Our vibrant, research‑focused community is designed to empower early‑career researchers. MM provides plenty of resources and structured opportunities that accelerate professional growth and expand scientific networks. Through this supportive ecosystem, MM serves as an ideal launching pad for early‑career researchers eager to shape their trajectory and make a lasting impact in their field.
True independence requires freedom and a safety net. By offering independent positions, budget control, and absorbing career risks, MM empowers young scientists.
Open‑topic and project-based research positions. Through the pooled application process, MM hires driven applicants across all fields and integrates them into our research scheme, rather than targeting specific expertise. This approach, fostering unexpected collaborations and insights, sets us apart from more project-orientated institutions and initiatives. Open-topic positions stand side-by-side to project-based positions, e.g. within the Collaborative Research Centre "Geometry: Deformations and Rigidity" or the RTG Complex Random Systems.
Through Young Research Groups postdocs lead their own research in joint 4-year positions. A group consists of two to three postdocs collaborating on independent projects relevant to the research programme of Mathematics Münster.
Bridging the Gaps: To connect different mathematical fields, MM hires interdisciplinary postdocs who aren't assigned to just one specific professor. Instead, they sit right between two working groups. This structure encourages experienced researchers to communicate and collaborate more closely through the shared perspective of an ECR, making them an indispensable link in the academic community. Calls and applications.
The Start-up Funds for Emerging Projects (STEP) Programme supports high-potential projects such as ERC or Heisenberg proposals. When a grant proposal reaches step two in the evaluation process, the proposal can be submitted for backup funding for a doctoral or postdoctoral position for up to three years. The funding can also be used to secure one’s own position. If successful in the evaluation, MM suggests the applicants for promotion to temporary W2 professorships.
Our structured mentoring programme deliberately assigns doctoral and postdoctoral researchers to MM's experienced researchers outside their direct subfield. This guarantees impartial advice and a safe error culture, free from the pressure of direct supervisors. MM replaces rigid, single-supervisor structures with collaborative ones that actively accelerate scientific independence.
Mentoring Programme for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
We believe that reflection and additional perspectives are essential for informed career development. In addition to the supervisor's or workgroup leader's point of view, a mentor from a different mathematical field provides valuable insights into the academic system and career aspirations. Typically around the midpoint of their contract, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers are invited to reflect on their progress, identify achievements and areas for improvement and thus ensure all necessary qualifications are met for the envisioned career paths.
Guiding questions and personal counselling are available to prepare for the mentoring meeting, a personal reflection or a conversation with the Cluster staff.
More information on the MMGS Mentoring for doctoral researchers.
Consultation and Support
Trained MM staff offer accessible counselling for early‑career researchers, ensuring that anyone can seek help without formal hurdles and with full confidentiality.
This includes, for example,
Support and counselling for conflict resolution, psychological/mental stress, ...
The Cluster has a zero tolerance limit for discrimination, harassment, bullying and other behavioural violations. Affected persons can contact the cluster management team and the spokespersons confidentially at any time. Together we will try to find a solution and point out possible courses of action!
List of contact persons and institutions on members-only
We view a mathematician’s development as extending beyond research, so we complement core training with interdisciplinary talks, career‑development workshops and informal forums. Low‑threshold spaces let early-career researchers explore non‑mathematical themes and alternative career paths, broadening their horizons for a diverse professional future.
True independence requires freedom and a safety net and peer empowerment. With budgets from MM's Young Mathematicians Conference Network, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers can organise peer conferences. Postdocs can invite guests to Münster for collaboration.
Young Mathematician Conference Network
The Young Mathematician Conference Network enables early-career researchers to organise conferences and summer schools independently or in collaboration with other postdoctoral researchers or doctoral students. Mathematics Münster provides financial and organisational support.
Young Research Fellow Programme
Through this programme, postdocs and professors at Mathematics Münster can invite excellent young researchers to Münster. In this way, they can establish and consolidate collaborations, and new projects can be initiated.
Visiting Doctoral Researchers
With this guest programme for doctoral researchers, outstanding doctoral researchers are invited to Münster for a long-term stay. Hosted by Münster-based postdocs or professors, this stay can be part of dual supervision for collaboration or writing joint publications.
Travel funds
Mathematics Münster provides travel funds to engage in international collaborations and attend conferences. Members of MM can easily apply for these funds through the internal portal.