Family & Career

Live your family life. Build your career. Both are possible with us.

With family-friendly structures, flexibility, and understanding, we create a working environment in which there is room for both.

Research needs people—and people need time for their families.

We make both possible.

  • Individual support for expectant parents – in preparing for parental leave and returning to work
  • Cooperation with kindergartens in Jena – easier search for places and better childcare prospects
  • Childcare at institute events – e.g., summer parties, workshops, or team events
  • Child-friendly workspace – parents can bring their children with them if necessary and work in a quiet environment while the little ones play, paint, or sleep
  • Flexible solutions for family challenges – where possible – in terms of working hours, coordination within the team, and daily schedule

Care takes time—and understanding.

Demographic change means that many people are faced with the task of balancing their careers with caring for relatives. Legal regulations such as the Family Care Leave Act create the framework for this. We support employees in the challenge of caring for relatives by offering advice, understanding, and guidance.

Stronger together: We network for families, research, and the future.

Through cooperation in Jena, Thuringia, and Europe, we create opportunities—for employees, families, and international science.

Focus on families—Jena Alliance for Families

The The Jena Alliance for Families strengthens families as a central component of our society. Together with currently 64 partners from business, science, politics, administration, and social institutions, it promotes family-friendly living conditions in Jena – through better childcare options, flexible working models, affordable housing, and a strong social and cultural environment. The FLI has been an active alliance partner for over ten years and helps shape family-friendliness in Jena.

Jenaer Bündnis für Familie 


Double the welcome – Dual Career & EURAXESS

Dual Career Network

As a founding member of the Dual Career Network Thuringia, the FLI is part of a strong network of universities, research institutions, companies, and public institutions. 

Two careers. A new location. A shared path. 

Dual career couples often face double challenges – changing jobs, deciding where to live, family planning. Through the Dual Career Network Thuringia, we create access, contacts, and orientation so that both partners can gain a foothold and grow professionally. The FLI supports qualified couples in settling into Thuringia, both professionally and privately. Through the Dual Career Network Thuringia, we assist them with orientation, networking, and the search for development opportunities – for both their careers and families.

We are also involved in the Dual Career Network Central Germany and the Dual Career Network of the Jena Alliance for Families – to make it easier for couples and families to start afresh in Jena.

EURAXESS - Researchers in Motion

In addition, the FLI is an active member of EURAXESS, a Europe-wide initiative that offers researchers comprehensive information, orientation, and networking opportunities for careers with an international perspective. EURAXESS - Researchers in Motion