Early Career
Shape your professional journey in an inspiring and supportive environment at the Microverse Cluster.
Our mission centers on early career researchers, offering a research-oriented, interdisciplinary training program with expertise from Friedrich Schiller University and partner institutes.
We promote international exchange, gender equality, diversity, and work-life balance as fundamental principles. The Microverse Spirit, integral to our culture, fosters an inclusive and dynamic environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally.
Supporting structures for early-career researchers
Early-career researchers are at the heart of the Balance of the Microverse Cluster. We are committed to supporting students and doctoral candidates through a range of programmes and partnerships in Jena. One important opportunity is the Honours Programme of the University of Jena, which enables highly motivated and research-oriented students to engage in research at an early stage, benefit from personal mentoring, and develop their own projects alongside a complementary training programme.
In addition, the Cluster collaborates closely with the Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) to foster emerging talent and leverage synergies in education and research, collectively strengthening Jena’s position as a leading hub for research and academic training.
That's why we emphasize holistic and individualized support for scientists – from their studies to leading their own junior research groups. In this context, we have created tailored support structures for our Microverse members, including mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and access to cutting-edge research facilities:
Jena has become a highly attractive research environment for research and training focused on microbial communication and optics/photonics. The Friedrich Schiller University offers 13 Master’s degree programs specifically aligned with the Microverse Cluster’s research themes:
The Jena School for Microbial Communication and the Abbe School of Photonics offer essential training programs for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers within the Microverse Cluster. The Microverse Early Career Program coordinates interdisciplinary training, mentoring, and support.
Additionally, we are dedicated to fostering talent by incorporating promising junior research group leaders into Jena's renowned research institutions. By inviting these exceptional individuals, we not only enhance our collective expertise but also bring new perspectives and innovative research approaches to the dynamic framework of the Balance of the Microverse initiative.
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