Postdoc Talks – Understand the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG)

Important: The Postdoc-Talk needs to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. We will inform you soon as we have fixed a new date.

The law on fixed-term employment contracts in German academia (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG for short) regulates the possibilities of setting a time limit for research staff at universities in Germany. At the moment a new legislation on fixed-term contracts in higher education and research is expected to enter into force. The till now so-called 12-year rule applies in particular to early career researchers and might be changed. According to this, research staff can be employed for up to six years during the doctoral phase and for a further six years in the postdoc phase (nine years in medicine). The duration of the fixed term of an employment contract must fit the desired qualification. Although the WissZeitVG is designed to limit short-term contracts and thus improve career prospects in the long term, current working conditions in academia often give rise to ambiguities and concerns regarding one's own career planning and personal situation.

Contents

• Recent developments regarding the plans of e new legislation
• What do I have to consider when signing the contract?
• What periods of employment apply to the 12-year rule?
• How are periods of interruption, e.g. parental leave counted?
• How does the WissZeitVG affect scholarships, third-party funds and employment at non-university research institutions?

Postdoc Talks: The online series provides an open platform for discussing topics central to the postdoctoral career path. You can gain insights from experts in the research landscape and the academic community, while also exchanging ideas with other postdocs.

This event is open to postdocs from all HRA’s member institutions. Participation is free of charge, prior registration is requested. For further information please read the conditions of participation.