Scientists

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

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.

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.

✔ 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.