Call: GROW Empowerment Program for first-generation and/or female postdocs

The action plan, which was approved by swissuniversities (Teilprogramm 1  «Aktionspläne zur Postdoc-Phase»), aims to support first-generation* and/or female** researchers at postdoctoral level in their academic career. To this end, the Graduate Campus developed the empowerment program GROW, to which 16 postdocs are admitted per cohort. 

*Researchers whose parents do not have a university degree
**Trans, inter and nonbinary persons are eligible as well

The postdoctoral phase is a crucial stage on the path to a successful academic career. The GROW Empowerment Program supports first-generation researchers and/or female researchers at this particular career level by offering a mentoring program, tailored workshops, and peer exchange.

The call for two new groups is open. The two groups will run in parallel. Interested candidates can apply for one of the two groups until 8 March 2026. The selected candidates will be notified at the end of March.

Participants admitted to the program

• engage in mentoring relationships with experienced professors, enabling them to take the next step in their careers more strategically.
• enhance their transferable skills through targeted workshops focused on academic careers and related topics (e.g., life balance).
• benefit from sustainable peer exchange opportunities within a peer mentoring group.
• expand their professional networks and gain valuable know-how and motivation to pursue their academic careers successfully.

Mentoring
Over the course of a year, the selected participants have three one-to-one meetings with a mentor to discuss their personal and professional development. The mentors are experienced academics who are selected together with the participants, with a focus on the program’s thematic priorities. The program coordination team facilitates the initial contact.

Workshops
The selected participants will attend five workshops on the following topics: appointment training, third-party funding acquisition, life balance, career sponsorship & networking, as well as speech, voice and confidence skills (see description). The workshop series includes four half-day and three full-day sessions and are free of charge.
Participants who are accepted to the program commit to attending all workshops.

Peer-Mentoring
The program provides an opportunity for informal and collaborative discussion on topics and formats that participants choose themselves. The initial meetings for these peer exchange sessions will be supported by organisational resources, as well as input from workshop leaders.

The program is aimed at female and/or first-generation academics working at the postdoctoral level at the University of Zurich, who are pursuing an academic career. To qualify as a first-generation postdoc, applicants must be the first in their family to attend university, which means that neither of their parents holds a university degree. The program is inclusive, i.e. it is open to women, men, trans individuals, intersex individuals and non-binary individuals.

Additional requirements:

• Interest and willingness to actively engage with one’s academic career path
• Commitment to participating in all program components
• Active engagement in the mentoring relationship
• Openness to feedback, suggestions, and constructive criticism
• Interest in networking and exchanging with other postdocs
• Regular and reliable communication with the program coordinators

• Employment at the University of Zurich for the entire duration of the program (or a realistic possibility of a contract extension)

Selection criteria
The 2026/27 program offers two groups with 16 places each. The selection is based on applicants’ goals and motivation, academic and other career-relevant achievements as well as their engagement with academic career planning. Efforts are made to ensure a balanced representation of faculties and disciplines.

The selected participants will attend five workshops.