Currently, JGU is successfully participating in the European initiative Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) and has been awarded the HR Excellence in Research award. The decision to integrate the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers into JGU’s own HR development strategy was based on an internal analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of JGU’s working conditions for researchers and young researchers. Based on the results of this internal analysis, an action plan was developed which addressed the potential of JGU’s HR strategy to be developed further. Various research representatives with different levels of experience took part in analyzing JGU’s working conditions for (young) researchers: doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers and professors. One the results will be a greater emphasis on supporting the careers of postdoctoral researchers – closely modelled upon the German Rectors’ Conference’s (HRK) guiding framework on young postdoctoral researchers and academic careers besides the professorship.