Action Plan for Postdocs

As part of the national program “Promotion of Early Career Researchers” (2025–2028) (German) by swissuniversities, the University of Basel has developed an action plan to better support postdocs. This initiative addresses key challenges in both academic and non-academic career planning, as well as the balance between work and family life. The action plan builds on the university’s existing support services by closing specific gaps and introducing targeted new measures. These are divided into two main areas of focus: "Employment and working conditions" and "transitions and skills acquisition". Developed in close collaboration between the various units of all three Vice President’s Offices, the measures are designed to be sustainable, both in content and financially, and are intended to become part of the overall long-term strategy of the University of Basel.

The University of Basel already has strong policies and tools in place to support postdocs in their employment and working conditions. To ensure these resources are better known and used, we are introducing targeted awareness-raising initiatives. This effort is part of a broader reform to improve the working environment for both doctoral students and postdocs.

The University of Basel is further developing its leadership culture with a focus on the specific demands of academic leadership. Clear expectations and practical resources are being created to support this effort. A new modular leadership development program will offer hands-on tools for managers and help create better conditions for researchers and postdocs with leadership roles.

The Graduate Center (GRACE) already offers a wide range of courses to promote interdisciplinary skills for doctoral students and postdocs. To better support postdocs in their professional development, the course offerings have been expanded to include new formats in professional and media training, as well as negotiation skills.

Starting in March 2025, a new bottom-up initiative invites postdocs to submit their own ideas for transferable skills courses. Selected proposals will receive financial support and can be implemented independently.

The Career Advancement Office hosts an annual Career Day for Postdocs, where postdocs can explore both academic and non-academic career options and network with representatives of companies and organizations, as well as the relevant support services at the University of Basel. The event consists of a keynote lecture, a career market and career talks. It also offers opportunities for networking and in-depth discussions with peers.

From 2025 the mentoring and coaching program (German) by AlumniBasel will be further expanded and opened to postdocs. This program supports career transitions into roles outside academia by providing of students and graduates with individualized mentoring relationships

The program Stay on Track at the University of Basel has been in place for 10 years and supports female postdocs with young children by offering various temporary relief options during a key phase of their careers. As part of the action plan to promote equal opportunities, the program is being evaluated by asking all recipients about the specific impact the support measures had on their career progression. Based on the results, the program will be further optimized and realigned.