Becoming a professor entails acquiring advanced academic degrees, conducting original research, and securing a teaching position at a university.
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the demand for qualified computer science professors in Germany is on the rise. Universities are actively addressing this shortage by offering attractive career paths and support for young researchers and experts.
The traditional prerequisites for becoming a computer science professor in Germany include a completed university degree, such as a Master's, a doctoral degree demonstrating academic research aptitude, and proven teaching experience in the subject area. The appointment procedure is formal, involving application submission, evaluation by an appointment committee, a public trial lecture, and interviews before final appointment, often as a civil servant under German law.
The career path generally starts with earning a PhD, followed by postdoctoral research or working as a junior faculty member or lecturer. Successful candidates who demonstrate research excellence, teaching ability, and leadership may apply for professorships when positions open. These positions can require specialization in fields such as IT security, AI, or interdisciplinary areas like cyberpsychology.
The growing shortage of computer science professors is met with targeted recruitment efforts, diversity initiatives, and career development support at German universities. For instance, universities are encouraging applications from women and prioritizing applicants with disabilities to increase diversity and inclusion. They are also offering tenure-track or W2/W3 professorships with civil servant status or contracts under certain conditions.
Interdisciplinary teaching and internationally-focused research are also being promoted to attract top candidates. Universities are fostering close cooperation with industry to enhance teaching and research impact, especially in cutting-edge areas like financial technology or digital editorial studies.
The junior professorship is aimed at young scientists who want to conduct independent research and teaching early on. While every year from 2029 onwards, at least 2,000 university teachers will reach retirement age in Germany, the junior professorship offers a path to a permanent professorship with good performance. However, it's important to note that tenure-track positions serve as a qualification examination, not every junior professorship automatically leads to a permanent professorship.
The path via habilitation is the traditional and still highly valued path to a professorship at many universities. Pedagogical aptitude and teaching experience are required, including experience through seminars, tutorials, or guest lectures.
In the event of a negative evaluation, the person should be employed for at least six to twelve months and supported in their professional reorientation, both within and outside the university. This support is crucial in helping individuals adapt and find new opportunities within the academic field or elsewhere.
In 2023, there were 43,078 permanently employed professors under the age of 65 in Germany. The Faculty Day of Computer Science has proposed measures to make the path to a professorship in computer science easier and more attractive, such as increasing the number of junior professorships with tenure track.
In conclusion, the path to a computer science professorship in Germany requires a PhD, strong research and teaching credentials, and the ability to navigate a competitive, legally regulated appointment procedure. The growing shortage of qualified professors is met with targeted recruitment efforts, diversity initiatives, and career development support at German universities, making it an exciting time for aspiring computer science professors.
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- To secure a computer science professorship in Germany, it is crucial to obtain a PhD, accumulate strong research and teaching credentials, and navigate the competitive and formal appointment process, which may include postdoctoral research, working as a lecturer, or earning a tenure-track or W2/W3 professorship.
- For career development and self-improvement in computer science, universities in Germany provide training in advanced skills such as IT security, AI, and cyberpsychology through technical education and self-development programs, enhancing one's employability in the field and increasing the chances of securing a professorship.
