In principle, doctoral candidates can also work as research assistants (Hilfskraft in German) in Rhineland-Palatinate. The time limit is in accordance with the Academic Fixed Term-Contract Act (in German). Binding information on personnel law issues can be obtained from the Department of Human Resources (in German) Service PA 2.

As an assistant, you work on research projects (with external funding or basic funding) or provide general support for other researchers.

• Max. 19 h/week
• No time off for work on the doctorate during working hours
• Not subject to the collective agreements of the public sector, therefore lower hourly wages, fewer holidays…
• Previous experience as a research assistant is generally not taken into account when determining your classification if you subsequently take up work as a tariff employee.
• Advantages/disadvantages: usually relatively flexible, short, project-dependent contract terms are possible
• Well suited for a first transition to a profession
• Not recommended as a solution for the entire doctorate

More information on the general conditions for working as a research assistant at JGU (in German)

Assistant positions are usually not advertised nationwide. In most cases, the job is only advertised within the university or is filled via personal recommendations or social contacts, or by a supervisor directly approaching people they consider suitable to see if they would be interested in the job.

Sources of information (in addition to the general job search tips) particularly worth considering include:

• The job portal of JGU or other higher education institutions
• The job portal of the JGU Career Service
• Newsletter/portal/distribution list/notice board of the chair, the institute, the department, the department’s student council…
• Ask around (supervisor, other university teaching staff, other doctoral candidates, postdocs) and make it known that you are interested in working as an assistant.