Teaching and Research as a Professor at Hochschule Offenburg

Unlike a university professorship, a professorship at a university of applied sciences does not require a habilitation. Your practical experience counts!

At universities of applied sciences, the focus is fundamentally on practical application. Much more so than at traditional universities, the emphasis here is on practice-oriented teaching and real-world issues from business and society, which you address together with your students.

Your research is also significantly more application-oriented and consistently addresses current challenges. A professorship at a university of applied sciences combines research and teaching with a clear mission: knowledge transfer. Collaboration with companies and other industry partners plays a key role in this—and opens up a wide range of opportunities.

Compared to university professorships, a HAW professorship 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.

The requirements for a professorship at a University of Applied Sciences (HAW) are:

• A completed degree from a University

• Proof of your academic qualifications, typically through a doctoral degree or equivalent academic or artistic achievements

• At least five years of professional experience after graduation, including at least three years in a relevant professional setting outside of a University

• Teaching skills, demonstrated by experience in teaching or training

A full-time professorship at a University of Applied Sciences (HAW) involves 18 semester hours of teaching per week. Hochschule Offenburg is one of the few universities that offers the option of reducing the teaching load—for example, by taking on committee duties, conducting research, or engaging in other university activities.

Depending on the field, it is possible to hold a professorship even without a doctoral degree. The prerequisite is always a demonstrated aptitude for scholarly work, which is typically evidenced by a doctoral degree. In disciplines such as design, where a doctoral degree is uncommon, equivalent achievements—such as patents, influential publications, or outstanding reference projects—may serve as proof of this ability. This is evaluated during the appointment process.

Teaching experience is generally demonstrated through teaching assignments at Universities. Alternatively, relevant experience in adult education or continuing education may also be recognized. Pedagogical aptitude is assessed as part of the appointment process.

Whether work as an employee of a research institute is recognized depends on the academic profile of the institution in question. If the focus is on applied research—for example, in collaboration with industry partners—credit may generally be granted.

If a job is performed at a rate of at least 50 percent of a regular full-time position, it counts in full as work experience. This is intended to ensure that, for example, part-time work due to family commitments does not result in professional disadvantages and that equal opportunities are guaranteed.

Yes, it is possible to engage in secondary employment as long as it does not interfere with the duties of the professorship. In light of this, secondary employment may not exceed the equivalent of one workday per week. Secondary employment must be reported and, in some cases, approved.

In principle, a part-time professorship is possible. However, this is then considered employment under a contract of service, and the individual cannot be appointed as a civil servant.

In certain circumstances, however, you may temporarily reduce the workload of a full-time professorship by up to 50%.

As one of the few universities of applied sciences, HSO offers the option of reducing the teaching load under certain conditions. A reduction in teaching hours is possible, for example, when taking on committee responsibilities, conducting extensive research, securing external funding, or engaging in other university-related activities.

Upon starting your position, you will initially be appointed as a professor on a probationary basis for three years as a civil servant. During this phase—typically after four to five semesters—you will introduce yourself by giving a trial lecture open to the university community. If the evaluation is positive, you will be granted permanent tenure as a civil servant no later than the end of the three-year probationary period.

Exceptions may apply if…

• you were previously a civil servant in another position

• you were previously a civil servant professor on probation

• you exceed the age limit for civil service appointment—currently 47 years in Baden-Württemberg. Under certain conditions, civil service appointment is possible until you reach the age of 52.

The hiring process takes about 10–12 months from the time you submit your application until you start your new position. It’s well worth the effort!

About the Appointment Process

Your application should generally include the following documents:

• A description of your academic career

• A complete list of your publications

• A detailed overview of your professional experience, including information on the duration, scope, and nature of your work

• Documentation of your teaching experience to date, including duration and scope

• An overview of the external funding you have secured

• If applicable, proof of continuing education in the field of teaching

• Additional documents, if applicable, depending on the job posting

Unfortunately, we are unable to consider unsolicited applications at this time. However, we encourage you to continue checking our job opportunities.