Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus–Senftenberg (BTU) brings together cutting-edge research and knowledge transfer at an international level, establishing an interdisciplinary innovation network and positioning itself as a centre of excellence for science and technology. Together with its renowned partners, BTU forms the Lausitz Science Network – an alliance of research institutions working collectively to develop the strengths and increase the visibility of the Cottbus–Senftenberg science region. Through innovative research and new teaching and learning formats, BTU actively shapes the future – contributing academic insight and practical solutions to major challenges and transformation processes. The university consolidates its strengths across faculties and institutes in four key profile areas: “Energy Transition and Decarbonisation”, “Health and Life Sciences”, “Global Change and Transformation Processes”, and “Artificial Intelligence and Sensor Technology”.
At its campuses in Cottbus and Senftenberg, BTU offers students high-quality education, personalised support, and the opportunity to learn with curiosity and openness in a democratic and collaborative environment. The diversity of our academic community fosters innovation and progress.
The Faculty of Human Sciences is currently seeking to appoint a
PROFESSORSHIP (W2) Social Work with a Focus on Diversity and Participation across the Life Course
commencing at the earliest opportunity.
Tasks
This professorship is located at the Institute of Social Work. The institute maintains a close link between research and practice. In light of the region’s specific challenges, the key areas of research and knowledge transfer focus on demographic change and issues relating to participation and inclusion of all age groups within the context of social transformation. The teaching focus lies on analysing the specific developmental and living conditions of individuals with (potential) multiple impairments, and on identifying and designing pedagogical and rehabilitative approaches founded on therapeutic and special education principles.
We are seeking:
An academically distinguished candidate with proven expertise in research, teaching, publications, and practical relevance in the fields of social security, rehabilitation, and prevention in social work – including structures and services provided by municipal social services, health, and / or long-term care. The professorship is expected to represent these subject areas in research and teaching (8 teaching hours per week) across both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in Social Work. Teaching duties are to be carried out in both German and English. Where German language proficiency is not yet sufficient, a commitment to acquire the language promptly is required to ensure effective participation in institute and faculty administration, as well as in university and non-university committees, and to deliver Bachelor-level teaching in German.
Profile
Pursuant to Section 43 (1), Nos. 1 to 4a of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG), applicants must meet the following criteria:
- a completed academic degree in Social Work, Education, Therapeutic / Rehabilitation / Special Education, Gerontology, Social Sciences, or Public Health
- proven teaching aptitude
- outstanding ability for academic work, generally demonstrated through the quality of the doctoral dissertation
- a habilitation or equivalent academic achievements
In addition, you must have experience in securing third-party funding and in managing externally funded projects. Your academic teaching experience should qualify you to deliver excellent instruction in the subject area, across all levels from undergraduate to doctoral studies. You must be capable of supervising theses and supporting early-career researchers, while also contributing 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 and in relative proximity to Berlin, Dresden, and Leipzig,
- a dynamically developing research environment,
- support in relocation to the immediate vicinity of your place of employment,
- comprehensive assistance through our Dual Career Service and Family Support services, and
- an attractive salary with a negotiable performance-related component.
Additional responsibilities arise from Section 44 in conjunction with Section 3 of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG).
Appointment requirements and conditions are based on Sections 43 (1), Nos. 1–4a and 45 of the BbgHG.
In line with our diversity-oriented mission statement, we explicitly encourage candidates with personal or family migration backgrounds to apply, as the institute aims to increase their representation among professorial positions. BTU is committed to equal opportunities and diversity and strives for a balanced gender ratio across all employment groups. Where qualifications are equal, preference will be given to candidates with a recognised disability or equivalent status.
Further information on appointment procedures, including the legal framework and current vacancy status, can be found at: https://www.b-tu.de/universitaet/karriere/berufungsmanagement
Please submit your application – including proof of qualifications, a CV, a list of publications, and evidence of teaching aptitude – in a single PDF file (max. 7 MB) until 31.07.2025 by email to:
Email: fakultaet4+bewerbungen@b-tu.de
Postal address:
Prof. Simone Schröder, Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences
BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg, Lipezker Str. 47, 03048 Cottbus, Germany
Please note that if you submit your application via unencrypted email, the confidentiality and integrity of your data cannot be guaranteed. Please also refer to BTU’s data protection information available on the university’s website.
For further information, please contact:
Prof. Simone Schröder (Dean) – Tel.: +49 (0)355 5818900, Email: simone.schroeder@b-tu.de
Prof. Dr. Jens Schubert – Tel.: +49 (0)355 692978, Email: jens.schubert@b-tu.de
