Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) combines top-level research and knowledge transfer at an international level, thereby creating an interdisciplinary innovation network and an excellent hub for science and technology. Together with its renowned partners, BTU forms the Lausitz Science Network, an alliance of research institutions that aim to further develop and increase the visibility of the Cottbus-Senftenberg science hub. Through innovative research and new teaching and learning formats, BTU is shaping the future: It contributes to addressing major future issues and transformation processes with scientific insights and practical solutions. BTU pools its strengths in teaching and research across institutes and faculties in four profile lines: "Energy Transition and Decarbonisation", "Health and Life Sciences", "Global Change and Transformation Processes" and "Artificial Intelligence and Sensor Technology".
BTU guarantees its students at the Cottbus and Senftenberg campuses a high-quality education, individual support, and the opportunity to learn from and with each other with curiosity and openness. The university fosters an inspiring atmosphere for learning and research in a dialogical, democratic environment. The diversity of our faculty and students enables innovation and progress.
The Faculty of Human Sciences is seeking to fill the following position as soon as possible:
PROFESSORSHIP (W2) in Theories and Action Concepts of Social Work
The professorship is affiliated with the Institute of Social Work, which is characterised by its close integration of research and practical application. Given the regional challenges, research and knowledge transfer particularly focus on topics such as demographic change and issues of participation and involvement of all age groups in the context of transformation processes. The professorship represents the field in teaching, primarily in the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in Social Work. The core teaching areas include the transmission of methods, techniques, and procedures in connection with corresponding theories of action.
We are looking for:
A nationally and internationally distinguished scholar with experience in theoretically grounded methodological practice in social work, as demonstrated by research, publications, teaching, and practical experience. This includes work in reconstructive social research related to case constitution and case understanding, as well as the theoretical and application-oriented foundation and further development of methods within comprehensive action concepts.
The professorship is expected to represent these fields in both research and teaching and to fulfil teaching responsibilities in both German and English. If sufficient German language skills are not available, the candidate is expected to acquire them promptly to ensure participation in institutional and faculty management, university and non-university committees, and teaching in the Bachelor's programmes in German.
Profile
As a future professor, you fulfil the following requirements according to Section 43 (1) Nos. 1–4a of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG):
- A completed university degree in Social Work / Social Pedagogy (with state recognition),
- Pedagogical aptitude,
- Special qualification for scientific work, usually demonstrated by the quality of the doctoral dissertation, and
- Habilitation or equivalent additional academic achievements.
Additionally, experience in acquiring and conducting externally funded projects is required. Experience in securing funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG) and EU funding programmes is desirable.
Your university teaching experience ensures excellent teaching in the advertised field. You should be able to teach at all curricular levels from Bachelor’s to PhD, supervise theses, and mentor young researchers. Your knowledge and experience enable you to contribute to academic self-governance and the strategic development of the faculty.
We offer
- Fair and transparent appointment negotiations,
- Attractive working conditions in a city with high quality of life, close to Berlin, Dresden, and Leipzig,
- A dynamically developing research environment,
- Support with relocation to the region of your workplace,
- Comprehensive consultation through our Dual Career Service and family support services,
- An attractive salary package with negotiable performance-based compensation.
Further responsibilities are outlined in Section 44 BbgHG in conjunction with Section 3 BbgHG.
The appointment requirements and conditions are based on Sections 43 (1) – 4a and 45 BbgHG.
In line with our commitment to diversity, we encourage and explicitly invite applications from candidates with personal or family migration backgrounds, as the institute aims to increase diversity in its faculty. BTU is committed to equal opportunities and diversity and strives for gender balance across all employment groups. In cases of equal qualification, preference will be given to individuals with disabilities or those with equivalent status.
Information on appointment procedures, legal foundations, and the status of ongoing appointment processes can be found at: https://www.b-tu.de/en/universitaet/karriere-engagement/career/professional-appointment-management
Please send your application with qualification certificates, a tabular overview of your career, a list of publications and proof of pedagogical suitability by e-mail - mentioning the Reference-No: 50/26 - in a single PDF file (max. 7 MB) until 2026-04-03 to:
E-Mail: fakultaet4+bewerbungen@b-tu.de
Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences
Postal Address: BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, Postfach 101344, 03013 Cottbus
Please be aware that submitting your application via unencrypted email entails risks regarding the confidentiality and integrity of your application contents. For details, please refer to the data protection information on BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg's website.
For further information, please contact the Dean Prof. Simone Schröder (Tel.: +49 (0)355 / 5818900, E-Mail: simone.schroeder@b-tu.de) or Prof. Dr. Alexandra Retkowski (Tel.: +49 (0)355 / 5818751, E-Mail: alexandra.retkowski@b-tu.de).
