Target group
We are looking for dedicated female Master's students from HTWK Leipzig who have a strong interest in science and are eager to gain more experience in this field. If you are proactive in advancing your own career development and possess the required technical knowledge according to the job description, you are exactly who we are looking for.
As part of the program, you will also participate in our comprehensive framework, which includes a kick-off event, career-specific workshops, and review meetings. Regular evaluations will also be conducted to ensure you get the most out of the program.
➔ Important: Female Master's students from all fields of study who will still be enrolled at the HTWK Leipzig for at least one year at the start of the program are eligible to apply.
Your opportunities as WHK
- Experience the scientific operations at HTWK Leipzig up close and gain insights into current and future research projects
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the role of a university of applied sciences professor and the specific working conditions at a university of applied sciences
- Develop your own skills in scientific work further and plan individual strategies for a potential academic career
- Explore various research areas and funding opportunities for a PhD to shape your potential academic future
Workshops
Karriere in der Wissenschaft: Selbstverständnis, Stärken und Kommunikation
Strukturen verstehen – Strategien entwickeln – Berufliche Schritte gehen
Referentin: Magdalena Kaminska
20.01.2026, 09:00-12:00 Uhr
Ziele der Workshops:
• Eigene Stärken, Werte und Ressourcen erkennen
• Selbstbehauptung in der wissenschaftlichen Praxis stärken
• Geschlechterdynamiken und Strukturen in der Wissenschaft verstehen
• Konkrete nächste Schritte für den eigenen Werdegang planen
Tag 1 – Selbstverständnis, Stärken und Kommunikation
Am ersten der beiden Workshoptage reflektieren und würdigen wir mit der „Time Line“
den bisherigen Werdegang und widmen uns den eigenen Stärken und Ressourcen. Das
nehmen wir als Grundlage für derzeitige Herausforderungen, sei es bezüglich beruflicher
Klarheit aber auch Selbstbehauptung und Kommunikation im Wissenschaftsalltag. Für
einzelne von den Teilnehmenden zur Verfügung gestellte Beispiele (z.B. schwierige
Kommunikation, Beziehungsmanagement) entwickeln wir im Rahmen einer kollegialen
Fallberatung konkrete Lösungen. Anschliessend macht jede Teilnehmende einen
„Aktionsplan“ mit Zielen, die sie zwischen den Workshops verwirklichen möchte.
Anmeldeschluss: 15.01.2026 (Anmeldung per E-Mail an fsn (at) htwk-leipzig.de)
FAQ
Target group
➡️ Who can apply to Compass2Career?
Applications are open to female Master's students at HTWK Leipzig from all faculties who have been enrolled at the university for at least one year at the start of the semester and are interested in both the career profile of the HAW professorship and in working in academia.
Time frame and type of activity
➡️ What is the duration of the WHK activity?
The duration of your WHK activity is two semesters or one year. During this time, you can work a maximum of 14 hours per week, depending on your availability. This will be determined at the beginning so that you can easily combine the WHK position with your studies. You can then determine the working hours, taking into account your study schedule and in consultation with your supervisor. Participation in the Compass2Career supporting programme is part of your working time.
➡️ What tasks might the WHK position entail?
The tasks of a WHK can vary depending on the subject area, research field and the requirements of the professorship. At Compass2Career, we attach great importance to you gaining an insight into the academic world (research, teaching and transfer) and gaining valuable experience in the process. Typical fields of activity for research assistants include, for example
- Research support: WHKs can provide support in various research activities. This includes data collection, data analysis, literature research and collaboration in laboratories/workshops
- Support with research proposals: Assist in the preparation of significant proposal components for research proposals
- Support in the preparation of courses: e.g. by maintaining the OPAL platform and compiling teaching materials
- Support in the preparation of publications: In some cases, WHKs can assist in the preparation of research papers, reports or other publications by collecting literature sources, helping with writing or formatting
- Networking: Networking with (early career) researchers within the faculty and HTWK Leipzig
- Event support: WHKS can help with the preparation of larger events such as conferences, congresses or symposia
- Individual career planning: exploring potential (academic) career paths
➡️ What supporting programme does Compass2Career offer?
As a WHK on the Compass2Career programme, we support you during the year with three topic-specific workshops that are scheduled into your working hours. You will also start the programme with a kick-off event and get to know the other WHKs on the programme. During your time on the programme, you will also have the opportunity to hold three mentoring meetings with your mentor. You will receive a mentoring briefing in advance. At the end of the programme, there will be a short final review meeting. During your participation in the programme, you can also take part in events organised by the Female Scientists Network.
Selection procedure
➡️ How can I apply?
There will be advertisements for the WHK positions on the website, which you are welcome to apply for if you are interested and have the right technical skills. The application documents include a letter of motivation (including details of your desired number of hours), your CV and a current certificate of enrolment. Send these documents in one PDF to fsn (at) htwk-leipzig.de by the application deadline.
➡️ How does the selection process and recruitment as a WHK work?
After the application deadline, the applications received will be reviewed and, if you are a formal fit, you will receive an invitation to an interview in a timely manner. If you are accepted onto the programme, we will send you all further information by email.
➡️ Can I only take part in the programme once?
If you have already been offered a WHK position in the Compass2Career programme, it is unfortunately not possible to participate again.
Others
➡️ Will I receive a reference at the end of my WHK employment?
You are entitled to an employer's reference at the end of your WHK employment. You can request this by e-mail from the Human Resources Department in due course. Please also name your contact person at the faculty and the Compass2Career project coordinator in the request.
➡️ Who can I contact if there are any problems during the WHK activity?
We want to make sure that your time as a WHK is a positive one. Please contact the project coordinator of the Female Scientists Network if you have any problems or conflicts.
