Dual Career
When deciding to relocate, not just individual career paths are decisive, but also the possibilities for spouses and partners play an imporant role in relocation considerations. Appointments of foreign researchers, in particular, often fail due to a lack of accessible and suitable job opportunities for their partners. Individual solutions need to be found to support such couples, especially when both partners are pursuing professional careers.
Where to Look for Opportunities
An increasing number of German universities and research institutions now have advisory offices specialising in dual careers. They help the partners of foreign researchers assimilate in the German job market and provide initial support. Please note that dual career offers may not be accessible to researchers at all stages at all universities and research institutions.
Additionally, a number of regional and even national Dual Career networks exist that offer support to spouses looking for a new career in Germany.
Dual Career Network Germany (DCND)
List of Dual Career Offices at higher education institutions in Germany that are members of the Dual Career Network Germany
Das Jobportal für Wissenschaft, Forschung, Management (in German)
A job platform for careers in science run by DUZ (Deutsche Universitätszeitung, an Independent German university newspaper).
A number of regions have dual career networks specialising in helping spouses get support when looking for positions in the regional job market. Some of these networks offer services to employees of member organisations while others offer information to a broader audience. To find local networks, search for "Dual Career" and your (future) place of residence. Most Dual Career Networks are also members of the Dual Career Network Germany (DCND).
A number of regional and local Welcome Centres have been being established over the past few decades in order to find and support skilled workers relocating to Germany and may also be of assistance to spouses looking for a new career opportunity.
Additional Possibilities for Female Scientists
There are a number of programmes in Germany to support women in research that may also provide a career start for female spouses coming to Germany. Further information can be found on the page below.
Information and Opportunities for Female Researchers
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