Postdoc

The primary purpose of a postdoc is for postdoctoral researchers to further develop their scientific profile after completing their doctorate degree and to gain independence and project management experience, thus preparing them for an academic career (e.g., with the aim of a professorship) or for a position of responsibility outside of academia (e.g., in research). In addition to their own qualification, postdoctoral researchers may assume other tasks in teaching, research and services within their respective institute.

A postdoc at the University of Bern

The University of Bern is an internationally renowned, research-intensive comprehensive university with eight faculties. Its research foci are sustainability, health and medicine, matter and the universe, intercultural knowledge, and politics and administration. The university offers postdoctoral researchers an excellent infrastructure, international networking opportunities and attractive employment conditions; it also places particular emphasis on advancing early-career researchers.

Protected Research Time

In principle, a postdoc is a full-time position, which is why postdoctoral researchers at the University of Bern are employed at between 80 and 100 percent of a full-time position. Half of a full-time workload is reserved for the postdoctoral researcher’s own scientific qualification (Protected Research Time). In the medical and the veterinary field, Protected Research Time amounts to at least 20 percent of a full-time workload.