Georg-August University School of Science (GAUSS)

Workshop Program 2025

Please click on the workshop titles in order to see the further details concerning dates, venue, registration, content and testimonials from previous participants.

  • Dates: Thursday, 16 January 2025, 9:00-17:30h and Friday, 17 January 2025, 9:00-16:30h
  • Location: in person on North Campus
  • Target Group: Early postdocs and late-stage PhD students who are looking for their first or next postdoctoral position
  • Trainer: Dr Dagmar Sigurdardottir
  • Brief Description: Post-doctoral positions are usually not that hard to get but finding the right one that can firmly establish a professional career is really challenging. At the same time, scientists towards the end of their PhD don’t have a lot of time to spend on the search for the right post-doctoral position. Therefore, this workshop provides a compact overview of relevant aspects and the opportunity to explore one’s own preferences. Specifically, participants learn to define their own criteria for a successful post-doctoral position, develop their targeted search and application strategy, assess the relative benefit of post-doctoral grants and prepare to harness the full potential of their post-doc interview. For further information please check out our GAUSS Career Blog Post.
  • Testimonials: "This is a really great workshop, well thought out and well organized. It helps you take a structured approach to a fairly nebulous and variable process, categorizes the various aspects to consider, including ones you may have missed, in addition to making you reflect on yourself and your needs when it comes to applying for a post-doc. It also utilizes the diversity of its participants to highlight the many different factors and paths to consider in the process of applying for post-docs.";
    "This workshop is an absolute must for late stage PhD students and early career postdocs. Do it as soon as you can; it shall help you set goals and organize your plan for a successful academic career.";
    "Depending on the type of experience has had during their PhD, looking for a post-doc may feel more or less overwhelming. This course assists one to find out what are their competitive edges (publication, strength of recommendation letters, etc.) and points to strengthen. The community built during the course was incredibly encouraging and I found incredibly fruitful the chance to bounce ideas off of peers with varying opinions."
    "The workshop is extremely helpful for PhD students in their last year. It gave me insight and useful information of how to apply for a post-doc."
  • Registration: Email us and register for our services

  • Dates: Monday and Tuesday, 17-18 Feb 2025, 9-16h
  • Location: in person on North Campus
  • Target Group: International Postdocs and late stage-PhD students who are looking for a job outside Academia in Germany
  • Trainer: Dr Philippa Cook
  • Brief Description: For postdoctoral researchers with an international background, it can be a real challenge to get into Germany's non-academic job market following an academic position. The entry routes into jobs are not always transparent, candidates are often not well-informed about what to expect in the application process and not everyone can offer German language skills. Where and how you can look for a job outside classic academia depends on your qualifications and skills set, on your individual life situation as well as on knowing about possible entry paths and strategies, the (unwritten) rules of the game and other parameters. This workshop, tailored specifically for the needs of international scholars, offers assistance with this. For further information please check out our GAUSS Career Blog Post.
  • Testimonials: "Great workshop about the navigation of the non-academic job market. The focus on international people issues was a great plus.";
    "As an international postdoc, I was unaware of many aspects of the German job market as well as how as an international person could contribute to a different job market. This workshop navigates and instills hope in finding all these and how unique our skills in industry.";
    "Philippa gives a well-rounded overview of the German job market, equips the participants with valuable tools, and is very engaging. "
  • Registration: Email us and register for our services

  • Date: 4 March 2025, 9-17h (+4 hours pre-teaching)
  • Location: online
  • Target Group: Postdocs and late-stage PhDs already writing an application or planning to apply for a research grant within the next 3 months
  • Trainer: Dr Thomas Koch
  • Brief Description: By participating in this workshop, you will get an overview of the German research funding landscape including selected EU programs and learn how to identify the right funding opportunity for your research endeavor. Furthermore, you will benefit from learning what makes a fundable research project, how to tailor your case for support to meet the evaluation criteria and how to structure and schedule the writing process. For further information please check out our GAUSS Career Blog Post.
  • Testimonials: "The workshop was highly practical, teaching me how to effectively structure a research proposal and design a project within time and budget constraints. The 'Lean Canvas' method and insights into European funding were especially useful. It’s an excellent resource for those new to grant writing.";
    "The workshop was extremely beneficial and more fun that I anticipated. The balance between the lectures and the interactive exercises was really good. Thomas expertly managed to summarize a great deal of information in a very short time, in a very condensed but clear form. Thank you!";
    "Great workshop! It gives good insight into the German funding agencies and the hierarchical structure of funding sources."
  • Registration: Email us and register for our services

  • Dates: Wednesday, 5 March 2025, 9-17h
  • Location: online
  • Target Group: Postdocs and late-stage PhDs planning to apply for a research grant in the near future and would like to inform themselves about different funding schemes and what is essential to write a competitive grant application.
  • Trainer: Dr Neela Enke
  • Brief Description: The workshop provides participants with an overview of the most important research funding organisations at national and European level as well as the funding instruments relevant to their current career situation. The project planning, application and review processes will be explained in detail. This provides participants with the tools for the independent acquisition of third-party funding. Therefore, strategies and tools for the concrete design and preparation of applications as well as common review procedures will be presented. In this sense, the workshop provides insights into formal and informal aspects of the review process. Dealing with the rejection of applications will also be covered. Participants will be supported in developing ideas as to which instruments could be particularly suitable for their individual career situation and the strategic development of their research projects. For further information please check out our GAUSS Career Blog Post.
  • Testimonials: "I suggest this workshop if you are late PhD students (as it was in my case) or early postdoc. It gives a very good introduction about the possible funding opportunities and its application process. It helps you to take initial steps towards the application of your own funds. You can also get more information through participants who might be actively applying for the funds. I would highly recommend the workshop.";
    "It is very informative and helpful if you are a young researcher and want to apply for a grant."
    "I think it is a nice workshop for people that did not do prior research on the research institutions and funding programs by themselves yet, as one gets the feeling of the most common funding agencies and programs. In particular, for all DFG-related projects/grants, it is very informative. Some exercises are performed and allow one to interact with other researchers."
    "The ideal workshop for early-career scientists who are planning to write their first proposal."
  • Registration: Email us and register for our services

  • Dates: Thursday and Friday, 3-4 Apr 2025, 9-16h
  • Location: in person on North Campus
  • Target Group: Postdocs and late-stage PhD students in the process of applying for a job outside academia
  • Trainer: Christelle Linsenmann
  • Brief Description: In this workshop, participants learn to prepare for upcoming application procedures and especially the different phases and requirements of a job interview. After this workshop, participants can effectively describe their individual job-relevant skills and unique strengths, present themselves professionally in a job-interview and are able to master unforeseen or difficult situations confidently. The workshop focuses on the reflection of individual competencies, practical exercises on frequently asked questions and techniques in interviews and dealing with critical or unknown questions. Finally, participants will develop their own authentic self-presentation. Methodologically, the workshop focuses on a change of input phases, feedback rounds and guided exercises.
    For further information please check out our GAUSS Career Blog Post.
  • Testimonials: "It is one of the best workshops that I ever took part in. I liked everything as a combination of factors: prepared material, practical tasks, answers to questions, and the friendly atmosphere. The trainer paid a lot of attention so that all participants could learn everything that interests them, absolutely all additional questions from the participants received detailed answers. I would definitely recommend this workshop to those who is preparing to the interview now or want to be prepared in future.";
    "If the interview process feels like an unexplored area of the map, take this course. Mrs. Linsenmann is a kind, engaging and a proficient guide in teaching self-reflection and interviewing skills."
    "A great workshop by a very experienced trainer that will make you feel well-prepared for any upcoming interview situation."
    "This workshop has helped me to identify strengths and competencies that are translatable to any other non-academic job. I've learned about the format and content of job interviews and received valuable information about how/what to prepare."
  • Registration: Email us and register for our services

  • Dates: Monday, 14 Apr 2025, 9:00-17:00h and Tuesday, 15 Apr 2025, 9:00-12:30h
  • Location: in person on North Campus
  • Target Group: Postdocs and late-stage PhD students preparing for the next big step in their academic career
  • Trainer: Dr Alexander Britz
  • Brief Description: Whether you're applying for postdoctoral positions (domestic or abroad), preparing for selection interviews for competitive grants, or aiming for junior group leadership or professorship roles, this workshop is designed to help you excel. In this interactive workshop, participants will develop and practice key skills to leave a strong, professional impression in academic interviews. Effective preparation strategies, presentation techniques, and ways to navigate the unique expectations of academic hiring processes are covered and the specific challenges of academic job applications will be addressed.
    For further information please check out our GAUSS Career Blog Post.
  • Registration: Email us and register for our services

  • Dates: 15, 19, 22 and 26 May 2025, 9-11h
  • Location: online
  • Target Group: Late-stage PhDs and Postdocs
  • Trainer: Dr Iris Köhler
  • Brief Description: The majority of PhD holders does not stay in academia, but pursues careers in a variety of fields. Many young scientists struggle with finding out which career path they would like to pursue. They are not sure which career options exist and they often have never taken the time to reflect on what kind of work they would actually like to do and what their values, interests and goals are. This course will help participants to gain a better understanding of their life and career goals, analyze their skills and competencies, be aware of career options within and outside academia and design an individual career development plan. More information will follow in due time.
  • Testimonials: "The Career Planning workshop is a must for someone who will soon enter the job Market. Dr. Iris Köhler is a great coach, she taught us about the critical points and preparations that are essential for finding a dream job. It is not about how to prepare a CV or cover letter, instead even before you start doing all this, one needs to know what he/she actually wants from their future. This is where this workshop has helped me a lot, to just figure out who I am, who I want to be and how to achieve the goal."
  • Registration: Email us and register for our services

  • Date: Monday, 25 August 2025, 13-18h and Tuesday, 26 August 2025, 9-17h
  • Location: in person on North Campus
  • Target Group: Postdoctoral scientists and late-stage PhD students who are currently applying or planning to apply for a position in industry or other areas outside academia
  • Trainer: Dr. Gaby Schilling
  • Brief Description: The workshop deals with how to write a professional application. Participants will learn about the requirements regarding form and content of CVs and the respective differences between academia and industry. They will reflect about how to convey their strengths and motivation in response to a job advertisement, but also how to approach speculative applications. Moreover, participants will train their self-presentation skills in the job hunting process, including self-presentation on career fairs, conferences and in interviews. The workshop will include various training sessions partly accompanied by video recording for a follow-up analysis. More information will follow in due time.
  • Testimonials: "A great workshop to get into the mindset of applying and interviewing for jobs and lots of useful information to prepare for that.";
    "This course provides invaluable insight into the other side of the recruitment process. You'll get the chance to discuss the difficulties and insecurities that you're facing with the move to industry with like-minded early career researchers who share many of your worries. The trainer encouraged continuous discussion and addressed all our wishes for the course. This turned the 1.5 days into a great opportunity to practice self-presentation, prepare for common interview questions and ultimately better understand our worth on the job market."
    "Great and very useful workshop for your future industry job applications!"
  • Registration: Email us and register for our services

  • Date: Tuesday, 30 Sept 2025, 10-17h and Wednesday, 1 Oct 2025, 10-14h
  • Location: in person on North Campus
  • Target Group: Postdocs and Junior PIs in Natural Sciences
  • Trainer: Peter Schröder
  • Brief Description: This workshop intends to facilitate synergistic effects and implement basic project management culture to increase the efficient use of resources and improve teamwork. The trainer will pick up existing problems and work on solutions together with the participants in a mixture of „ex-cathedra“ teaching, jointed and group phases. More information will follow in due time.
  • Testimonials: "Peter is a great teacher! His workshop covered the basics of how to plan any project effectively. I've learned important lessons on how to respond to unforeseen challenges and how to produce a concrete, adaptable plan. Highly recommend this course to anyone!";
    "Dr. Peter Schröder is a great speaker. He was able to keep my attention throughout the whole session. As a former PI, Dr. Peter Schröder has a deep understanding of our struggles and can give us the information and tools we need."
    "It is a great workshop to join if you want to learn about project management and apply it to everyday research life in just two days. The lecturer gives wonderful explanation what every step of the project management is used for and uses vivid examples to show how to do them. I am surprised how much I learnt within this short time to make a positive change in my plans."
  • Registration: Email us and register for our services

  • Dates: Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 9-17h
  • Location: in person on North Campus
  • Target Group: Postdoctoral scientists and late-stage PhD students
  • Trainer: Dr. Neela Enke
  • Brief Description: The ability to deal with conflicts is a key component of professional conduct and an important factor for personal and professional success. The workshop enables the participants to experience conflict as agent of innovation, professional and personal development. Conflicts are often perceived as painful, disruptive and stressful. Only rarely the potential for innovation and change is realized and appreciated. This seminar examines conflicts in regard to their chances and challenges to introduce a constructive concept of conflict as social normality. The participant’s conflict solution competences are strengthened and activated to deal with difficult situations. Professional communication as tool for conflict solution is explained and practiced. More information will follow in due time.
  • Testimonials: "Really good for any future students who will be working under a supervisor or in a team.";
    "As an international postdoc, I was unaware of many aspects of the German job market as well as how as an international person could contribute to a different job market. This workshop navigates and instills hope in finding all these and how unique our skills in industry.";
    "Conflicts are inevitable but manageable! With this course, we have learned how to analyze a conflict and we are equipped with many different strategies and phrases that can help us to express ourselves and acknowledge the counterpart. Now I feel more confident about handling problems and I am looking forward to my next conflict to use my new tricks!";
    "Framing a conflict makes it appear smaller and less threatening. These are finding the actual reasons why it is happening, and explaining that conflicts learn to categorize conflicts and how to approach solving them. I have strongly deal with conflicts right away and not let things smolder for a longer time."
  • Registration: Email us and register for our services

  • Dates: Wednesday, 12 November 2025, 9:00-16:30h and Thursday, 13 November 2025, 9:00-12:30h
  • Location: in person on North Campus
  • Target Group: Postdoctoral scientists intending to pursue a career in Academia
  • Trainer: Franziska Jantzen
  • Brief Description: This workshop is designed to answer to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the appointment process for professorships in Germany. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the entire process, from application to negotiation. Key topics include optimizing application documents,preparing effectively for interviews and academic presentations and understanding unwritten rules and micropolitical dynamics often at play in the process. Participants will focus intensively on preparing you for the appointment committee interview and will develop communication and argumentation strategies to handle challenging questions with confidence. These strategies will be practiced in small groups with the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from peers.
  • Registration: Email us and register for our services

  • Date: Monday and Tuesday, 1-2 December 2025, 9-17h
  • Location: in person on North Campus
  • Target Group: Postdocs and late-stage PhD students in the process of applying for a job outside academia
  • Trainer: Dr Alexander Britz
  • Brief Description: Are you currently working as Postdoc or finalizing your PhD? Do you plan to transition to your next position in or outside of academia, but feel unprepared for the job hunt? In this highly interactive workshop, you will get a comprehensive set of career development strategies which will help you master this process. You will learn to decide what your next career step should be and how to be effective in the application process including compiling a convincing application and mastering the job interview. More information will follow in due time.
  • Testimonials: "This workshop is excellent if you wish to get a taste of how interviews look like (especially in the industry/private sector). You will get the chance to get some very useful tips on how to prepare yourself for the job application process, from preparing your CV to which kind of questions you should expect in an interview and how to prepare for them with meaningful answers that can make the difference between getting a job position or not.";
    "Good opportunity to engage with people who are in the same situation (trying to find a job), to be pushed out of your comfort zone and to express your worries and questions in a confidential setting. This was a great workshop, with new information and training for writing a CV/a cover letter and interview preparation."
  • Registration: Email us and register for our services