Appointment coaching for female researchers*
Contact person
Dr Susanne Elpers
Academic Career Paths
Officer for academic career paths, with focus on postdocs and equal opportunities
application form
Proposal for individual coaching
Note: The career coaching sessions are funded by the Women Professors Programme 2030. Funding is limited. Places are allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
Appointment coaching for female researchers*
Have you met the qualifications required for a professorship? Are you currently applying for advertised professorships, or are you planning to do so shortly? Perhaps you have already received an invitation to an ‘audition’ or are about to enter into appointment negotiations?
We would like to support you in your career development and throughout your appointment process. You can therefore now apply to the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (DHV) for free one-to-one coaching on the following topics (see below):
Coaching topics
- Career advice on the path to a professorship (one-to-one coaching, 2 hours)
- Applying for a professorship (one-to-one coaching, 2 hours)
- Review of application documents (individual coaching, 1 hour; can also be combined with application coaching)
- Appointment and/or retention negotiations (one-to-one coaching, 2 hours)
Our coaching partner, DHV
The DHV is the largest interdisciplinary, higher education policy and academic association in Europe. Among other services, the DHV offers seminars, consultancy and coaching. The DHV consultancy team has proven and long-standing experience in career and appointment coaching for academics, with comprehensive expertise in higher education and civil service law, and specific knowledge of medical appointment procedures.
According to the DHV, in addition to explaining the legal framework of an appointment procedure, the coaching focuses on the professional development of an optimal plan and strategy, as well as preparatory negotiation training. Further information can be found on the DHV’s website.
DHV: “The aim of individual coaching is to prepare you comprehensively, both in terms of content and tactics, so that you can confidently and successfully navigate the increasingly complex situation of appointment negotiations and, where applicable, retention negotiations.”
The offer at a glance...
- Who: Female academics* from all faculties and female doctors* (with a habilitation or an equivalent qualification) who are employed by the University of Oldenburg or its partner institutions (University of Bremen, Jade University of Applied Sciences, Bremen University of Applied Sciences, Emden-Leer University of Applied Sciences, HIFMB) and are currently undergoing a tenure-track appointment process or are planning to apply for a professorship in the near future.
- What: An intensive coaching session in German or English, lasting two hours, at the DHV (in person or online). If required, a further hour may be requested. Plus, where applicable, a review of the application documents (1 hour).
- When: Applications may be submitted at any time.
- Cost: Free of charge for applicants*. The applicant* will only bear the costs in the event of cancellation of coaching sessions that have already been arranged.
- How: Apply using the form and email it to . The Vice-President (VP N) will decide on the application. Once approved, the applicant* will contact the DHV independently. Settlement is handled directly with the Graduate Academy. Any cancellation fees are borne by the applicant*. For quality assurance purposes, the applicant* is requested to provide brief feedback to VP N after the coaching session regarding the benefit of the programme.