Pathways to professorship

Job outline professorship

The tasks of a professor at a university of applied sciences (UAS) are diverse and varied. Practice-oriented teaching, application-oriented research, university management - these are all part of the daily work routine.

Great creative freedom

Professors have a great deal of freedom to shape the content of their work. Their rights and duties are regulated by the State University Law. Compared to many other professions, working hours can be arranged quite flexibly. Family and career can thus be easily reconciled. RWU is also certified as a family-friendly institution.

Practical work experience instead of habilitation

The UAS professorship differs from the university professorship in a number of ways. Practical relevance in teaching and research is a hallmark of UAS. Unlike at universities, habilitation or junior professorship is not a prerequisite for appointment; instead, we rely on practical work experience.

Teaching is one of the main tasks of UAS professors. The teaching load at an UAS is 18 semester hours per week, which is higher than the load of a university professorship. At the same time, the degree programs are characterized by an excellent supervision ratio and thus personal contact between lecturers and students.

Application-oriented research

Application-oriented research is also part of the activities of UAS professors. Of particular importance is the transfer of knowledge and technology to non-university practice.

Another field of activity is academic self-administration. This includes, among other things, the work in university committees, in equal opportunities or the management of study programs.

Women´s Advancement

There are various support programs for women on their way to professorships. You can find information on the Equal Opportunities pages. We would like to point out the possibility for female academics to register as applicants in the "Datenbank Professorin (HAW/DHBW)". RWU aims to increase the number of female professors. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcomed.

Appointment to a professorship

The appointment to a professorship is usually, and if the relevant requirements are met, initially as a probationary civil servant. Therefore, in the case of a first appointment, the employment relationship is initially limited in time. If the requirements are fulfilled, the subsequent transfer to a civil servant relationship for life is intended.

The salary is based on the W-pay-scale (usually W2) and consists of the basic salary and, where applicable, performance-related pay.

Appointment procedure

Appointment to a UAS professorship is a multi-stage process. The selection committee is the appointment committee, which consists of professors with expertise in the field, an external expert, two women with expertise in the field, students, and the equal opportunity representative. The appointment committee is chaired by a member of the Dean's Office or the Rector's Office.

After the closing date for applications has expired and the applications have been reviewed, invitations are sent out for a personal presentation in the form of a lecture. This is followed by an interview with the appointment committee. The appointment committee then draws up a list of proposed appointments, which is first considered by the university committees. Before the call is issued, the approval of the Ministry of Science must be obtained. Several months can pass between the announcement of the professorship and the appointment of the new professor.