Holders of career-track positions face a whole range of demands simultaneously: they are establishing their research groups, meeting qualification criteria – including those relating to publications, external funding, collaborations, leadership responsibilities and teaching – and, on top of that, often have to find their feet in a new city or country. Juggling so many roles at once can be overwhelming.

This is where TU.Tenure comes in: “With this programme, we aim to provide career-track academics with the best possible support on their path to a professorship, helping them to acquire useful skills and build a network with their peers from other institutes and faculties,” says project leader Helga Gartner. 

Ready for an academic career

Systematic professional development is also a key objective at the very highest level of TU Wien: both the Vice Rectorate for Research and the Vice Rectorate for Human Resources regard the development of research teams as a crucial factor in the university’s success.

Peter Ertl, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation and International Affairs, says:

“Our tenure-track researchers set clear goals, take on leadership responsibilities and position themselves for their future academic careers. This is exactly what we want for all colleagues in career-track positions – and they should not have to navigate this challenging phase alone. TU.Tenure offers targeted support for this and makes all the difference – today and for future cohorts.”

In this way, the programme directly implements TU Wien’s strategic vision, as, being a university of excellence and an attractive employer, it is also about providing the best possible support for promising talent. Vice Rector Ute Koch emphasises this by focusing on staff development:

“With TU.Tenure, TU Wien is investing in a targeted and structured manner in the professional development of its researchers in tenure-track positions, rather than implementing isolated, ad hoc measures. This phase is characterised by change and requires strong self-management; at the same time, many are already taking on significant responsibility, establishing research groups and leading their teams in line with their vision. TU.Tenure systematically supports them in this process and strengthens their leadership skills so that they can navigate this phase with confidence.”

TU.Tenure has now run for two cohorts, each lasting nine months. The academic and personal support provided by TU.Tenure is delivered through bespoke tools that are introduced, trialled and then tailored to each individual over the course of nine months: independently, collaboratively within the group, and with the support of international academic coach Simone Poetscher, who accompanies the programme throughout its duration. She says:

“The real measure of success is the transformation in the participants’ self-confidence: they navigate the tenure journey with greater clarity and less pressure, and by the end know exactly which priorities they need to set.”

Preparations for the next cohort of TU.Tenure are already underway. The call for applications is open until 15 September 2026 and is aimed at all tenure-track academics who wish to advance their academic careers with structured support and targeted guidance. The TU.Tenure team looks forward to receiving applications!

Feedback from participants

TU.Tenure is a fantastic programme that guides and supports tenure-track academics. It offers a practical toolkit and various methods for navigating the many challenges along the path to tenure.

At the same time, it provides individual coaching tailored to our personal challenges. No generic advice, but support tailored to each and every one of us.

Through the TU.Tenure programme, we have learnt to value ourselves, our work and our time. But also how to encourage others to recognise this in us, whilst at the same time respecting the individual needs, abilities and time of our team members.

Simone is a fantastic coach, and the programme is also a great opportunity to get to know colleagues from other faculties.

Information and registration

Tenure track positions, opens an external URL in a new window

Contact for enquiries about the programme or the next cohort

Helga Gartner
Staff Development
Helga.gartner@tuwien.ac.at
+43 664 60588 6154