As a rule, these positions are governed by the Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG; in German). In addition, there may be further regulations at the individual higher education institutions (e.g. Guiding principles of good work at JGU (in German)). Binding information on personnel law issues can be obtained from the Department of Human Resources (in German) Service PA 1.
In this type of job, it may well be that your supervisor is also your superior. This makes regular communication easy, but possible conflicts in the employment relationship could have an impact on the supervision of the doctorate and vice versa.
Advantages
- Strong involvement in the academic community
- Acquisition of relevant professional experience for a later career in academia or related professional activities
- Collectively agreed working conditions (in Rhineland-Palatinate in accordance with the TV-L (in German))
Disadvantages
- Such positions are rare and sought-after in the humanities and social sciences, therefore possibly Germany/Europe-wide job search necessary if the intended supervisor is unable to offer a position
- In the humanities and social sciences, part-time positions predominate (e.g. 50%, 65% or 75% positions). The combination of two part-time positions is conceivable in principle, but can also be challenging due to the diverse range of tasks and the required availability and flexibility.
With regard to working conditions, a distinction must be made between doctoral positions and positions that do not serve the purpose of qualification.
“Landesstelle” (position assigned to an institute/chair)
As a rule, teaching workload and participation in the activities of the respective chair/institute/research group (e.g. advising students, organizing events, acquiring third-party funding, administrative activities, etc.). These can make up a considerable part of the working time.
The duration of the contract must be appropriate for achieving academic objectives. The employment contract must stipulate appropriate time off for the candidate’s own academic work (usually at least one third of working hours). In this respect, clear agreements between supervisors and doctoral candidates are highly recommended in order to avoid conflicts.
Advantage: Acquisition of professional experience in teaching, research, research management, therefore particularly recommended for an academic career goal
Positions without teaching workload (e.g. in a Research Training Group funded by the German Research Foundation DFG)
Advantages: working together on a current research topic in an interdisciplinary group, often very intensive supervision and specific training and qualification opportunities
Please note: There is an obligation to participate in workshops and events within the scope of your doctoral project.
- Mostly financed by third-party funds
- Are subject to the requirements of the respective external funding provider
- Employment contract is not necessarily linked to your own qualification, but rather to the duration of the project
More information on the pages of the JGU Human Resources Department (in German)
University didactics – Offers for teaching staff
Conflict counselling (in German)
Where can I find advertisements for academic staff/research positions?
