For all Postdocs in CIBSS projects and research groups

CIBSS places a strong emphasis on supporting researchers during the postdoctoral phase and in the early years of advanced research and qualification projects, helping them to achieve critical milestones on the path to research independence and to develop their career prospects and leadership potential.

All postdoctoral researchers funded by or associated with CIBSS have access to the comprehensive support services offered by CIBSS, the University of Freiburg, and/or the Medical Center of the University of Freiburg. Notably, the offerings from the Centre for Advanced Researcher Development (CARD) at the University of Freiburg, as well as the Education and Qualification for Postdocs (EQUIP) programme, theBerta Ottenstein Programme for Clinical Scientists, and the Hans A. Krebs Programme for Medical Scientists in the Faculty of Medicine, are tailored to the specific demands of career stages following the completion of a doctorate.

The Science Support Centre and the EU Office of the Freiburg Research Services (FRS) also provide extensive guidance and individualised support for postdocs at all stages of planning and preparing grant applications to secure external funding.

CIBSS Launchpad Programme

To complement the central support services of the University of Freiburg and the University Medical Centre with measures that address the specific needs of life scientists across the various disciplines involved in CIBSS, we have established the Launchpad Programme (CLP), a comprehensive career planning and support initiative for postdoctoral researchers.

The four pillars of the CLP are:

• Mentoring
• Training
• Networking
• Financial Support within the Research Project Track or Grant Proposal Track

CIBSS Launchpad Flyer (English)

Who can apply?

The CIBSS Launchpad Programme is open to postdoctoral researchers at the University of Freiburg, the Medical Centre of the University of Freiburg, and the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, who are working in projects and research groups of CIBSS members. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Launchpad programmemembership without project or proposal funding

It is possible to join the CLP without applying for one of the two funding tracks, thereby gaining full access to the mentoring, training, and networking offerings.

For more information and application materials, please contact CIBSS Early Career Coordinator Dr. Dengfeng Huang at dengfeng.huang(at)cibss.uni-freiburg.de.

Funding: Launchpad Funds

Funding within the Launchpad Programme can be requested in two tracks:

• Research Project Track: covers part of the recipient’s salary for 6 to 18 months to enable work on an independent Launchpad project during working hours; funding for materials and travel expenses is also available
• Grant Proposal Track: covers up to 100% of the recipient’s salary for 3 months to facilitate writing grant or fellowship applications or applying for competitive junior group leader positions

Details and conditions can be found here.

Mentoring

The Launchpad Programme offers individual mentoring and career planning tools:

• Regular meetings with mentors from CIBSS members to learn from other careers, exchange experiences, and receive advice for personal career planning
• Development of an individual “flight plan” for strategic career development and planning, including goal setting, reflection on progress, successes, and aspirations
• A CIBSS-prepared career checklist for postdocs aids in prioritising and strategic thinking to achieve a permanent position as a principal investigator through the junior group leadership path

Training

The Launchpad Programme offers a series of tailored qualifications to prepare postdocs for the demands of independent group leadership positions. This includes training and information events on:

• Grant applications and funding opportunities
• Good scientific practice
• Scientific writing
• Supervision
• Resilience
• Science communication

Networking

Within the Launchpad Programme, early career researchers are given opportunities to connect with peers, senior researchers and professors, gaining insights into various perspectives on scientific or career oriented topics:

• Regular informal CIBSS Launchpad Programme pizza lunch
• CIBSS Early Career Retreat
• CIBSS Career Days

Upcoming events are listed here.
Past events are listed here.