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.
Across its campuses in Cottbus and Senftenberg, BTU provides students with a high-quality education, individual support, and the opportunity to learn with curiosity and openness in a democratic and collaborative academic environment. The diversity of our academic community fosters innovation and progress.

At the Faculty of Human Sciences, the following position is to be filled at the earliest opportunity:

PROFESSORSHIP (W2) Methods of Social Work with a Focus on Community Work

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 questions of participation and inclusion of all age groups within the context of social transformation. Teaching will focus on concepts and methods of community-oriented social work, including challenges and conflicts arising in the context of extreme situations and a society undergoing partial radicalisation.

We are seeking:

An academically distinguished candidate with a proven track record in research and teaching in the fields of prevention and intervention methods within social work, particularly regarding social and societal risk and crisis phenomena. A thematic focus on community work, socio-ecological transformation, and expertise related to group-focused enmity, extremism, and right-wing violence is desired. Historical contexts relevant to these phenomena are also of interest. The successful candidate will demonstrate academic expertise in at least two of these areas, evidenced through relevant publications. The professorship is expected to represent these subject areas in research and teaching in accordance with the Teaching Obligations Ordinance of the State of Brandenburg, across both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in Social Work at BTU. Teaching duties will be carried out in 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. 1–4a of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG), applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A completed academic degree in Social Work/Social Pedagogy, Educational Science, or a comparable field
• 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 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

• Transparent and fair appointment negotiations
• Attractive working conditions in a city with a high quality of life and close proximity to Berlin, Dresden, and Leipzig
• A dynamically developing research environment
• Support with relocation to the region
• Comprehensive assistance through our Dual Career Service and Family Support services
• A competitive 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:

Please submit your application – including proof of qualifications, a CV, a list of publications, and evidence of teaching aptitude - by e-mail in a single PDF file (max. 7 MB) mentioning the Reference-No: 5/26 until 24.02.2026 to:

E-Mail:

Postal address:
Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences, Prof. Simone Schröder
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:
• Prof. Dr. Alexandra Retkowski – Tel.: +49 (0)355 5818751, Email:

The BTU carries the seal of quality of The German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (Deutscher Hochschulverband, in short DHV). She is thus honored for her fair and transparent negotiations on the appointment of new professors.