TUM Science Manager
(Level 1)

TUM Science Manager Programs

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

News

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 careerdesignspam prevention@lll.tum.de.

Selection procedure

We designed the selection process to make sure this qualification program is the right fit for you. The first step is to check that your documents are complete. The CareerDesign@TUM team then assesses and evaluates your application documents. If you receive the required vote in this step, we look forward to a personal interview with you in which we will discuss your motivation for participating, your previous professional experience, and your professional goals. We would also be happy to discuss our mutual expectations for participation in this program.

Based on the review process, we recommend participation (or rejection) in the CareerDesign@TUM Board. The board then decides on admission or rejection of the program. Upon request, we will of course be happy to take the time to explain the reasons for rejection and suggest alternatives to participation in the TUM Science Manager (Level 1) qualification program.

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Technical University of Munich

TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning
CareerDesign@TUM

Eva-Maria Knipfer
Learning & Development Manager

Arcisstraße 21
80333 Munich

careerdesign@lll.tum.de

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