Dual Career Office

DESY offers top-class scientists’ a dual career service for dual career couples. Already in the course of an appointment or after a job change to DESY, this service is available for the accompanying partner.

DESY is very interested in attracting highly qualified employees and wants to make sure that the partner’s career does not suffer because of the move. This is why the Dual Career Office provides an individual start-up support and proposes career connection options. Moreover, the good networking of the Dual Career Office with the metropolitan region of Hamburg creates ideal access opportunities into the labour market.

Career Service

The Dual Career Office works with you to determine strategies to position yourself well on the regional job market. Access to job vacancies, guidance in the process of application and further actions for career development are all part of the Dual Career services.
Further information can be found here.

Dual Career Network Hamburg + the North

The Dual Career Network Hamburg + the North was established in May 2019. The Network is comprised by research centers, universities and cultural institutions. The networking connections in the region will facilitate the job search for the dual career candidates.
Further information can be found here.

Welcome in Hamburg

Hamburg is a very attractive city. You will be able to discover many new things while keeping your own culture. This webpage provides information on life at DESY and tips and tricks on how to settle down in Hamburg. Further information can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I eligible for the dual career programme at DESY?

If your partner holds an appointment at DESY and you are relocating to Hamburg, you can directly contact the DESY Dual Career Office for support during you job search. In some cases the employer decides whether a job offer will be accompanied by a dual career offer as well and in this case the DESY Dual Career Office will contact you.

2. What can I expect from the dual career programme?

There is a basic and a premium service. The basic service provides you with a start-up support to enter the Hamburg job market. The access to job postings and corresponding links will be discussed. We will assist you with your applications and help you develop a strategy for further actions. The premium service includes a more comprehensive assistance for integration into the regional labor market. We will actively support your job search and will assist you in establishing your own professional network within the Dual Career Network Hamburg + the North by forwarding your cv to potential suitable employers. The corresponding assignment to premium service is decided by the employer.

3. How do I get connected with the Dual Career Office?

You can contact the DESY Dual Career Office by sending an email at the address mentioned in the website. We will then contact you and arrange a clearing interview at the earliest opportunity. If you are currently not in Hamburg, we can gladly arrange a telephone call.

4. What will the clearing interview be like and what do I have to bring along?

In the clearing interview, the Dual Career Office informs you about the individual services offered, we discuss common goals and determine the next steps for your job search. Having clear expectations and a broad goal in mind will help us tailor our service to your needs and develop an efficient strategy applicable to your specific needs. We advise you to prepare the issues that are of great importance to you prior to the clearing, for instance would you like to work part time or full time, what are your career objectives? The question of which documents are necessary will often be answered when the appointment for the interview is made. At the clearing interview it will be determined if your application includes all necessary documents or if additional documents are required.

5. What are the advantages of the Dual Career Network Hamburg + the North?

The Dual Career Network Hamburg + the North was established May 2019. The Network is comprised by research centers, universities and cultural institutions. We are currently working on gaining further partnerships with business institutions. The networking connections in the region will facilitate the job search for the dual career candidates.

6. What does “facilitation of mobility” involve?

A move to DESY requires a lot of effort: dealing with authorities and administrative bodies, house hunting, arrangement of child care, etc. The International Office with its long-standing experience will help in making your relocation easier. Additionally, the premium service of the Dual Career Office includes support in correspondence, scheduling and other issues that may arise due to language barriers. Your relocation should proceed smoothly and positively.

7. Does it make sense to learn German?

It is crucial to start learning German, ideally before your move to Germany, as it will eventually help you with your upcoming job interviews and everyday life in Hamburg. Having sufficient knowledge of the German language can help in making your transition to Germany easier and is typically a prerequisite for a successful job application. Even if you find a job where knowledge of the German language is not decisive, you will need elementary German language skills (level A2) to feel at ease in your everyday life.

8. How can I get in touch with my native fellows and how can I live in my own native culture in Hamburg?

We recommend networking with your native fellows in Hamburg. You can exchange useful tips and information, which can help you integrate quickly into your new city. Under the heading “start-up support” you will get information on foreign clubs and twin cities of Hamburg which regularly offer interesting events.