A career in research

During my academic study

Research Master’s in Applied Research in Engineering Sciences

The Research Master’s programme focuses less on traditional lectures and more on project-based work. From the very first semester, students begin to familiarise themselves with their own research topic. In the second semester, the emphasis shifts to independent practical implementation, which forms the basis for the subsequent Master's Thesis. From the outset, students are part of a research group and have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. A personal mentor provides them with specialist and personalised support throughout their studies.

This close supervision enables a steep learning curve, promotes personal and academic development, and is a key factor in the success of the Research Master’s programme.

The Research Master’s programme lays the foundation for the next step in students’ careers: experience shows that graduates go on to take up positions of responsibility in industry or continue their academic careers by pursuing a doctorate.

Link to the Research Master’s programme

Master's Thesis at a research institute

The foundation for an academic career can also be laid in one of THI’s many other master programmes – for example, in conjunction with one of THI’s research institutes. The Master's Thesis often serves as a gateway to a more in-depth academic exploration of the subject area later in one’s professional career. A student traineeship at one of THI’s research institutes can also serve as a first stepping stone towards a career in research.

After an academic study: Early-career researchers

Research Associate

After completing their academic studies, the first step into a career in research is often a position as a research associate at one of THI’s research institutes. Research associates are primarily involved in supporting applied research. With a high degree of personal responsibility, they drive research projects forward in collaboration with the relevant professors. A research associateship is very often combined with a doctorate.

Jobs in research, Studium und Alumni;Teaching at THI

Doctorate at the THI Doctoral School

Through its Doctoral School, THI offers three pathways to a doctorate, which is usually completed in three to four years:

• At THI’s own AI/Computer Science Doctoral School, doctoral students conduct research at the interface between Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science.
• THI’s Doctoral School for Engineering Sciences offers doctoral students the opportunity to undertake interdisciplinary research into key technical topics of the future.
• A joint doctorate programme in collaboration with a university is also possible.

Link to the Doctoral School

Postdoc

A postdoctoral position at THI offers PhD graduates the opportunity to prepare for a future professorship. Postdocs refine their academic profile through advanced applied research, build up their own research group and establish new areas of research.

Jobs in research, Studium und Alumni;Teaching at THI

Professorship / Research Professorship

The focus of a professorship at a university of applied sciences, including THI, is on application-oriented research and Studium und Alumni;Teaching. In the case of a research professorship, the research workload is significantly more intensive – as is the associated transfer of knowledge and technology. For this reason, the teaching load for a research professorship is usually reduced by 50 per cent to create the necessary scope for research.

Jobs in research, Studium und Alumni;Teaching at THI

Career goal: a professorship

Junior Professorship

Through its structured Professional Tenure Track programme, THI offers two career development pathways for Junior Professors who lack either the necessary professional experience or a doctorate as a prerequisite for a professorship: the Doctoral Track for Junior Professors with professional experience and the Professional Track for Junior Professors with an academic background. The aim of this evaluation-based qualification programme is to lead to a tenured professorship.

Link to the ‘Upgrade2Prof’ programme

Support for young female researchers

The THI offers a range of initiatives specifically designed to support early-career female researchers:

Fund for female researchers

THI actively supports female researchers: since 2020, a special funding scheme for female researchers has been helping to advance research projects – for example, through bridging and start-up funding for female PhD students or by enabling them to attend conferences and congresses, both nationally and internationally.

Promotion of female professors and women in senior academic leadership roles

As a technical university with five technical faculties and one faculty of economic science, THI aims to fill at least one in four newly advertised professorships with female professors. The long-term goal in this regard is to achieve a 23 per cent proportion of female-held professorships. Furthermore, THI is gradually increasing the proportion of female professors in academic leadership roles. These and other measures are set out in a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) and are regularly monitored.

Link to the Gender Equality Plan

Women Professors Programme

For several years, the THI has been participating in the BMBF’s funding programme aimed at increasing the number of female professors. The programme facilitates the first appointment of female professors through start-up funding. The funded female professors are also supported by research associates.

Mentoring programme for prospective female professors

THI’s ‘Fit4Profin’ mentoring programme brings together experienced female and male professors with female PhD students or women who have already completed their doctorates and are aiming for a professorship at THI. The aim of the mentoring is to guide and support women in the run-up to the appointment process or even during it. Through the mentoring programme, mentees also gain insights into the field of academic professorship and strengthen their ties with the university.

THI’s Gender Equality Pages – Fit4Profin