International scientists in the laboratory

Scientists

Pharmaceutics, chemistry or energy and environment technology? Germany has a demand for a variety of occupational fields in natural sciences.

Working as a scientist in Germany

Be innovative!

Germany has always been known as an important location for industry, namely for the car industry and its mechanical and process plant engineering, and for being a global player in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. In the upcoming sectors of biotech and nanotechnology, Germany is also way out in front. According to the Bloomberg Innovation Index, Germany ranks fourth among the most innovative countries worldwide (as of 2021).

Your career as a scientist in Germany

Germany has a plethora of jobs for scientists and mathematicians. Aside from the usual positions in research, teaching and management, scientists and mathematicians also work in the IT sector, in marketing and sales, in the fields of administration and law, and in the financial sector. The industries that are mostly looking for scientists and mathematicians are the following:

  • Chemistry
  • Research and Development
  • Pharmaceutics
  • Financial analysis
  • Architecture/Engineering
  • Energy engineering and electrical engineering
Natural scientists at work
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Working as a researcher in Germany

The German research landscape is exceptionally vast. Universities and research are not the only institutions carrying out research; many companies have their own R&D departments. You can also carry out research as a PhD student (Doktorandin or Doktorand) and earn money in the process. Certain research teams or companies offer to fund your research while writing your dissertation; other research teams and/or universities offer fellowship programmes.

Find more information on your career opportunities as a researcher in Germany.

Do I need a visa?

As a citizen of the European Union, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, you do not require a visa or a residence permit to work in Germany. Citizens of other countries do require a residence permit for this purpose. You can find more information on the work visa for qualified professionals and the EU Blue Card in the "Visa" section.

Tip

If finding a job position from abroad appears to be challenging, it is possible to enter Germany for a period of 6 months after completing your studies in order to look for a job. You can find out which requirements need to be fulfilled to apply for a visa for jobseekers in the "Visa for jobseekers" section.

Info box

Would you like to work as a scientific researcher and need a visa to work in Germany? Then you have two options. You can either apply for a visa for research or the EU Blue Card for this purpose. You should therefore check the requirements for each residence title and whether you fulfil them.

Next steps

Next steps
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✔ Your career prospects: with our Quick-Check, you can find out about the opportunities available to you for working and living in Germany.

✔ The German employment market: find more information on job-hunting and get useful tips in our “Looking for a job” section.

✔ Apply now: find a suitable position in our "Make it in Germany" job listings and use our tips for a successful job application in Germany.

Tip

Knowledge of the German language is not mandatory to work as a scientist or mathematician in Germany. However, speaking German will make your entry into the labour market and your day-to-day life in Germany easier. You can find more information on learning opportunities in the "Learning German" section.

Information on the web

  1. Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) Industrial Policy
    1. Industry 4.0
  2. The Federal Government The High-Tech Strategy 2025
  3. German Chemical Society (GDCh) Job descriptions for chemists
  4. DPG German Physical Society
  5. Important research institutions Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
    1. Helmholtz Association
    2. Leibniz Association
    3. Max-Planck-Gesellschaft

Do you have any questions?

Let us advise you on your opportunities to work and live in Germany. Our experts will support you with questions regarding job search, visa, recognition and learning German. 

You can find out more about the various contact options by clicking on one of the icons in the bar below.

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