JUMP2 - On the Path to a Professorship
In the winter semester 2025/26, we are launching the new programme JUMP2 - On the Path to a Professorship.
The programme is designed for junior research group leaders and junior and tenure-track professors (R3 Researchers), aiming to provide them with the best possible support in a decisive phase of their academic career and to help them take the next step in their professional development.
JUMP2 is coordinated by the Jenny Aloni Centre for Early Career Researchers at Paderborn University and run in cooperation with 14 other universities from all over Germany. R3 researchers from all participating universities can take part in JUMP2 events free of charge.
JUMP2 comprises three central elements:
1) JUMP2 Peer Counselling
R3 researchers from all 15 participating universities can take advantage of the JUMP2 peer counselling offer, which connects them with other R3 researchers who are at the same career stage and face similar challenges. Participants get to expand their network, exchange ideas, and support each other. Regular online sessions allow for an intensive exchange between colleagues.
The peer counselling is open to R3 Researchers who a) have started their position within the last six months or b) whose (interim) evaluation is due within the next year.
2) JUMP2 Future Leader Mentoring
JUMP2 Future Leader Mentoring brings R3 researchers together with established professors with strong research skills from one of the 15 participating universities. The aim of JUMP2 Future Leader Mentoring is to support R3 researchers in the further development of their academic profile, to give them targeted impetus for their academic career, and to expand their professional network in the long term.
Female R3 researchers can choose between JUMP2 Future Leader Mentoring and the established mentoring programmes for women at their respective universities. It is also possible to combine aspects of the different mentoring programmes.
3)JUMP2 Workshops
The JUMP2 programme offers a series of workshops specifically tailored to the needs of R3 researchers. The workshops are open to R3 researchers from all participating universities and cover three key areas:
- Paths to a professorship
Example topics: Career planning with the goal professorship in mind, application and appointment to a (lifetime) professorship, appointment negotiations - Paths through everyday university life
Example topics: Acquiring third-party funding, university law, committee work and holding meetings - Paths to a competent leadership role
Example topics: Leadership and supervision of doctoral candidates, chair management, leading research groups
