TUM Science Manager(Level 1)
A new cohort of the TUM Science Manager (Level 1) qualification program starts in spring 2026. Applications will be open mid September 2025. Details will be announced after the summer break.
Infosessions on 23. September, 9.00 am (registration here) and 23. October, 12.00 pm (registration here).
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.
The target audience is primarily persons in staff and interface functions, persons with coordination, implementation, and management tasks in the schools and their chairs or in central (scientific) institutions, as well as in academically shaped fields of activity in the administration. There is no age limit for applications.
Contents
At the heart of the Science Manager (Level 1) qualification program are three practice-relevant focus areas that support you in fulfilling your role in the science system confidently and effectively.
Focus area project management
You will acquire sound knowledge of the financial, personnel and legal framework conditions of (research) projects. Our aim is to equip you with practical methods that you can apply directly in your work context. The program integrates current developments in the german and international scientific landscape, which can be decisive for the success of (research) projects.
Focus area communication
As the interface between science, administration and (external) stakeholders, your communication skills are key. In the program, you will reflect on typical communication situations from your day-to-day work, develop individual strategies and strengthen your personal impact. The focus is on consciously dealing with different perspectives - for clear, targeted and unifying communication that promotes good cooperation between the various stakeholders.
Focus area networking
A strong network is a relevant building block for successful science management. You will learn methods to strategically build and expand your professional network and benefit from the continuous exchange with other participants. You will gain new perspectives on the diverse TUM cosmos as well as on relevant (non-)university institutions. You will not only expand your network, but also your understanding of structures and processes in the academic system.
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 will be open mid September 2025. Details will be announced after the summer break. 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)
- Professional experience in project management (e.g., in the initiation and coordination of projects and/or the management of 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.
- A letter of motivation (maximum of two A4 pages) 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 find a binding template here.