The Research Department "Solvation Science" consolidates research approaches from very young to highly experienced scientists and actively supports early career researchers (ECRs), including M.Sc. students, doctoral students, postdocs, and junior research group leaders, to foster their future development in both industry and academia by the following measures:
Integration in high profile research projects
The early career researchers are integrated into an eco-system which includes all the leading scientists of the national and international partners in the Research Department "Solvation Science" who help them to gain a broader science perspective. Postdocs and independent junior research group leaders have full access to the excellent infrastructure provided by the Research Department, the Cluster of Excellence RESOLV and ZEMOS.
Science-driven education and training
ECRs earn early hands-on experience in a cutting-edge research environment. Research-oriented and inter-disciplinary learning is pursued in the International Master Program “Molecular Sciences with a Focus on Spectroscopy and Simulation” (iMOS), and the Graduate School Solvation Science (GSS), which are integral parts of the education concept of the Research Department.
Forming a culture of universitas
Mentoring by senior researchers is a key part of our strategy to train and develop excellent talents. The more experienced staff takes responsibility and gives guidance to the incoming generations of future researchers. Mentoring of the junior research group leaders is offered by the PIs on an individual basis. Within the GSS, students are advised by at least two PIs serving as senior mentors.
Promoting scientific independence at an early stage of the career
A core aspect is the establishment of independent ECR groups as a preparation for being a university instructor and for prospective professorship applications at a later career stage. ECRG leaders have full rights to supervise PhD students and we provide them with a custom-tailored career development concept.
Within the Research Department "Solvation Science", special support is provided for high potential researchers who have just completed their postdoctoral research abroad and intend to establish a junior research group in the field of Solvation Science at Bochum. The ECRs can avail themselves of the infrastructure, interaction with the researchers, and the possibilities for collaborative projects to write a proposal for independent funding.
Direct communication with industrial partners
The transfer center TranSOLV forms the link between fundamental research on Solvation Science and industry. Regular transfer measures like the "Careers in Industry" lecture series, excursions to industry partners, fire-place-evenings (Kaminabende), an industry-mentoring program, the Solvation Science Industry-Partner Day and small research projects focus on the scientific exchange with partners from industry. Young researchers can benefit by gaining insight into collaborations with industry and getting in contact with potential employers.