TUM Science Manager(Level 1)
The one-year TUM Science Manager (Level 1) qualification program will start again in spring 2026. Applications are open until November 10, 2025. Further information can be found below under Application.
Infosessions on 23. September, 9.00 am (registration here) and 23. October, 12.00 pm (registration here). You are welcome to arrange an individual consultation with us. Please contact us at: careerdesign@lll.tum.de
NB: Another kickoff of the TUM Science Manager (Level 2) qualification in late 2026 is in the pipeline.
If you have any questions, please contact careerdesign@lll.tum.de
As a science manager, you will manage resources, create the framework conditions for excellent research and teaching, and design efficient processes in the science-supporting area. You often work at interfaces, using your network to advance (research) projects and lead them to success. You communicate with a large number of people with whom you collaborate and whose interests you reconcile. Our structured qualification program, TUM Science Manager (Level 1), provides you with targeted support!
The TUM Science Manager (Level 1) aims to provide science managers with a resilient and future-proof foundation of practice-relevant skills and to strengthen their personal communication and project management skills so that they can successfully manage current and future (research) projects.
Target Audience
The TUM Science Manager Level 1 program is open to members of the academic mid-level staff (employed on a temporary/unlimited basis in pay group E/A13 or higher) with at least one to two years of professional experience in science management and, generally, a completed doctorate. The doctorate should have preceded the completion of the professional experience, which should encompass activities in science management or related management tasks. If a significant amount of relevant experience has been gained during the doctorate, this can be taken into account. There is no age limit for applicants.
The target audience primarily consists of individuals working in research coordination, individuals with coordination, implementation and management tasks in schools and departments or in central scientific institutions and academic administrative fields.
The TUM Science Manager (Level 1) qualifies for responsible tasks in the coordination and management of larger interdisciplinary research projects and research collaborations, e.g., SFBs or Clusters of Excellence.
Content
The TUM Science Manager (Level 1) program will strengthen your decision-making skills within the scientific system in a practical, scientifically sound and forward-thinking manner. Throughout the year-long program, you will reflect on your role in science management, expand your network and develop ideas for your professional growth.
The program focuses on three interrelated focus areas, which are combined in a learning journey, designed specifically for the TUM Science Manager (Level 1).
Focus area: Projekt
As a science manager, you are the interface between research, management and society: You set the framework so that research projects can reach their milestones. For example, by monitoring resources, organizing conferences or managing collaboration with partners. In practice-oriented workshops, you will learn about time management tools and the principles of (agile) project management. You will reflect on best practices in dealing with complex project structures and receive input on resource management and third-party funded research collaborations. In this way, you will lay the foundation for effective science management.
Focus area: Team
Successful science management fosters effective collaboration in multidisciplinary teams. The program will strengthen your skills in moderating meetings effectively, mediating between diverse interests and constructively addressing conflicts. You will also receive practical insights into diversity and team dynamics. Exchanging ideas with other participants will broaden your perspective beyond your own project and TUM. You will deepen your understanding of structural and psychological dynamics, setting the course for positive teamwork
Focus area: Wirkung
Science management is about dealing with today's challenges while keeping an eye on tomorrow. As a science manager, you've got a key role in this process. For example, by coordinating international cooperation or participating in public impact projects. Our program teaches you methods for stakeholder communication and provides practical insights into public engagement. You will reflect on your own effectiveness and the impact of science and learn how to achieve impact with clarity and conviction.
In addition, you will set individual priorities within the framework of electives and choose courses from the open course program of TUM horizons or ScienceManagement@TUM.
Information on accompanying qualification elements (self-learning, career coaching, peer mentoring and job shadowing) can be found here.
Application
Applications are open until November 10, 2025. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact careerdesign@lll.tum.de.
- Employment at TUM, usually in pay grade E/A13 or higher, for at least one additional year from the start of the program
- Diploma or master's degree or a comparable degree and, as a rule, a completed doctorate
- Qualified professional experience in science management of at least one to two years after the doctorate (without a doctorate, a longer period of work in an academic environment may be advantageous)
- Very good knowledge of German and English, as the program includes German and English-language elements
- Knowledge of the academic system, its key players, and the basic legal framework
- Basic communication and self-management skills (e.g., time management, experience moderating meetings)
- Experience in project management (e.g., in initiating and coordinating projects and/or managing project resources)
Please note: If third-party funds finance all or part of your current position at TUM, we ask you to directly clarify with the funding body whether participation is possible for you. Some third-party funding providers may find that continuing education to this extent is not compatible with the purpose of the funding commitment. If you are unable to clarify this yourself, please contact us.
Carrying out a self-assessment is a mandatory part of the application process. The self-assessment guide helps you systematically assess your interests and skills in order to identify your talents and strengths, as well as your personal development areas. At the same time, the self-assessment helps you reflect on your motivation for the application. The contents of the self-assessment will, of course, remain confidential and are only accessible to you. You can download the self-assessment form here.
To apply, please fill out this application form completely and upload the following documents in one PDF file:
- A letter of motivation (1 DIN A4 page) in which you explain your motivation, interests, and previous professional experience and convincingly elaborate why you have decided to apply for the TUM Science Manager (Level 1) qualification program. Please use the following key questions as a guide:
- Which three particular qualities/skills in your role as a science manager do you bring to the program, and which three qualities/skills would you like to develop by participating?
- What is your professional vision for your next career steps, and to what extent does the TUM Science Manager support you in this?
- How do you plan to actively contribute to the TUM Science Manager community and enrich the learning process for everyone involved?
- A tabular CV summarizes your academic education and professional experience to date.
- Proof of the highest academic degree
- Proof of previous qualification measures relevant to the program (usually certificates of attendance for further training)
Please also ask your line manager to send his/her letter of recommendation directly to careerdesign@lll.tum.de in good time. You can download the letter of recommendation here.