generally employed on the basis of fixed-term contracts. The IFW has establshed a tenure track procedure which also allows for the conversion to a permanent contract for postdoctoral researchers

Prerequisites:

• The candidate's expertise is necessary for long-term, strategic projects at the IFW.
• Candidates must be proposed by the responsible W3 or W2 professor.
• A corresponding budget position must be available on a long-term basis.
• Candidates have completed a doctorate and have outstanding scientific achievements, as proven by publications/patents and by the development of their own research profile on the basis of third-party funding in highly competitive procedures (ERC, Emmy Noether Group, BMBF junior research group, other large projects involving the supervision of doctoral students)
• Candidates have completed a postdoctoral phase of 3 to 6 years at the IFW or another research institution.

The IFW encourages postdoctoral researchers to participate in relevant training courses on management skills for leading positions in science and outside academia. 

Leibniz Leadership Academy: IFW postdocs have the opportunity to enroll in courses offered by the Leibniz Academy. The IFW contributes to the costs of participation. The Leibniz Academy’s four programmes target different leadership levels: doctoral and postdoctoral researchers (Starting Leadership), junior research group leaders (Developing Leadership), middle management in research and administration (Experiencing Leadership) and institute directors (Reflecting on Leadership).

Postdoc Center of the TU Dresden Graduate Academy: As a member of the local network DRESDEN Concept the IFW can participate in the offers of the postdoc center at TU Dresden. Interested IFW postcocs can use the training opportunities ther for key competencies as leadership skills, research management, fund raising, science communication and career development. 

The “TUD Young Investigator” status strengthens excellent,independent junior research group leaders by fostering their integration into the faculties and
offering a qualification program FAST FORWARD tailored to their particular needs. Young research group leaders with fixed-term contracts at IFW Dresden can apply for Young Investigator status at TU Dresden. Young Investigators have the opportunity to participate in teaching, serve as reviewers and examiners for doctoral procedures, and take part in the qualification program for postdocs

The Leibniz Association's mentoring program offers excellent female researchers additional support on their path to a leadership position or professorship. It enables female scientists to steer their careers in a targeted manner, expand subject-specific networks, and confidently take on management tasks. As part of the program, mentees benefit from a structured mentoring partnership and an accompanying seminar program.