I work in the Institute of Sedimentary Geology, Chengdu University of Technology. I am now an associate researcher.
This is officially my first professional position regarding geosciences.
My institute is the only one within the Chinese universities which focusses on sedimentary geology. So, I send my CV to them. After an online interview, I got the offer.
I need to do both teaching and research in this position. I have found that both are interesting for me. Through teaching I need to refresh my knowledge from the fundamentals of geosciences, which provides me a chance to review a lot of fields which are not close to my research interests. Not to mention the research part, you never find another place in China with this high density of sedimentologists. You always find someone to discuss your questions and ideas.
I think except the research and teaching skills, skills including funding application and leading a small research group are the most important things for my job.
Normally, I have 3 to 4 hours of teaching task per week. The rest of the week I need to do my research and participate in activities of the institute. I am in China now, so everyone works in the evening and weekends, as well. I have to say, this is not good for my health.
I was employed by a special program of our university. This program provides seed funding for young scientists. Therefore, I have a wide range of options to select my research fields. Meanwhile, to find out a field which is worth digging should be difficult for any young scientist.
Everything I have learned is needed in my job.
I appreciate everything I have experienced in the University of Potsdam. It was a totally different system compared to my former university. I think the geosciences programs at the University of Potsdam are structured and enlightening. I used the experiences from the University of Potsdam to inspire my teaching and students supervision in China.
The only way to your success is that you keep walking.