During the Postdoc

Since January 01, 2020, the employment and supervision processes of postdocs at the University of Basel have been combined into a single process that applies to all postdocs, regardless of their employment status. The aim of the process is to ensure good, transparent and equal conditions for all postdocs and mentors during the postdoc phase (whether or not aiming for a Habilitation). An overview of the process Employment and Supervision of Postdocs can be found in the section Agreements and Regulations.

The Postdoctoral Agreement must be concluded between the postdoc and the mentor within the first six months of the postdoc phase. It serves to plan and monitor the postdoc project and to document the meetings with the mentor. The postdoctoral agreement can be updated at any time, especially during the annual status review meeting. All the important steps that need to be considered during the postdoc phase are also summarized in a checklist.

During their doctorate, PhD students attend curriculum-based courses and also have the opportunity to develop their transferable skills. The Transferable Skills course program is specifically addressed to all doctoral candidates and postdocs of the University of Basel. It supports researchers during their postdoc phase and prepares them for a professional career inside or outside of academia.

Located at the border triangle of Switzerland, Germany and France, the University of Basel offers junior researchers from all over the world an excellent teaching and research environment as well as an exceptional and international setting. An overview of the mobility programs can be found on the mobility webpage of the university and information about mobility funding opportunities is provided by the Career Advancement Office.

Eucor – The European Campus is a cross-border association of five French, German and Swiss universities in the Upper Rhine region which encourages mobility within the region. Transferable Skills courses offered by partner universities of the European Campus are of particular interest to doctoral candidates and postdocs, as they are eligible to participate.

Several questions might come up during the postdoc phase. At the University of Basel, a number of services exist that support doctoral candidates with information and advice. An overview of the services is provided in the section Advisory Services.

The University of Basel monitors developments relating to artificial intelligence (AI) and its use in teaching and learning. A general ban on its use is not currently planned. Further information, recommendations, and helpful resources and materials are available on the information page.

avuba - the assistants’ association of the University of Basel represents the interests of teaching and research assistants (about 2,700 PhD students and 500 postdocs) within and outside the university.