Fair academic careers

At the University of Bern, fairness is a core principle to foster an environment where talent is recognized and rewarded. Following the San Francisco Declaration on Responsible Assessment (DORA), we evaluate with clear criteria tailored to each process. Beyond publications, we value many research outputs, including datasets and software. All the outcomes listed by the ORCID organization are taken into account.

Our commitment to fairness extends to hiring, promotions, and resource distribution. Professional development programmes further support faculties, researchers, and students, helping to break down systemic barriers, foster a debiasing culture and create lasting pathways to equity.

By embedding fairness into every aspect of our institution, we cultivate a diverse and inclusive academic community where excellence and equal opportunity go hand in hand.

Find out more about our strategies for fair academic careers in the video down below!

The university highly values a comprehensive assessment of research achievements; a purely quantitative approach is no longer appropriate. Young researchers make a wide variety of contributions to scientific progress. These achievements must be measured fairly using the right assessment and evaluation practices Prof. Dr. Andrew Chan, Vice-Rector for International and Academic Careers

To promote fair academic careers, we encourage...

Transparent and Structured Recruitment

We establish clear job criteria and evaluation parameters, ensuring transparency. Salary scales are publicly available.

Responsible Assessment Practices

In line with the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), we evaluate candidates based on a diverse portfolio of outputs, ranging from teaching and database creation to societal impact and beyond. Data analytics are always interpreted within their specific context, and quantitative evaluations are never a substitute for qualitative insights. Find out more about our institutional research assessments! 

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Equal opportunities officers take part in hiring committees and candidate pools, ensuring gender representation. We offer the COMET career programme to support female postdocs, as well as trans, intersex and nonbinary postdocs. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups and hold workshops to raise awareness about racism and power dynamics. Online courses on unconscious biases, produced by the University of Lausanne, are available to all UniBE members with a SWITCH account. Still curious about equal opportunities? Have a look at our initiatives.

Early-career researchers (PhD candidates, post-docs, research assistants) often face structural barriers, such as limited funding, precarious job security, and unequal access to mentorship and networks. Providing them with financial support and professional development programmes helps level the playing field, allowing talent and innovation to thrive based on merit rather than privilege.

Additionally, fostering early-career researchers strengthens the academic ecosystem by promoting diverse perspectives, preventing elitism, and ensuring long-term sustainability in research and education.

The Academic Careers Office of the University of Bern...

• Supports early-career researchers with several funding instruments
• Proposes skills enhancement programmes and career development trainings
• Offers advice on career planning, especially in the post-doc stage
• Together with several academic institutions (Vice-rectorates, Research Commission, HR, Office for Equal Opportunities, University Library etc.), it facilitates exchanges on talent development, provides expertise for university leadership, advises departments, collects best practices, develops model initiatives, and fosters collaborations.

Check our opportunities for early-career researchers and find out more!