I am currently near the end of my postdoc position, and now have to choose for my next research job. Field of research is Computer Science and in Germany. What I have in hand is offer to work either:
- Work as Consultant at university computing center in Germany for 2 years in nearby city (sizeable city).
- Postdoc in related field (mainly applying my background to other specific field) for 3 years in national research Institute in small city.
Both will require me to move to different city, with the second one located quite far from my current city (as compared to the first one). I am still within the limit of wissenchaftzeit.
These are the only options I have ATM, since I tried directly applying in Industry with no luck, due to the time limit. I might resume the application to industry, if possible, afterward. However, my primary target is to have one of this job as next step toward professor of applied science in Germany, which AFAIK will require one to have at least 5 years experience (with 2-3 years outside of university) to apply. These 2-3 years working outside of university requirement is the one I need to fulfill (I did not yet work outside of University up to this point after my Master degree).
I Just need some advices, as I want to ensure I give my best shot at this another job. I myself like to teach, but for now I just want to distance myself quite a bit from university, given that I have been there for quite some time. In this case, both are fine, as both workplace are not directly at university (please correct me if I am wrong). My plan is to apply the professorship at applied science university here after working on one of this job (which I think by distance and time, I will already miss to teach the student).
Currently I am more inclined to the second option, due to larger time frame and it is located in small city in Germany (thus I can save quite some of my salary). Also, there I can practice the local language better. However, working as consultant can be helpful in case I might go to industry later on.
Thanks again, and I appreciate your input.