Postdoc to PI: Pathways to Academic Independence in Germany
Date : 11th June 2026
Tm: 10:00am - 11:00am BST / 11:00am - 12:00pm CEST
Format: Webinar
This webinar focuses on the German academic career landscape, offering postdocs and early‑career researchers practical insight into how independence is achieved within Germany’s research system. Drawing on their own experiences, Drs Krabbe and Pakan will discuss pathways from postdoc to PI, including third‑party funded positions, institutional group leader roles, and tenure‑track professorships.
The session will explore what selection committees and funding bodies look for, how candidates can prepare competitive applications, and how career progression differs across universities and non‑university research institutes. The discussion will be framed through a candid, experience‑driven conversation led by the Scientifica host, followed by audience Q&A.
Who should attend?
- Postdoctoral researchers aiming to secure an independent academic position in the Germany
- Early-career researchers preparing to apply for PI roles or fellowships
- Researchers who want a clearer understanding of how German hiring decisions are made
Dr Janelle Pakan
Dr Janelle Pakan is an established neuroscientist and independent research group leader, recognised for her work on the organisation and function of neural circuits and their role in perception and behaviour. In her current role, she leads an internationally engaged research programme, combining scientific leadership with responsibility for defining research strategy, securing competitive funding, and developing strong interdisciplinary teams. Dr Pakan has substantial experience recruiting and mentoring researchers at multiple career stages, including PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and aspiring independent group leaders, and has contributed to selection and evaluation processes across European research environments, including the German system. Her practical perspective on assessing scientific originality, independence, and leadership potential offers valuable insight into what selection committees look for when appointing researchers to independent positions.
Dr Janelle Pakan, Professor of Circuit Neuroscience, Otto‑von‑Guericke University Magdeburg & Group Leader, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Magdeburg
Dr Sabine Krabbe
Dr Sabine Krabbe is an accomplished neuroscientist and independent research group leader in Germany, internationally recognised for her contributions to understanding the neural circuits underlying behaviour. She currently leads her own research programme, combining scientific leadership with responsibility for securing competitive funding and building effective, diverse research teams. Dr Krabbe has extensive experience recruiting and mentoring researchers across career stages, including PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and applicants for independent group leader roles, and has been closely involved in appointment and selection processes within the German research system. Her first‑hand insight into assessing scientific independence, leadership potential, and long‑term research vision makes her a trusted voice on hiring and career progression for independent research positions in Germany.
Dr Sabine Krabbe, Group Leader, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn
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