Our Credo

In Jena, there is a lecture series called “Noble Gespräche”, which invites distinguished scientists to speak. Most recently, Prof. Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan captivated his audience with a talk entitled “My Adventures in the Ribosome.” (https://www.beutenberg.de/veranstaltungen/noble-gespraeche). For several years now, the invited speakers have also met with doctoral candidates and postdocs the following day for a seminar-style interview on scientific career paths. On October 24, 2025, Prof. Ramakrishnan likewise answered all questions patiently and humorously, openly acknowledging that his career also included steps that were not always successful. His full biography can be found elsewhere; here are just a few highlights: he first studied physics in India and earned a PhD in physics in the United States before studying biology for two more years. After around 20 years of research at various U.S. institutions, he moved to Cambridge in 1999, where he still works today. In 2009, he received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research achievements. His advice to the participating early-career researchers contained several key messages that may be of broader interest: 1. Developing a scientific question Prof. Ramakrishnan emphasized the importance of working on a question that truly matters—and sticking with it. Presentations at conferences and publications should consistently revolve around this one question so that the researcher becomes associated with it, and vice versa. 2. Choosing and applying for a postdoctoral position The right postdoc position should be productive, promotive, and relevant. Applicants should ask themselves—and others—whether the position is part of a research group that publishes frequently and in high-impact journals, and whether junior researchers in that group receive support and mentorship. Finally, one’s own topic should make a meaningful contribution to the group’s overall success. This, he noted, is also the most convincing argument in any application. 3. Grant applications For those applying for research funding, he advised beginning with one’s core question, explaining clearly why one is the right person to pursue it, and outlining a realistic and specific plan for achieving results. Perhaps his most valuable long-term piece of advice was that science is a marathon, not a sprint. For those who want to stay in academia for the long haul, it is essential to maintain a private life—including family and hobbies. This balance, he said, allows researchers to gain perspective and refocus their energy. Our sincere thanks to Prof. Ramakrishnan for sharing such deep insights into an extraordinary career.

KEPOS is a network of trainers specialising in the personal development of early career researchers. We work on topics such as career orientation, self-management and leadership. We have been working for universities and non-university organisations throughout Germany since 2008. We are looking for a communicative project assistant on a part-time basis. Your future tasks will be - Acquisition of training programmes for existing and new customers including documentation - Preparation of offers in consultation with the trainers - Coordination of training measures with the clients - Maintenance of our website www.kepos.de - Participation in virtual meetings in the network We are looking for you: - Insight into the German science system through studies, possibly a doctorate - Independent and structured way of working - Very good knowledge of German and English - Ability to make contact on the phone The work is to be carried out completely remotely. We will familiarise you thoroughly and provide you with helpful documentation. If you are interested, please contact us via hoffbauer@kepos.com. We will be happy to arrange an initial phone call or Zoom meeting with you.

Due to high demand, now available in English: International Professionals for the DACH Region: Finding, Retaining, and Developing in a Future Work Environment (English Edition). The publication by our trainer Zeina Matar is now available in English.

Always up to date: our two trainers Dr Gaby Schilling and Dr Kristina Böhlke were at this year's Petersberger Trainer Days, the "Summit of Continuing Education". There was inspiration from the neurosciences and inspiring business leaders, exhibitors from archery to VR glasses, workshops on blended learning and short-term coaching and much more.