According to a survey conducted by the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh; German Chemical Society), the job market in Germany in 2013 was not worse than in previous years. Compared to 2012, only the number of those increased who only found a temporary contract. Industry offered more temporary positions and more PhDs took a Posdoc position in Germany to bypass unemployment. Perhaps these can be seen as signs for a more tight situation.

The Career Service of the GDCh asked the regional groups of their young chemists’ organization (JCF) to rate the situation at their universities. This unrepresentative assessment revealed that the situation for fellow students has become more difficult in 2013. Many companies have substantially reduced new hires, but still invite a lot of candidates; perhaps to get a sounding of the market. Other companies do not advertise any positions and the students also heard of an increasing number of internships for doctorates. They also said that the salaries are significantly lower than expected. Offers from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were in the range of 35,000 EUR gross yearly income. Very helpful still are personal contacts.

• Der Arbeitsmarkt – aus der Sicht von Jungchemikern,
  Karin J. Schmitz,
  Nachr. Chem. 2014, 62, 813–814.
  DOI: 10.1002/nadc.201490271

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