What Career Stage are you in?
R1-R4 System
In Germany, a research career path is often described using the R1–R4 classification system, which aligns with European standards and helps clarify career stages across institutions:
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R1 refers to first-stage researchers, typically PhD candidates who are beginning their academic research careers
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R2 includes postdoctoral researchers who have completed their PhD and are gaining further research experience
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R3 represents established researchers who may already be leading smaller research teams or supervising students
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R4 designates leading researchers, such as full professors or senior group leaders, who are internationally recognized experts