Postdocs at the University of Münster
Work Situation, Job Satisfaction and Career Development
For the first time, postdocs at the University of Münster were asked by Münster CERes about their work situation, their future plans and their training needs. The survey was conducted from November 2024 to February 2025 and was aimed at all postdoctoral researchers at the University of Münster (incl. Faculty of Medicine/University Hospital Münster).
If you have questions about this study, please contact ceres.postdocs@uni-muenster.de.
Concept and Development
The starting point for this survey is our belief at Münster CERes that our programmes should be tailored to the circumstances and needs of the specific target group. In order to find out more about the target group of postdocs at the University of Münster and to get to know their needs, an online questionnaire was developed and programmed with the software LimeSurvey.
The question categories and items were developed at Münster CERes in collaboration with the Postdoc Network Münster.
The following studies were used:
The questionnaire was adapted as part of an extensive feedback process involving various committees, administrative units and institutions, and was tested by postdocs before the start of the survey.
Goals
Surveying the needs and expectations of postdocs with regard to career planning and qualification aims in particular at the design and further development of the structures and programmes for postdocs at Münster CERes.
Information on the work situation, job satisfaction/stress and demographics will enable target group-specific analyses and provide valuable insights into the life and work reality of postdocs at the University of Münster – also in comparison with the results of other studies (see above).
Content
The survey consisted of the following five categories of questions. Participants were randomly assigned to category 3 or 4 and had the opportunity to additionally answer the questions in the other category at the end of the survey.
- Academic Vita and Working Situation
- Demographics
- Job Satisfaction and Occupational Stress Experience
- Career Planning and Prospects
- Training Needs and Offers
Analysis and Results
The answers were mainly analysed using the statistical software SPSS. The results – exclusively in anonymised and aggregated form – were summarised in a detailed report in both German and English language.
Postdocs an der Universität Münster (German version)
Postdocs at the University of Münster (English version)Citation: Meier, R., & van Ophuysen, S. (2026). Postdocs at the University of Münster. Work Situation, Job Satisfaction and Career Development. Münster Centre for Emerging Researchers, Univer-sity of Münster. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20396062.