Your professorship at the HSWT in Weihenstephan & Triesdorf
A professorship at our University of applied sciences offers you a varied and fulfilling job that is characterised by practice-oriented teaching and research. You will enjoy a high degree of creative freedom and can actively contribute your ideas to the further development of our University of applied sciences.
A professorship at HSWT is much more than just a job - it is an opportunity to realise your visions and ideas in a dynamic and future-oriented environment. Become a professor at HSWT and help shape our future sustainably!
The HSWT is a University of Applied Sciences (HAW). In contrast to universities, teaching at a university of applied sciences is more closely linked to the requirements of the professional world. Our research is dedicated to concrete issues with direct benefits for the economy, society and the environment. Professors combine academic expertise with extensive practical experience and thus prepare students specifically for professional challenges through personal exchange.
„I particularly appreciate the practical research and teaching at the HSWT - where else can you go from the lecture theatre to the barn or field within ten minutes and take the students directly with you?“
6 good reasons - why you should become a professor at the HSWT
A professorship at HSWT combines excellent teaching, applied research and personal growth. You will also benefit from an inspiring working environment that combines freedom, security and quality of life - at one of the most practical university locations and on the greenest campus in Germany. In line with the motto „Arrive & feel good“, it is very important to us that you feel in good hands right from the start.
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1. freedom in research & teaching
As a professor at HSWT, you organise your teaching and research independently - with maximum freedom in terms of content. You set your own priorities, incorporate current developments directly into your courses and thus promote a practical and future-oriented education. At the same time, you have the freedom to help shape projects, further develop curricula and contribute your ideas to networks. A HAW professorship offers you room for creativity, responsibility and individual specialisation.
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2. personal growth & lifelong learning
Science means constant development - also personally. You broaden your perspectives through exchanges with students, in interdisciplinary teams and in dialogue with research institutions. Professors at HSWT appreciate the supportive environment that acts as equals and enables further development on many levels - in thinking, acting and working together.
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3. support & security
In addition to a predictable future with a W salary and the possibility of becoming a civil servant, HSWT will ensure that you feel at home right from the start with a unique onboarding programme (including a mentoring programme) and regular events to get to know each other and for professional and personal networking.
Even after onboarding, you are not on your own: The Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer (ZFW) will support you in the preparation of research proposals, the coordination of projects and in science communication. The Centre for Studies and Didactics (ZSD) helps with digital teaching formats and their technical implementation. In addition, HSWT professors have access to the wide range of qualification programmes offered by the Bavarian Centre for Innovative Teaching (BayZiel). These include practical workshops on topics such as university didactics, digital teaching and examination formats as well as individual counselling on specific teaching situations. In this way, professors receive targeted support to continuously develop their teaching and effectively implement current didactic approaches.
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4. collegiality & interdisciplinary networking
At HSWT, a pronounced team spirit accompanies our daily work. Collegiality is not an empty phrase, but a living culture - through openness, mutual support and common goals. In an environment that „combines down-to-earthness with foresight“, you will work on interdisciplinary projects with partners from science, business and society, making a valuable contribution to knowledge transfer and sustainable innovation.
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5. socially effective: role model, mentor & driving force
Professors at the HSWT take responsibility for education, sustainability and shaping the future. They accompany and inspire young people on their path, provide guidance and promote talent with their expertise and passion. The relationship with the students is characterised by mutual trust and an open dialogue at eye level. In this way, you support young talent as a trailblazer on their career path.
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6. quality of life & balance: our locations
Whether in the centre of the Franconian Lake District or on the outskirts of Munich - you can expect an inspiring atmosphere with an excellent work-life balance at both of our campuses. Modern facilities and a wide range of leisure activities create ideal conditions for your start as a professor.
In dialogue with professors, the locations have been described as 'feel-good campuses'.
Work at the greenest campus in Germany - close to nature and with state-of-the-art facilities.
„The support at HSWT is excellent. The close dialogue with staff and the support from the administration ensure that I can concentrate fully on my work.“
Recruitment requirements
We are looking for committed and inspiring academics who are ready to bring their expertise and passion to the fields of research and teaching. Our University of applied sciences offers a dynamic and innovative environment where you can develop your expertise and shape the next generation of professionals.
For the Free State of Bavaria, the admission requirements are regulated in the Bavarian University Innovation Act (BayHIG), specifically in Art. 57 para. 3 (recruitment requirements for professors at universities of applied sciences).
University studies
A university degree in the subject area of the professorship. Requirements for the specific university degree can be found in the respective job advertisement.
Professional experience
The prerequisite is at least five years of relevant professional experience gained after graduating from university. Of this, at least three years must be outside the university sector.
Ability to carry out scientific or artistic work
Proof through doctorate or doctorate-adequate achievements.
Pedagogical aptitude
The ability to convey scientific content in an understandable and didactically sound manner. This is determined on the basis of the trial course.
The HSWT tandem programme - an innovative qualification opportunity for professorships
Are you aiming for an HAW professorship but still lack certain formal requirements? The tandem programme enables you to combine valuable professional experience with academic teaching or research and thus prepare you for an HAW professorship.
Path to professorship - appointment process
The vacancy is advertised publicly in order to reach a broad spectrum of applicants. The advertisement usually takes four to six weeks.
After the application deadline, the appointment committee reviews the applications, sets the date for the trial lectures and the topic of the compulsory presentation. The HR department checks the formal suitability of the applicants to be invited. The most suitable candidates will receive an invitation with the compulsory lecture topic two to three weeks before the date of the trial lecture. Candidates can choose the topic of the elective lecture themselves.
On the day of the trialteaching event, the candidates present their two lectures (usually in public), followed by a question and answer session with the HSWT members present at the trial teaching event. This is followed by closed-door discussions with the appointment committee and a group of students.
After the trial teaching sessions and the interviews, a list of the three most suitable candidates is drawn up.
The list is discussed in the Senate and the university management, after which a decision is made based on the recommendation of the appointments committee. The university management can then conduct familiarisation interviews and later appointment negotiations with the candidates on the list.
Once all parties have reached agreement, the call is issued to the lead candidate, with an acceptance period of up to four weeks.
Once the call has been accepted, the remaining applicants receive a final rejection. They are then officially appointed to the professorship.
Vacancies for professorships
Would you like to help shape the future and contribute your expertise to teaching and applied research? Then apply now for one of our advertised professorships and become part of our green University of applied sciences!
Promoting women on the path to professorship
The HSWT is actively committed to equal opportunities and the targeted promotion of women in science.
In cooperation with LaKoF Bayern (State Conference of Women's and Equal Opportunities Officers at Bavarian Universities), HSWT participates in a wide range of programmes to support women on their career paths, including
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„into the lecture theatres“ - for female academics
„rein-in-die-hörsäle“ offers women from business and science with professional experience and a university degree targeted support and qualification on the path to a HAW professorship.
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Scholarship programme - for female academics and graduates
The scholarship programme enables women with relevant professional experience and a university degree to do a doctorate alongside their career and supports HAW graduates in gaining further academic qualifications.
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BayernMentoring - for female students and pupils
BayernMentoring is aimed at female STEM students (HAW) and supports female students of STEM subjects at Bavarian schools.
In addition, the bukof (Bundeskonferenz der Frauen- und Gleichstellungsbeauftragten an Hochschulen e. V.) provides an overview on its website of databases of female experts which universities of applied sciences can use to search for qualified female academics. Women who are interested in a professorship are recommended to register there in order to increase their visibility.
If you have any questions regarding the promotion of women, you can contact the HSWT's Equal Opportunities Officer for Women in Science and Art, Prof Dr Jennifer Gerend at the Triesdorf campus, or her deputy, Prof Dr Cristina Lenz at the Weihenstephan campus.
Appointment monitor
You can find out about the current status of all ongoing appointment procedures in our appointment monitor.
FAQ
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the appointment procedure and the professorship.
General information about a professorship
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What tasks can I expect as part of a professorship?
As a professor at a Bavarian HAW, you will be responsible for a wide range of tasks. Your main tasks include
- Teaching: You will hold lectures, give seminars and conduct examinations.
- Research: You will conduct applied research in your specialism.
- Knowledge and technology transfer: You will transfer research results into practice.
- Student support: You are available to advise students.
- Academic continuing education: You offer continuing education programmes for professionals and companies.
- Involvement in university administration.
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What employment conditions are there within the framework of a professorship at the HSWT?
As a rule, professorships are filled either as civil servants for life or as permanent employees. You must fulfil certain requirements to be appointed as a permanent civil servant:
- German citizenship or that of an EU member state
- Maximum age limit of generally 52 years when first appointed as a civil servant
- Health suitability
- Fulfilment of the recruitment requirements for the professorship
You can find further information on the civil service here.
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What does standard teaching obligation mean?
The standard teaching obligation corresponds to the number of teaching hours (45 min) per week during the lecture period.
The standard teaching obligation for a full-time professorship at a UAS is 18 lecture hours per week.
Preparation and follow-up work for courses, examinations, supervision of students and participation in academic self-administration take place outside of teaching duties.
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Can I also do research in such a professorship?
Yes, applied research is an important part of your duties as a professor at a UAS. The Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act explicitly strengthens the research mandate of UASs.
The Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer (ZFW) offers support in the coordination and administration of research projects, among other things.
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Do I have to give up an existing job in the private sector completely?
There are a few special features to bear in mind when carrying out secondary employment. The HR department is available to advise you on this. Secondary employment is generally possible as long as the total time required for this does not exceed 10 hours per week and the total remuneration does not exceed €10,000 per calendar year.
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How much do I earn as a professor at the HSWT?
Professors at the University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf are remunerated according to the W salary scale. The salary is made up as follows:
- Basic salary (W1 or W2)
- Annual special payment
- Local and family allowance
- Possible performance-related pay (according to Art. 69 to 74 BayBesG)
W1: junior professorship (junior professorship)
W2: Professorships with civil servant status
The W2 salary is divided into three levels:
- Level 1: from the start of employment
- Level 2: after 5 years of service
- Level 3: from a further 7 years of service (highest level)
Professors advance through these levels depending on the length of service. Previous experience as a professor can be taken into account if necessary.
The salary grade (W1 or W2) applicable to the respective position can be found in the relevant job advertisement.
The current basic salary rates and the amount of local and family allowances can be found in Appendices 3 and 5 of the Bavarian Salaries Act (BayBesG). You can find a salary calculator here.
My application / information on appointment procedures
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Which people are involved in the decision-making process?
- Appointment committee (chair, deputy chair, professors, representatives for equal opportunities for women in science and the arts in the department, representatives of research assistants in the department, student representatives, external members (professors, external reviewers))
- (external) assessor
- Department chair of the department
- Representative for severely disabled persons, if applicable
- Faculty Council
- Senate
- University management (president, chancellor, vice president)
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How long does an appointment procedure take?
The duration of an appointment procedure can vary and depends on several factors, such as:
- Duration of the advertisement
- Start date of the procedure and possible interruptions due to lecture-free periods
- Scheduling of committee meetings
- Availability of candidates
- Duration of the decision-making processes within the committees
On average, an appointment procedure takes around 15 months from the advertisement to the final appointment.
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How can I apply and what documents should an application contain?
Please apply online via our application portal.
In order to gain a comprehensive picture of your qualifications and professional background, we require relevant documentation. This is used exclusively to check the employment requirements in accordance with Art. 57 (3) of the Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act (BayHIG) and to determine your professional suitability.
This checklist (German language) lists the information and documents relevant to your application. If your application is incomplete, we reserve the right to request additional information.
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When do I fulfil the five-year professional practice requirement?
The following options are available for gaining at least five years of professional experience after completing the relevant degree:
- Five years of full-time employment (at least 50% of full-time employment) outside the higher education sector, or
- At least three years outside the higher education sector (at least 50% of full-time employment) and at least two years within the higher education sector (at least 50% of full-time employment) or
- At least five years of professional experience (at least 50% of full-time employment) gained in cooperation between a university and non-university professional practice.
Note: The Human Resources department checks formal eligibility for appointment during the appointment process on the basis of employment contracts and/or employment references and/or certificates.
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Will my professional experience and other skills acquired abroad be recognised?
Your professional experience, doctorate or teaching experience gained abroad is also highly valued at the HSWT. If necessary, equivalence must be recognised by the Central Office for Foreign Education. If this recognition has already been carried out for your degree, please enclose the relevant documents with your application.
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What does „pedagogical aptitude“ mean?
Teaching students will be a big part of your job as a HAW professor. So, it's helpful if you already have some teaching experience. You can get this through teaching assignments, working as a research assistant, being a substitute professor, or being a visiting professor.
Pedagogical aptitude includes didactic skills, the transfer of specialist knowledge, the design of interactive teaching and learning scenarios, e.g. through research-based learning or project studies, and the ability to innovate with regard to new teaching and learning formats. -
What is a trial course?
As part of the trial teaching events, the appointment committee assesses the professional, personal and pedagogical aptitude of the applicants. These events usually consist of a compulsory lecture followed by a discussion and an optional lecture in which the applicant's didactic skills and understanding of teaching are demonstrated. The lectures are open to the public, so that students and other members of the University of applied sciences can be present in addition to the appointment committee. The evaluation is carried out by the committee, which draws up a well-founded list of proposals.
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What opportunities are there for me to aim for a professorship without a doctorate?
A doctorate is not mandatory if you can provide evidence of doctorate-adequate achievements. An expert opinion for doctorate-adequate achievements is usually prepared on the basis of the publications (Art. 57 Para. 3 No. 3 BayHIG).
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Is a habilitation required for a professorship at a HAW?
No, a habilitation is not required. For HAW professorships, a doctorate or equivalent is sufficient.
