Levels

In principle, postdoc employment is organized in two three-year phases between which the type of postdoc is changed. A distinction is made between Early Postdoc, Advanced Postdoc and Senior Research Assistant. For the period immediately after completing a doctorate degree there is also the option of a time-limited, specific employment as a member of scientific staff “Transition”.

The postdoctoral phase must not exceed a total of six years from the date of the doctorate, with all employment and transitional phases being counted.

Early Postdoc

Early Postdoc positions are suitable for postdoctoral researchers with little or no experience at postdoc level. The aim of this type of employment is for postdoctoral fellows to acquire individual funding sources, gain mobility experience and work on their own project. Employment as an Early Postdoc is possible with a maximum of three years of academic experience since completing a doctorate degree. The duration of this employment is generally limited to three years.

Advanced Postdoc

Advanced Postdoc positions are suitable for postdoctoral researchers with advanced qualifications. The aim of this type of employment is to consolidate a postdoc’s position as a scientist with a view to qualifying for a professorship or an alternative leadership position. Employment as an Advanced Postdoc is possible with a maximum of six years of academic experience since completing a doctorate degree. The duration of this employment is generally limited to three years.

Senior Research Assistant

The position of a Senior Research Assistant means taking on additional tasks in teaching and research, leadership and services. This type of employment is particularly suitable for postdoctoral researchers with advanced qualifications, and who have acquired prestigious individual funding, such as “Ambizione” grants.

Member of scientific staff “Transition”

Employment as a member of scientific staff “Transition” is suitable for recent PhD graduates who are in an orientation phase after completing their doctoral thesis and are striving for an advanced qualification function, such as postdoc employment, or for a position outside of academia. Employment as a member of scientific staff is not a substitute for employment as an Early Postdoc. The maximum duration of this employment is two years.