Career Fair

Postdoc Academy – Your Career Space

Save the Date: Postdoc Career Fair on June 11, 2026

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Humboldt Graduate School

Exploring Career Opportunities Beyond Academia

Stepping out of the academic world could be both an exciting and daunting prospect. While some eagerly explore opportunities in industry, science management, public service, or entrepreneurship, others may find it challenging to determine an entry point.

The Postdoc Career Fair, hosted by the Berlin University Alliance, provides guidance, concrete insights, and networking opportunities for postdocs considering career paths beyond academic research.

Program Overview – Postdoc Career Fair 2026

View Full Program (Click to Expand)

Experienced researchers who have made the transition into careers outside of acadmia, as well as HR representatives, will share their insights in panel discussions.

09:00	Welcome & Introductions Keynote Address by Rouven Sperling: “Berlin Job Market” Introduction of organizations represented at the fair
10:00 – 17:00	Individual offerings: Start Up & Career Counseling
11:00	Panel discussion “Career goal: Professorship at a university of applied sciences”
11:00	Panel discussion “Careers and Roles in Foundations, NGOs, and Think Tanks”
11:00 – 15:00	‘Marketplace’: Information stands from employers, further education institutions, and career development experts
14:00	Panel discussion “How can I start my own business with an innovative idea”
14:00	Panel discussion “Career in consulting”
15:00	Panel discussion “Career Opportunities in the Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region“
15:00	Panel discussion “Government Institutions and Public Administration”
16:00	“Key Insights and Strategic Career Planning”
17:00	End

Take the next step after the Career Fair

Inspired by the Postdoc Career Fair? Continue your career exploration with our workshop series From Academia to Business.

This four-part series supports postdocs in identifying career paths, translating research experience into strong CVs, and navigating LinkedIn and job applications. It also includes interview training (in German) and peer exchange in small groups.

October 14 and 21 & November 4 and 18, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
In-person workshop at Humboldt Graduate School, Berlin
Open to BUA-affiliated postdocs

Secure your spot now!

Information for Organizations and Companies

Join our career fair for PhD graduates looking to transition into careers outside of academia. Engage with highly qualified candidates and identify potential future professionals through a dedicated information booth from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
A designated section of the ‘marketplace’ space is reserved for organizations in water-related domains.
Starting in April 2026, participating organizations will receive anonymized CVs of registered attendees, enabling advance coordination of meetings.

Logistics and Support for Participating Organizations

A comprehensive booth setup is provided, including a table (approx. 80 x1.50 cm), two chairs, and a standing table.
Participation in the fair is free of charge.
Please deliver your promotion materials (banners, flyers, etc.) in advance to our office: Humboldt Graduate School, Luisenstr. 56, 10117 Berlin, Olga Miller, Room 114, 030 - 2093 89700
Delivery Window: Wednesday, June 10, 2026, between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Collection Period: Friday, June 12, 2026, between 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Confirmed Participants: Employers, Training Providers, and Labor Market Experts (2026)

Employers participating in the Career Fair will be announced gradually.

Their logos and short descriptions will be published on this page as they become available.

Berlin Partner

Talent Berlin is the official talent platform of Berlin Partner for Business and Technology. It connects international professionals with job opportunities in the Berlin-Brandenburg region and provides information on working and living in Berlin.

For more information, please visit the Talent Berlin website:
https://talent.berlin/jobs/jobsuche

Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientific institution of the Federal Government that conducts research and provides independent expert advice on food, chemical, and consumer product safety. Its work supports evidence-based policy decisions and protects public health.

For more information, please visit the website of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment:
https://www.bfr.bund.de/

d-fine

d-fine is a European management consulting firm specializing in data analytics, quantitative modelling, and technological solutions. With a strong scientific and analytical focus, the company supports organizations across various industries in solving complex challenges and implementing innovative, technology-driven solutions.

For more information, please visit the website of d-fine:
https://www.d-fine.com/

Hochschule Bremen – City University of Applied Sciences

Hochschule Bremen is a public university of applied sciences offering practice-oriented teaching and research across engineering, natural sciences, economics, and social sciences. With a strong international focus, it collaborates with partners worldwide and prepares students and researchers for careers in academia, industry, and public institutions.

For more information, please visit the website of Hochschule Bremen:
https://www.hs-bremen.de/

Hochschule Bremerhaven – University of Applied Sciences

Hochschule Bremerhaven is a public university of applied sciences known for its practice-oriented teaching and research, particularly in the fields of logistics, energy, food science, and maritime technologies. The university collaborates closely with industry and international partners to prepare students and researchers for careers in science, business, and innovation.

For more information, please visit the website of Hochschule Bremerhaven:
https://www.hs-bremerhaven.de/

Berliner Hochschule für Technik

Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT) is a university of applied sciences focused on practice-oriented teaching, innovation, and research in engineering, natural sciences, business, and digital technologies. The university offers a wide range of study programs and promotes close collaboration with industry, research institutions, and public-sector partners to prepare students for future-oriented careers.

For more information, please visit the BHT Career website:
https://www.bht-berlin.de/karriere

Fraunhofer HHI

Fraunhofer HHI Venture Lab is an initiative of the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute supporting researchers and founders in transforming deep-tech and AI research into scalable startups. Through incubation, venture building, and accelerator programs, the Venture Lab provides access to patents, research infrastructure, industry expertise, and early-stage funding to help commercialize innovative technologies.

For more information, please visit the website of the Fraunhofer HHI Venture Lab:
https://www.venturelab-hhi.de/

German Postdoc Network (GPN)

The German Postdoc Network (GPN) is a nationwide initiative dedicated to improving the postdoctoral experience across Germany. Open to postdocs from universities, universities of applied sciences, and non-university research institutions, the GPN fosters connection, collaboration, and professional exchange through events, working groups, and networking opportunities.

For more information, please visit the GPN website.

Guidance, Skills & Opportunities for Researchers (GSO)

Guidance, Skills & Opportunities for Researchers (GSO) is an independent non-profit organization supporting researchers at key career transitions. GSO provides career guidance, leadership development, cross-sector networking opportunities, and funding for interdisciplinary and high-risk research projects.

For more information, please visit the GSO website:
https://gsonet.org/

Helmholtz Association PostDoc Network (HAPN)

The Helmholtz Association PostDoc Network (HAPN) is the official representation of postdoctoral researchers within the Helmholtz Association. It is a volunteer-run network that advocates for improved working conditions towards the Helmholtz Association Administration as well as towards external stakeholders like the federal ministry of research (BMFTR).

For more information and social media, visit https://linktr.ee/thehapn

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) is a leading research centre focused on developing materials and technologies for a sustainable energy future. Its research covers areas such as solar energy, energy storage, catalysis, and quantum materials. With large-scale facilities like the BESSY II synchrotron, HZB enables advanced materials research at the atomic level to improve efficiency and performance.

For more information, please visit the HZB website:
https://www.helmholtz-berlin.de/index_en.html

MLP Finanzberatung

MLP Finanzberatung is a financial consulting company offering personalized advice on topics such as insurance, investments, retirement planning, and financial management. MLP supports students, academics, professionals, and entrepreneurs with tailored financial solutions for different life and career stages.

For more information, please visit the MLP website:
https://mlp.de/

PD – Berater der öffentlichen Hand

PD – Berater der öffentlichen Hand is a consulting firm that supports the German public sector in modernizing administration and implementing infrastructure and investment projects. As a company fully owned by public shareholders, it advises federal, state, and municipal authorities on topics such as digitalization, administrative reform, and sustainable public infrastructure.

For more information, please visit the website of PD – Berater der öffentlichen Hand:
https://www.pd-g.de/

Science & Startups

Science & Startups is the joint startup service of Berlin’s leading universities — Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Technische Universität Berlin — in cooperation with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. It supports researchers, students, and graduates in turning innovative research ideas into successful startups and provides access to mentoring, funding programs, and a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem.

For more information, please visit the Science & Startups website:
https://www.science-startups.berlin/

Scitaris

Scitaris is a strategy consulting firm specializing in biopharma and biotechnology. With a team of PhD-trained consultants, the company supports pharmaceutical and biotech organizations in making strategic decisions across the drug development process, from early research to clinical development and portfolio strategy.

For more information, please visit the Scitaris website:
https://scitaris.com/

Silicon Allee

Silicon Allee is a Berlin-based startup and innovation network supporting founders and researchers in building scalable deep-tech and AI ventures. Through accelerator programs, venture building, events, and access to expert networks and research infrastructure, Silicon Allee helps transform innovative technologies into successful startups.

For more information, please visit the website of Silicon Allee:
https://www.siliconallee.com/

Technische Universität Berlin – M.Sc. Science Management

The Master’s program Science Management (M.Sc.) at the Technische Universität Berlin is a continuing education program that equips professionals with skills in science management, science communication, and science marketing. It combines management principles with practical insights into the research and higher-education system and prepares graduates for roles in universities, research organizations, foundations, and science policy.

For more information, please visit the website of the Science Management M.Sc. program at TU Berlin:
https://www.tu.berlin/studieren/studienangebot/gesamtes-studienangebot/studiengang/wissenschaftsmanagement-m-sc

Xitaso

XITASO is a digitalization partner and consulting firm specializing in high-end software engineering. The company supports organizations in developing innovative digital solutions, optimizing processes, and implementing technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud systems, and Industry 4.0 applications.

For more information, please visit the XITASO website:
https://www.xitaso.com/