The prerequisites for the appointment to a junior professorship (Juniorprofessur) generally include a very good or outstanding doctoral degree and possibly other academic achievements as well as qualifications in pedagogy and didactics. Further subject-specific qualifications may be required.

Junior professors (Juniorprofessor*innen) are appointed for a fixed term on the basis of an appointment procedure following specific quality assurances. The appointment is initially for three years. In the third year, an interim evaluation takes place, which determines whether the person has demonstrated their ability as a university teacher and whether the junior professorship (Juniorprofessur) will be extended for three more years. This evaluation focuses on research and teaching performance, but also takes into account academic self-administration tasks.

According to cooperation law, junior professors (Juniorprofessor*innen) belong to the group of university teachers, but due to their qualifications and their temporary status, they are also classified as postdocs/young academics. Due to their assignment to the group of university teachers, they generally have the same rights and obligations as permanent professors. Junior professors (Juniorprofessor*innen) independently conduct research and teaching, they are involved in academic self-administration and have the right to supervise doctoral candidates. In the case of W1 professorships, however, the teaching obligations are lower (4 weekly hours per semester in the first phase, 5 weekly hours per semester after a successful interim evaluation).

A selection of qualification opportunities specifically for junior professors (Juniorprofessor*innen) and other people in leadership positions:

• Coaching for professors, a cooperative offer by the Equal Opportunities Officer and the Stabsstelle Bildungsinnovationen und Hochschuldidaktik (Higher Education Development Office)
• Consultation on research funding (Department 2.2/ Research & Consultancy Division)
• Consultation on external funding and tax issues (Department 2.3/ External Funds Management, Tax Issues)
• Further training opportunities leadership on skills (only available in German) by Department 4.5/ Staff Development (Interne Fort- und Weiterbildung)
• the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers offers seminars, coaching, mentoring, and consultation for professors, some of them specifically regarding appointments.

Find all services and support for junior professors on the Staff Development homepage.

Please find information on awards on science and teaching as well as funding programs for research and travel.

For female junior professors, there is an opportunity to receive support through academic staff positions as part of the Equal Opportunities Concept.