Mentoring programme for female postdocs

Mentoring for women in the early postdoc phase

Mentoring - Networking - Rising

In the early postdoc phase, the course is set for the further professional career. In this phase, an independent, empowering exchange and exclusive experience through mentoring is enormously valuable for women in order to be able to make suitable career decisions and implement steps.

In the mentoring programme, female postdocs receive

valuable experiential knowledge and insights into academic career paths from a mentor of their own choosing
interdisciplinary exchange with other women in science and a basis for a long-lasting network
an independent space for reflection and exchange on goals, motivations and challenges with regard to the academic career path.

The aim of the programme is to support female postdoctoral researchers in the early postdoc phase in realising their professional goals and expanding their network, and to strengthen their career prospects in science.

Target group

The programme is aimed at female postdoctoral researchers in the early postdoc phase of all disciplines who are seeking a professorship or a responsible position in science. Postdoctoral researchers with an institutional affiliation to Paderborn University are eligible to apply. The doctorate should not have been completed more than two years ago. We offer the programme in German and English.

Programme modules

The programme runs for 12 months and is made up of the core elements listed below. In addition to the programme's own modules, mentees can choose from a wide range of events and workshops offered by the Jenny Aloni Network for Early Career Researchers and the Equal Opportunities Officer.

Time investment:
On average, one appointment per month can be expected. We make sure that the programme can be easily integrated into the busy postdoc phase.

Mentoring

In a confidential and independent mentoring relationship with an experienced professor as mentor, valuable experience is shared on success factors. On request, we can support you in your search for a mentor and provide suggestions for organising discussions and ideas for suitable topics and questions.

Networking

The interdisciplinary group of female postdocs provides mutual support for decision-making and the development and realisation of concrete goals. The meetings form the basis for long-term networking between alliance partners in science.

Support

In the kick-off workshop, the mentees develop their individual professional goals and derive concrete steps to expand their academic portfolio. A pool of travel and coaching grants is available for targeted support.

Application and timetable

The application deadline is 15 March 2026.

Mentees are selected in a two-stage process: Interested women apply in writing with an application form and a CV in tabular form. The written applications serve as the basis for the invitation to an interview. The coordinator and the programme manager conduct a 30-minute interview with the selected candidates.

The date for the kick-off will be announced soon.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Downloads

Bewerbungsbogen Application form

Timetable