Your Career at Hochschule Offenburg
Hochschule Offenburg is a hub of innovation. We teach and conduct research with the goal of turning knowledge into action. What we create here finds its way into businesses, institutions, and society—and changes the way we live and work.
We are committed to practical education. Our motivation is to support students on their individual paths. Our goal is to shape the future together with them and our partners in the region (really!). That’s what the people at our University work toward—in lecture halls and labs, in workshops and offices. We believe in the power of knowledge and in the people who share it, build upon it, and put it into practice. Our work environment thrives on exchange, openness, and freedom.
The departments, with their focus on engineering, business, and media, offer an innovative environment with 4,000 students enrolled in more than 50 bachelor's and master's degree programs. Hochschule Offenburg has been growing steadily for more than 60 years. We’re based between Karlsruhe and Freiburg—in the Ortenau region of southern Germany, one of the country’s most beautiful wine-growing regions. There, you’ll find not only plenty of sunshine but also attractive career opportunities.
Careers in Higher Education Administration & Services
One thing is certain: successful teaching and research are always underpinned by a strong University organization and essential services that make the University's work possible in the first place.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit an application?
You can easily submit your application online through our application portal. Click “Apply Now” on any of our job opportunities to go directly to the portal.
Please note that we can only consider applications that are submitted to us through this channel within the specified application deadline.
Can I submit a speculative application?
Unfortunately, we are unable to consider unsolicited applications at this time. However, we encourage you to continue checking our job opportunities.
Can I submit applications for multiple jobs at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for multiple positions at the same time. Please note that you must submit a separate application for each position through the application portal.
What documents are required for the application?
Please include the following documents with your application:
Cover letter
Resume
Degree and employment certificates (Please note that a university degree from a non-EU country must be accompanied by a certificate evaluation from the ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education).)
If applicable, a certificate of recognized severe disability or equivalent status
Will I automatically receive updates on the status of my application?
Yes, we’ll keep you updated via email throughout the application process. You’ll first receive a confirmation that we’ve received your application. As the process continues, we’ll also send you updates on the status of your application, any follow-up questions, and, if applicable, invitations to an interview via email.
If you have any questions about your application in the meantime, please feel free to contact us.
Where can I find the TV-L salary scales?
You can view the salary scales for the State Collective Bargaining Agreement (TV-L) here.
You can find the job classification for each position in the respective job opportunity; your pay grade will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Contact
Head of human resources
Vice Director of Human Resources
Careers in Research and Teaching
Your ideas matter! Help us shape research and teaching!
Professorship
The Job Description for a HAW Professorship
At the University of Applied Sciences, one thing is always the focus: practical relevance!
What is developed at the University of Applied Sciences doesn’t stay in the classroom—it ends up where it (really!) makes a difference. With this mission in mind, as a professor, you shape teaching and research. You teach in a practice-oriented manner and conduct research in collaboration with companies and partners. You tackle real-world problems and develop solutions together with students and industry partners.
Compared to university professorships, a professorship at a University of Applied Sciences is not only significantly more practice-oriented but also offers considerably more creative freedom. As a professor at a HAW, you set your own priorities. Whether in the lecture hall, the lab, or on a project, you drive forward the topics that matter to you—and inspire others to take an interest in your field!
Benefits of Being a Professor at a HAW
Meaningful work with tangible social value
You set your own academic priorities and develop the topics that are particularly close to your heart
Significant creative freedom and self-directed work in a diverse university environment
Practice-oriented teaching and applied research
Inspire and guide young people on their professional and personal journeys
Diverse responsibilities spanning teaching, research, and knowledge transfer
Competitive compensation, job security, and the prospect of civil service status
Flexible work schedules to ensure a good work-life balance
Responsibilities of the HAW Professorship
Teaching
Sharing your knowledge and experience with students is a central part of the role of a professor at a University of Applied Sciences. You will give lectures, lead seminars, and administer written and oral exams. You will nurture students’ individual strengths and support them in their academic and personal development. Your teaching is practical and application-oriented. Together with your students, you tackle “real-world problems.” In this way, you inspire young people to pursue your field of study and make an important contribution to the development of the next generation of scholars.
Teaching duties at a university of applied sciences (HAW) consist of 18 semester hours per week for a full-time professorship. Hochschule Offenburg is one of the few universities that offers the option to reduce the teaching load—for example, by taking on committee responsibilities, conducting research, or engaging in other university activities.
Research
Research is another key component of your role as a professor at a university of applied sciences (HAW). Here, too, a practical focus is always paramount. In addition, a professorship at a HAW offers you a high degree of creative freedom. You set your own priorities and bring research projects directly into the field. You will secure external funding as a key source of financial support for your research activities. Together with companies and partners from the region, you will tackle research questions in an application-oriented manner. A large network of collaboration partners enriches your research work. Actively maintaining this network is an integral part of your role.
More about research and knowledge transfer at HSO
Transfer
The HAW professorship combines research and teaching with a clear mission: knowledge transfer! As a professor, you address issues facing the business community and the general public, develop practical solutions, and ensure these solutions are put into practice.
You ensure that science becomes visible and impactful. Through active dialogue with businesses, institutions, and the public, you promote clear and accessible science communication and make research tangible. You create access to science and foster a connection to the University. You publish research findings and present them at conferences and meetings. Above all, however, you bring insights to where they can make a concrete difference: into the everyday lives of businesses, institutions, and society.
More about research and knowledge transfer at HSO
Participation and Commitment
As a professor at HAW, you play an active role in shaping the University’s development. You serve on committees and take on key leadership roles. For example, in your role as Dean of Studies, you’ll further develop degree programs both in terms of content and strategy. Or you might, for instance, arrange internships and actively promote collaboration with industry partners and the close integration of academic studies and the professional world. Your day-to-day work is generally characterized by self-governance and the independent organization of teaching, research, and knowledge transfer—with considerable creative freedom and a visible impact.
The Path to a Professorship
How to Become a Professor at a University of Applied Sciences
A habilitation is not required for a professorship at a university of applied sciences (HAW)—your practical experience counts. At HAWs, the focus is always on practical application. Our mission is to combine academic thinking with professional application. We seek individuals who not only know their field but have also lived and breathed it.
Requirements for a professorship at a University of Applied Sciences:
Completed university degree
Ability to conduct scholarly work, typically demonstrated by a doctoral degree or by scholarly or artistic achievements equivalent to a doctoral degree
At least 5 years of professional experience following graduation, including at least 3 years of relevant experience outside the higher education sector
Pedagogical aptitude, typically demonstrated by experience in teaching and training
Do you already meet the requirements for an appointment?
You can find our job opportunities here. We look forward to receiving your application!
Don’t meet all the requirements yet, but are interested in a professorship at HAW? Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation discussion about your options.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Here's How the Appeal Process Works
1. Your Application
You must submit your complete application materials to the University by the deadline. Your materials will be carefully reviewed. The appointment committee (BK) will then select the candidates.
2. Trial Class
2. Trial Class
If your application is successful, you will be invited to a so-called trial lecture. This consists of the following parts:
Trial lecture in front of students
You will deliver a trial lecture to students. The appointment committee will provide a topic for this, which you will prepare in advance. This part of the session focuses on your teaching skills.Specialized presentation to the committee
The goal here is to convince the appointment committee of your academic expertise and research potential. You are free to choose the topic for the specialized presentation.Discussion with the Appointment Committee
To get to know you better, a discussion with the Appointment Committee will take place following the academic presentation.
3. Meeting with the Rector's Office
The trial class will be followed by a meeting with the university president.
4. Decision-Making by the Federal Cabinet
Decisions are then made in various committees. An important step in this process is the creation of the shortlist, which includes the candidates being considered for the professorship.
5. The Call
The final step in the application process for a professorship is the appointment. The selected candidate receives the official offer for the professorship.
Your contacts regarding the HAW professorship
Your contact person for all matters related to the hiring process
Promotion
Ph.D. Program at Hochschule Offenburg: Research at the Forefront of Professional Practice
Shape the world of tomorrow today: Begin your doctoral studies at one of the top research-intensive Universities of Applied Sciences in Baden-Württemberg. We offer you an inspiring and creative environment for innovative research with direct practical relevance. Intensive supervision by professors with strong research backgrounds, as well as the integration of doctoral candidates into research institutes and working groups at the University and beyond, ensure a high-quality academic discourse.
Diverse Ph.D. Pathways
Whether under the new independent doctoral program (administered by the Baden-Württemberg Doctoral Association since 2022) or through our proven partnerships with renowned universities in Germany and abroad—we offer the right framework for your research. A doctorate at HSO is more than just an academic title—it is an opportunity to grow through personal challenges and to make a lasting difference through research.
At Hochschule Offenburg, innovation emerges directly at the intersection with professional practice. In their projects, our doctoral candidates address current issues in business and science. These projects are supported by a strong network of public funding agencies (state, federal, EU), scholarships, and pioneering collaborations with industry.
Your Benefits with Us: What Our Graduate Academy Offers
The Graduate Academy is the central point of contact for all doctoral candidates at HSO. We provide structured support on your path to a doctoral degree:
Individual support and advising: We assist you with all questions and administrative steps related to your doctoral studies. Our services are complemented by professional writing guidance.
Training and workshops: Benefit from a wide range of offerings on topics related to your doctoral studies and preparation, such as academic writing, project management, and soft skills.
Strong Community and Networking: Through regular doctoral colloquia and networking events, we foster exchange across faculty boundaries.
A Variety of Promotion Channels
Whether under the new independent doctoral program (administered by the Baden-Württemberg Doctoral Association since 2022) or through our long-standing partnerships with renowned universities in Germany and abroad—we offer the ideal setting for your research. A doctorate at HSO is more than just an academic title—it’s an opportunity to grow through personal challenges and make a lasting difference through research.
At Hochschule Offenburg, innovation emerges right at the intersection with real-world practice. In their projects, our doctoral candidates tackle current issues in business and science. These projects are supported by a strong network of public funding agencies (state, federal, EU), scholarships, and pioneering collaborations with industry.
Your Benefits with Us: What Our Graduate Academy Offers
The Graduate Academy is the central point of contact for all doctoral students at HSO. We provide structured support as you work toward your doctoral degree:
Individual Support and Counseling: We assist you with all questions and administrative steps related to your doctoral studies. Our services are rounded out by professional writing guidance.
Training and Workshops: Take advantage of a wide range of offerings on topics related to your doctoral studies and preparation, such as academic writing, project management, and soft skills.
Strong Community and Networking: Through regular doctoral colloquia and networking events, we foster exchange across faculty boundaries.
Are you interested in pursuing a Ph.D. at the HSO?
Here you’ll find our current doctoral positions.
The Graduate Academy is available to provide you with personalized guidance.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Your contact person for all matters related to your doctoral program
Akademische Mitarbeit
An academic position offers you the opportunity to contribute—depending on the nature of the role—in the areas of research, teaching, laboratory work, or knowledge transfer. You will work closely with professors and help the University bridge the gap between theory and practice. These positions are often part of specific externally funded projects, allowing you to contribute directly to current research questions.
Possible Fields of Work
Depending on the job description for your position, the focus may vary:
Research & Innovation: For example, you’ll participate in research projects, conduct analyses, and assist with publications.
Teaching & Student Advising: You’ll incorporate the latest findings into your teaching, advise students on project work, or help design courses.
Lab & Practical Application: You’ll often be directly involved in lab work. You’ll oversee experimental setups, provide hands-on guidance to students, or conduct experimental studies as part of your project.
Flexible Career Path
Academic collaboration is not a rigid path, but rather adapts to your goals: It can be the first step toward an academic career or serve to combine practical experience with academic depth in a targeted way. You’ll gain deep insights into the working methods of a university of applied sciences and sharpen your professional profile for your future path in academia or the business world.
Are you interested in an academic position at the HSO?
Here you'll find our current job opportunities.
Your point of contact for all matters related to academic staff
Lehraufträge
A teaching position offers you the ideal opportunity to gain your first experience in academic teaching and to share your expertise with students. As a lecturer, you will independently lead individual courses—such as seminars, lectures, or tutorials—and design them to be practical and application-oriented. This provides an attractive entry point into an academic career, particularly for experts from the business world. You’ll broaden your professional profile, build connections in research and the support of early-career scholars, and gain insights into working at a University of Applied Sciences.
The requirements for working as a lecturer typically include a completed college degree and teaching aptitude.
If you’d like to share your expertise, inspire others with your field of specialization, and help develop the professionals of tomorrow, a teaching position is an effective first step.
Would you like to take on a teaching position at our University?
You can find our job opportunities here. We look forward to receiving your application!
Would you like to learn more about the opportunities available as a lecturer?
If you have any questions about the role or the terms and conditions of a teaching position, we’re happy to help. You can also find information in our FAQs.
Your contact person for teaching assignments
Unterstützung
More Information
HAWKarriere
Mentoring Program: Support for Prospective and Newly Appointed ProfessorsDream Job: Professor
—Opportunities Specifically for Women on the Path to a ProfessorshipHochschule Offenburg
Graduate Academy: A wide range of support services to help you earn your doctorateStart-up
Consulting: Advisory services for all HSO members with questions about self-employment and starting a businessCRT – Campus Research & Transfer
: HSO’s central point of contact for research and development projectsInformation and Networking Events
A wide range of topics and valuable exchanges related to your careerPersonal Counseling
: Let’s talk about your individual opportunities! We look forward to meeting you!
HAWKarriere Mentoring Program
Advance your HAW career!
The HAWKarriere mentoring program of the Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW), part of the federal-state FH-Personal program, is an inter-university mentoring program for early-career academics and newly appointed professors (mentees).
Through the HAWKarriere program, mentees receive individualized support on their path to personal and professional development. The HAWKarriere mentoring program offers them the opportunity to gain clarity about their next career steps or how to address current challenges, set individual goals, and pursue them independently while receiving support from suitable mentors (typically HAW professors). The program is based on collaboration among several universities to offer participants a broad spectrum of experiences and perspectives for exchange. It is primarily aimed at the universities participating in the HAWKarriere mentoring program and may be opened up to other universities of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg in the future.
The mentors, who are selected on an individual basis, serve as advisors, knowledge providers, role models, career counselors, or gatekeepers, offering mentees support in matters related to professional and career planning, with the overarching goal of securing a HAW professorship or shaping the specifics of such a position. As experts in their respective fields, mentors can provide in-depth insights into the current professional landscape of a HAW professorship and offer their mentees a wide range of advice and guidance in this regard.
Possible topics within the mentoring relationship:
+ Career planning |
| + International careers / stays abroad |
+ Job application coaching |
| + Collaborations with industry partners |
+ Insights into the day-to-day work of a professor |
| + Development of leadership and interpersonal skills |
+ Professional and academic exchange |
| + Transfer: Applying research findings to practice |
+ Building and expanding a (professional) network |
| + Support services, e.g., for third-party grant applications |
+ Challenges on the path to a professorship at a University of Applied Sciences |
| + Balancing family and career |
The mentoring content and thematic focus areas are based on the mentees’ individually defined goals, are specified in consultation with the respective mentor, and are tailored to the wishes and needs of the specific mentoring relationship.
Who can be a mentee? |
|
Who can be a mentor? |
You have a connection to one of the 9 participating HAWs in Baden-Württemberg, e.g., as: |
| + Your mentoring commitment is for at least 1 year |
+ A former or current doctoral student |
| + You are motivated and enjoy sharing your experience and knowledge with mentees |
+ Postdoc |
| + You are a professor at a university of applied sciences or an experienced and qualified individual from academia, business, administration, or the cultural sector |
+ Adjunct professor |
|
|
+ Newly appointed professor |
|
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Our Work Environment
Job Opportunities
Hochschule Offenburg is a hub of innovation. Our teaching and research aim to turn knowledge into action. The things we create here find their way into businesses, institutions and society, changing the way we live and work.
Job Opportunities
Applicant Portal
Would you like to submit an application to the HSO?
You can access the online application form directly through the corresponding job opportunity. To do so, simply click “Apply Now” at the very bottom of the posting.
Have you already submitted your application or created an applicant profile?
Then you’ve come to the right place! In the application portal, you can view your application documents and make changes if necessary. You can also track the current status of the application process and schedule interview appointments if needed.
Are you part of a hiring committee?
Log in here to view the application process.
Student and Research Assistants / Thesis
Student and Research Assistants
Assistant for the Development of an AI Platform for Sustainable Hydrogen Logistics (PDF) - Laura Sunderer
Project Management & Research Assistant in the Field of Sustainable Hydrogen Logistics (PDF) - Laura Sunderer
Assistant for the “Digital Twin for Everyone” (DT4E) project (PDF)
Final Theses (bachelor's degree | master's degree) & Seminar Papers
Student Thesis on 3D Reconstruction of Two-Phase Microstructures (PDF) - Prof. Dr. Seifert / René Zandomeni
Bachelor's degree or Master's degree on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) – Integration into CAD and product data management systems (PDF) – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Friedel / Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wetzel
Bachelor's degree or Master's degree thesis on the development of a tool to support Scope 3 accounting for GHG reporting in accordance with the GHG Protocol (PDF) - Prof. Dr.-Ing. Friedel
Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree thesis on the development of a tool for quantifying the environmental impacts of aluminum production (PDF) – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Friedel
Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree thesis on the development of a case study on life-cycle assessment (LCA) using the scooter from the Lean Manufacturing Lab (PDF) - Prof. Dr.-Ing. Friedel
Bachelor’s thesis in engineering (PDF) – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Treffinger
Bachelor’s thesis for MA and ME students—Metal foil spring element (PDF) - Prof. Dr. Seifert
Institute for Digital Engineering and Production (IDEeP):
Student project: Upgrade of the vibration test stand in the mechanical engineering lab (PDF)
Student project on the development of a 3D CAD mannequin for ski jumping (PDF)
Student Project: Comparison of Different CFD Methods Using the Rayleigh-Taylor Instability (PDF)
Student Project on the Investigation of Taylor-Green Vortex Breakup Using the SPH Method (PDF)
Student Thesis on Microstructure-Based Simulation of Duplex Steels Under Cyclic Loading (PDF)
Student thesis comparing CAD tools for model-based definition (PDF)
Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr in Wissenschaft, Technik und Nachhaltigkeit (FJN)
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