Prof. Dr. Doreén Pick works as a professor at the University of Applied Sciences in Merseburg

The appointment procedure.

Are you passionate about your subject, eager to apply your knowledge sustainably, and excited to develop solutions for the future with young people? Are you ready for a professorship? Here, we provide information on the requirements for an appointment at a university of applied sciences in the state of Saxony-Anhalt and the stages of the procedure.

Six steps to your professorship

The appointment procedure is regulated by the Higher Education Law of the state of Saxony-Anhalt (§ 36). The process is complex and, on average, takes about 14 months at our universities of applied sciences. Below are the simplified steps of the procedure:
 

The call for applications for the professorship

The call for applications is issued once it has been approved by the Ministry of Science, Energy, Climate Protection, and Environment of Saxony-Anhalt. The call typically outlines the general requirements for professors according to § 35 of the Higher Education Law of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. Additionally, it provides details on the university- and subject-specific qualifications you need to meet in order to be considered for the position. You can find further information in the section Your requirements. The call also provides an insight into the potential working environment and includes details on relevant contacts.

To the vacancies
 

The application phase

During the application phase, which lasts about four to six weeks, you will have the opportunity to submit your application documents. Please ensure that you complete all required forms thoroughly and submit the documents in full.
For any subject-specific questions and inquiries related to the appointment procedure, the designated appointment officers or chairs of the appointment committee will be available to assist you. Our representative bodies are also happy to provide information, for example, regarding equality or disability issues.
 

The preselection

After the application deadline has passed, the committee responsible for the appointment procedure will meet. The appointment committee evaluates each application based on the submitted documents and assesses whether the required selection criteria are met.
Candidates who most thoroughly meet the criteria will be invited to a trial lecture followed by a personal interview.

The trial lecture and the appointment interview

Each invited candidate will give their trial lecture in a public setting within the university. Following this, the appointment committee will hold a personal interview with each candidate.

The appointment proposal/the appointment list

As a result of the preceding trial lectures, personal interviews, and an evaluation by distinguished scholars in the field, the appointment committee will prepare a concrete appointment proposal (appointment list). This usually consists of three candidates. The appointment proposal must be approved by the Senate.

The appointment offer and the appointment

Professors are appointed in writing by the rector of the university. After the appointment offer is made, negotiations take place between the rector, the future department, and the newly appointed professor. The outcomes of the negotiations are recorded in an appointment agreement, which is signed by all parties involved. Once the appointment agreement is concluded, the appointment offer can be accepted. Following this, the formal appointment takes place and the appointment procedure concludes.

Things to know about the appointment procedure

The appointment procedure for the HAW professorshipWhat documents should my application include?

Typically, the following documents must be submitted. Since deviations may occur, please refer to Section 35(2) of the Higher Education Law of the State of Saxony-Anhalt and the specific call for applications.

  • Cover letter
  • Complete curriculum vitae with details of your academic, scientific and professional career (details of employer / self-employed activity with exact duration of employment and the respective scope of activity; full-time or part-time in percent)
  • Employment references
  • In the case of self-employment or freelance work: proof, e.g. in the form of a business registration, confirmation from a tax consultancy, etc.
  • in the case of work as a research assistant or academic assistant in the university sector: references and/or certificates of appointment
  • Diploma and/or Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates and diplomas
  • Doctoral certificate
  • List of special academic achievements (e.g. publications, research projects, patents, lectures, competitions, acquisition of third-party funds)
  • Record of previous teaching activities
  • Proof of qualifications, e.g., higher education didactics, gender and diversity competence

The appointment procedure for the HAW professorshipWho sits on the appointment committee?

According to the Higher Education Act of the state of Saxony-Anhalt (Section 36 (3)), the appointment committee consists of

  • five professors, one of whom is the chairperson,
  • another professor from another university,
  • two research assistants,
  • two students and
  • the Equal Opportunities Officer of the department.

The appointment procedure for the HAW professorshipAre maternity leave, parental leave and care periods taken into account in the appointment procedure?

The regulations regarding this vary at each university of applied sciences. In general, these periods are taken into account when assessing whether the appointment requirements are met, in accordance with the Higher Education Law. Please include the relevant documentation with your application (e.g., protection periods according to the Maternity Protection Act, child-rearing periods under Section 56 of the Social Code, Book Six, as well as periods of actual care for dependent relatives under the Care Leave Act and the Family Care Leave Act).

The appointment procedure for the HAW professorshipWhat can I expect at the trial lecture?

The topic for the trial lecture will be announced to the candidates with the invitation. An interactive, didactically sound lesson is expected. A purely subject-specific lecture does not meet these requirements.

The teaching demonstration is a public event within the university. The evaluation will be conducted by the appointment committee and students from the department.

The appointment procedure for the HAW professorshipHow can I check the status of my appointment procedure?

You can check the current status of the appointment procedure directly with the respective university: Either an appointment monitor is available on the website, or a contact person is provided who will be happy to give you information.
All other applicants will receive a notification once the appointment offer has been accepted by the selected candidate.

Your requirements

Do you have experience in science and at the same time a strong connection to practice? Are you also looking for meaningful work and love to pass on your knowledge? Here you can find out what you need for a professorship at a university of applied sciences in Saxony-Anhalt. Do you not yet meet all the requirements? We can advise you on further opportunities at professur@weiter-denken.prof.

Hard Skills

  • A completed university degree
  • Pedagogical suitability
  • Special qualification for academic work (usually a PhD) or special qualification for artistic work
  • Additional scientific or artistic achievements in professional practice
  • Or significant achievements in the application or development of scientific knowledge and methods in professional practice, with at least three years of experience outside the higher education sector


(according to Section 35(2) of the Higher Education Law of the State of Saxony-Anhalt)
 

Soft skills

  • Passion for teaching and research
  • Enthusiasm for knowledge transfer
  • Enjoy working with young people
  • Social, pedagogical, and ethical competence
  • Strategic thinking
  • Management skills, strong communication skills, and ability to cooperate
  • Diversity and gender competence
  • Leadership and teamwork expertise
     

About the job description

As a professor at a university of applied sciences in Saxony-Anhalt, you will have a wide range of work opportunities. In the field of teaching, you will give lectures and seminars, supervise theses, conduct examinations and supervise projects. You will advise, supervise and support your students.

In addition to teaching, application-oriented research is a central component of the professorship. Investigating scientific problems and working on interdisciplinary projects will help to further develop the level of knowledge in your field and drive innovation. Networking with other scientists or participating in congresses and conferences is part of your work. In addition, you will write publications to publicize research findings, write expert reports and organize third-party funding.

The professorship also includes actively shaping the so-called third mission. As a professor at a university of applied sciences, you will support the exchange between the university and partners from business, culture and society. Tasks include the transfer of knowledge into practice, cooperation with companies and public institutions as well as involvement in regional projects.
 

More about the professorship

Prof. Dr. Angela-Kolb-Janssen, Chair of Administrative Law at the Harz University of Applied Sciences

It was always clear to me that I wanted to teach at a university of applied sciences. If you are curious, passionate about a particular subject and enjoy working with young people, this is the right place for you."

Prof. Dr. Angela-Kolb-Janssen, Chair of Administrative Law at the Harz University of Applied Sciences

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