Meet a Science Manager

With our "Meet a Science Manager" format, we invite you to explore local institutions in the field of science management. Connect with former postdocs and doctoral researchers to learn how they transitioned from academia into science management – and what this career path actually involves. Our "meetings" take place in Dresden and the surrounding region, offering a closer look at each institution’s mission, (work) culture, and department-specific practices.

The aim is to provide valuable insights into a variety of institutions and disciplines, foster professional connections, and help you build your network. Through this format, we want to highlight the diversity and wide range of opportunities that science management has to offer.

Organizational details:

• Our "meetings" are scheduled for approximately 3-4 hours in the morning.

• Each session is limited to around 10-15 participants. A waiting list will be available.

• The meetings will take place in either German or English.

• Please register individually for each "meeting" you wish to attend. You will receive detailed information (e.g., meeting point) shortly before the event. 

• If you are unable to attend at short notice due to illness or other circumstances beyond your control, please notify us immediately via email at careercenter@hzdr.de. This allows us to offer your spot to someone on the waiting list.

• Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the event. Please note that official travel approval may be required. Any costs incurred for travel will not be reimbursed.

Previous meetings 

November 26, 2025 @ Else Kröner Fresenius Center (EKFZ) for Digital Health

During our recent visit to the EKFZ for Digital Health, doctoral researchers and postdocs from HZDR and TU Dresden had the opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the diverse and dynamic field of science management. Participants learned what this profession encompasses, which roles fall under it, and how careers in this area can develop. A particular highlight was meeting Sabine Marschollek, Administrative Director of the EKFZ, who is responsible for a team of around 150 employees. She shared her personal journey into leadership, offering an honest look at what it means to guide people in science management: from supporting doctoral researchers and mentoring staff to contributing to impactful science communication. In this welcoming, small-group setting, our doctoral researchers and postdocs also met three additional women in science management roles at EKFZ. Dr. Sarah Tsurkan, Head of Regulatory Affairs, spoke about her professional and private path from the United States to Dresden. From the Grant Office, Dr. Elisabeth Fischmeier gave insights into her daily work at the project office of SEMECO, including reading and editing proposals. Finally, Dr. Uta Gutbier shared her experiences from Teaching & Talents Management, illustrating the highly structured and administrative side of science management like managing study programs; and the transition from academia to a non-lab career after years spent as a doctoral researcher and postdoc.

Each of the four speakers shared key learnings from their personal and professional journeys – from navigating challenges to discovering what truly motivates them. Over the course of four inspiring hours, we explored four distinct career paths, asked questions, and engaged in open discussions on work–life balance, care responsibilities, leadership as women in science management, and the struggles they faced during their academic journeys. Their openness created an atmosphere of trust, connection, and genuine encouragement. A heartfelt thank you to Sabine and her colleagues for their time, openness, and for hosting such an enriching event.

October 30, 2025 @ Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems (MPIPKS)

What does it take to welcome over 400 international visiting scientists to the MPIPKS every year – and give them the perfect start in Dresden? Dr Pablo Pérez Martín, head of the visitor programme and former HZDR doctoral student, offered fascinating insights into the multifaceted realm of scientific management. From visa formalities and finding accommodation to organising workshops and conferences, a complex network of planning and communication lies behind every successful research stay. Dr Pérez Martín developed many of these skills during his doctoral studies, for example in project management, intercultural cooperation and scientific exchange, and he continues to develop them in his role as Science Manager.

He was supported by Dr Panos Giannakeas, coordinator of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Quantum Dynamics and Control. Combining scientific expertise with organisational talent, he not only conducts his own research as a group leader, but also coordinates the supervision of around 60 doctoral students, promotes international cooperation, and designs programmes for scientific further education and personal development. Together, they demonstrated that science management is much more than organization – it is the art of enabling research.

September 12, 2024 @ Staatliche Betriebsgesellschaft für Umwelt und Landwirtschaft, BfUL

We had the privilege of getting an in-depth introduction to various business areas of the BfUL. In addition to the opening words from the Managing Director Dr. Böttger and an overview of the operational practices of the BfUL, Dr. Heinrich provided profound insights into the topics of immissions, emissions, and radon. Mr. Höpfer impressed us with a comprehensive presentation of the measurement network operations in the fields of water and meteorology. Dr. Delling shared her valuable experiences from the field of agricultural research, which was excellently complemented by the expertise of Dr. Goldstein in the area of nature conservation monitoring and environmental analytics. Furthermore, our participants had the opportunity to experience three specialized departments and laboratories up close: the radiochemical laboratory focusing on gamma spectrometry, the calibration laboratory for air measurement, and the measurement network center for air measurement networks and measurement technology.

June 13th, 2024 @ Saxon State Ministry for Energy, Climate Protection, Environment and Agriculture (abbreviation: SMEKUL)

We visited the division of Radiation Protection, Genetic Engineering and Chemicals, which supervises licensees, works on legislation and advises policy makers. Dr. Britta Schilling (Genetic Engineering and Chemical Safety) and Dr. Michael Anders (Nuclear Technology and Radiation Protection, HZDR-alumni) reported on their daily work and showed how the transfer from science to science management has taken place. Anke Hanert from the Human Resources Department (Personnel Recruitment and Development) informed about the requirements for a promising application, the selection process and career opportunities at SMEKUL.