Hand mit Smartphone

Services for postdocs

Campus card, IT resources, library
Hand mit Smartphone
Image: istockphoto

The Friedrich Schiller University offers central services for postdocs via its Graduate Academy: the offers include various possibilities for the interdisciplinary qualification both for scientific and non-scientific occupational fields, plus career counseling, support for personal initiatives and networking, and regular information provided in the Postdoc Newsletter. Furthermore, other central institutiopns of the university may be valuable contact partners for postdocs: advice can be found in the Service Center LehreLernen (for all questions regarding university didactics), as well as the Service Center for Research and Transfer (for acquiring third-party funding, exploitation of research results, and start-ups).

If you are employed at the University of Jena, you will automatically receive a computer center account and (upon request) a campus card. Postdocs who are not employed at the university can receive both from the Graduate Academy, following their registration as a postdoc.

Notice

If you have an employment contract as a postdoc at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, you will find all the information you need about starting your postdoc phase in Jena on our Welcome page.

Registration as a postdoc

If you would like to use the services of the Graduate Academy, please register as a postdoc in the doc-in portal.

If you are conducting postdoc research at University of Jena but are not employed, you can still register as a university employee and use e.g. the resources of the university computer center. This registration, too, can be made via the doc-in portal.

To the doc-in registration portalExternal link

University computer centre (URZ) / e-mail adress / WiFi

The University Computer Centre ('Universitätsrechenzentrum' – URZ) makes its services available to all members of the University. An IT account comprises:

  • How can I set up a University Computer Centre (URZ) user account?

    Academic employees of Universität of Jena will automatically receive their user account. You will receive the data for activation from the IT service center de.

    If you are not an employee, but are conducting postdoctoral research or working on your habilitation at the University of Jena, you may register as a postdoc and apply for a URZ account via the Welcome and Service Desk for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs.

  • Further questions

    How can I access scientific databases from external computers?
    You will be asked to install a piece of software ("VPN client") in order to access the university network from external computers. You can access the scientific databases via the library home page. For more information, click here de (in German).

    I would like to change my email address. What do I need to do?
    Please use the form on this websiteExternal link. You can also define an interim period during which you can use both your old and new email addresses.

Campus ID / Thoska

The Thuringian university ID card, or Thoska, is a multifunction campus card, which allows you to identify yourself as a postdoc of Jena University, use the library, photocopy or scan documents, and pay by card in the canteens and cafeterias.

  • How do I get a Thoska?

    Jena University employees
    As soon as your employment contract has been finalised, you may apply for a staff Thoska de.

    Postdocs who are not employed
    If you are not an employee, you can apply for a Thoska for university members. This does not include any benefits, but can be used as an identification card, a library card, and a payment card. Please register as a postdoc, and you can request the Thoska directly through the Welcome and Service Desk for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs.

    Employees at University Hospital
    If you are an employee at the University Hospital, you will receive a specific ThoskaExternal link for medical university members from there.

  • Further questions

    My Thoska is not working or is missing. What do I do?
    Please report to the responsible Thoska office. The re-equipment will cost 30€.

    My name has changed. What do I do?
    You may have a new card issued at the responsible Thoska office free of charge.

Library

The Thuringian State and University Library (ThULB)External link can be used by all members of the university. The ThULB has several libraries in the Jena city area. You will find an overview including opening hours on this pageExternal link.

Please note: Current information on restrictions due to the CoVid19 Pandemic can be found hereExternal link.

  • Registration

    Library use is only possible if you have a Thoska. You must register in person at the Central Services DeskExternal link of the ThULB, and activate your user account. For the activation you need a valid Thoska and an identity document (identity card, passport with current registration certificate or residence permit). 

    In the library, you can also purchase a guest user card for 10 euros. This card can be charged with money and used to make carbon copies in the library. It is not possible to borrow books with it.

  • Information on the services and use of the ThULB
  • Advisory services
  • Further questions

    How can I borrow, return and renew books?
    In the ThULB there are borrowable and non-borrowable media. As a doctoral candidate or postdoc, you are allowed to borrow media for a loan period of 28 days at the Central Loan Desk or self-check-out counters. In most cases, you may also renew a loan up to 3 times online in your user accountExternal link, as long as it has not been earmarked by another user. You can recognise items that cannot be borrowed by two yellow stripes on the back of the book.

    Where can I find subject-specific databases?
    You can access the subject-specific databases via the ThULB homepageExternal link or directly via the database information system (DBIS).External link You can access databases licensed by the ThULB that are only accessible on the "Uninetz" (university network) directly if you are working on a computer within the university network or on a computer in the ThULB. For access from outside, you need to install a software ("VPN Client") on your device. You can find more information on VPN access here de.

    How can I copy and scan?
    In the library sections, you will find copy, print and scan stations that you can use with your charged Thoska. If you want to scan single pages out of books, please use the specially equipped reflected-light scanners that are book-friendly. Copying with small change is possible in the main library building and in the Law, Economics and Social Sciences section library on Ernst Abbe Campus.

    How does the interlibrary loan work?
    Literature that is neither available in Jena libraries, nor accessible online, can be ordered from other libraries via  a so-called interlibrary loan. Ordering a book or an essay will cost a fee of EUR 1.50. Ordered books or essays are delivered as paper copies.
    In order to make an interlibrary loan, you must apply online for an interlibrary loan account and book loans to this accountExternal link. You must then pay the fees with your Thoska at the ThULB services counter. After payment, you can order the books or articles via the the GVK - GBV Union CatalogueExternal link. As your user name, enter the number on the back of your Thoska below the barcode (usually 0027...). You will be sent your secure password per email after you have set up your interlibrary loan account. You can find more information hereExternal link.

    How can I book a private workstation (carrel)?
    In the main library building and in some library sections, lockable individual workstations (private "carrels") are available in addition to the workstations in the reading areas. These can either be used on the current day without prior reservation (daily carrels) or booked in advance for a period of up to one month (weekly or monthly carrels) via the carrel booking systemExternal link.