The PDN was formed to represent the PostDocs interests towards the management board of the DKFZ, in order to achieve the best conditions for career perspectives and scientific output. Therefore, the main goals are to raise the visibility of PostDocs inside and outside the DKFZ, to foster the career development and to increase the social and scientific networking between PostDocs. Several specific subgroups were established to provide the optimal infrastructure to achieve these goals.

• Visibility:
  • Questionnaires: determine specific topics of high interest for the DKFZ PostDoc community
  • Website and SharePoint (only accessible inside the DKFZ): provide general information on the PDN and a platform for discussions, to improve the communication within the PDN and present the work of the PDN


• Career Development:
  • Career Seminar Series: provides an insight into possible careers outside the "classical" academic research
  • Vocational Training: organizes courses focused on the interests of PostDocs
  • PostDoc exchange program with the industry


• Networking:
  • The Career Seminar Series and other Get-togethers as regular events: meet other PostDocs in the DKFZ
  • Welcoming Packages: welcome new PostDocs at the DKFZ and provide them with useful information to facilitate their start here
  • Collaboration with the PostDoc Association at the EMBL and the University of Heidelberg
  • PostDoc retreat: increases scientific Networking
  • Work-Life-Balance: exchanging ideas and experiences to improve family-work balance

Mailing list and electronic platform

A mailing list is used to pass on information to all registered PostDocs. To improve communication and information exchange a SharePoint platform for PostDocs (http://intracoop/sites/pdn) was installed. Access to this SharePoint is granted upon request to scientists with a PhD degree, working under a termed (non permanent) contract who are not supervising other PostDocs. This platform provides a confidential space for exchange and discussions between junior PostDocs (senior PostDocs are invited to join INESS). Registration is only possible for DKFZ members. The SharePoint platform is intended to:

• Improve communication and spread information between PostDocs.


• Share and discuss career related issues.


• Provide and share information concerning grant applications and funding opportunities.


• Welcome the newcomers by providing them with relevant information concerning their work at the DKFZ and their life in Heidelberg.

To register to either mailinglist or SharePoint or both, please send an an e-mail to postdoc-node, specifying which platform you would like to join an whether you would also like to become a PDN comitee member that helps running the PDN.

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Workshops for PostDocs - Vocational Training

The vocational training program (Weiterbildung) includes several courses dedicated to and reserved for PostDocs. This improvement is a direct result of the first PostDoc-questionnaire answered by the PostDocs of the DKFZ in 2010. To further improve the selection of dedicated training courses for PostDocs new questionnaires will be regularly used to investigate the PostDoc's needs.

Welcoming Package

Useful information for PostDocs who are new in Heidelberg or even new in Germany was collected by the PDN. The files can be downloaded from the PDN SharePoint after registration. If you cannor access the SharePoint pleas contact us here.

Career Seminars

A Career Seminar Series specifically for PostDocs is organized by the PDN. At these seminars a former PostDoc now successfully pursuing a career outside of “classical” academic research is giving a presentation. The focus in the given talks is on the personal career path of the invited speaker. Afterwards the speaker can be met personally to discuss details with respect to career choices and success factors.

Work-Life-Balance

The Work-Life-Balance group is dedicated to bring PostDocs together to discuss their work-family situation and to exchange ideas and experiences.

Be part of the PostDoc community at the DKFZ. Join us.