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 seeking to fill the following

PROFESSORSHIP (W2) Theory and Empirical research in health-related social work

as soon as possible.

Tasks

This professorship is located at the Institute of Social Work, which combines a close link between research and practice. In light of the region’s specific challenges, the institute’s research and knowledge transfer focus particularly on demographic change and issues of participation and inclusion of all age groups in the context of social transformation processes. Teaching focuses on conveying theoretical knowledge and concepts of health-related social work, and on examining community-based and social-psychiatric concepts and models with regard to societal change.

We are seeking:
We are seeking an academically distinguished candidate with proven expertise in research and teaching, who has experience in the health care sector, in community psychiatry, or in the field of health promotion, and who approaches these areas from a social work/social science, health science, or medical theoretical perspective. In this context, particular emphasis is placed on questions of outpatient care, prevention and rehabilitation, multiprofessional collaboration, user participation, and mental health. The future post holder is expected to have academic expertise in at least two of these areas and to be able to demonstrate this through relevant publications. The professorship is expected to represent the above-mentioned fields in research and teaching, in accordance with Section 3 of the Brandenburg Teaching Obligation Ordinance, in both the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in Social Work, and to deliver teaching in both German and English. Where sufficient German language proficiency is not yet present, a commitment to acquire the language promptly is required in order to ensure active participation in the management of the institute and the faculty, in university and non-university committees, as well as the ability to deliver Bachelor-level teaching in German.

Profile

As a future professor, you must be able to demonstrate the following qualifications pursuant to Section 43 (1), Nos. 1 to 4a of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG):

• a completed university degree (in Social Work, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Medicine, Public Health, or a comparable field),
• proven teaching aptitude,
• outstanding ability for academic work, generally demonstrated by the quality of the doctoral dissertation, and
• a habilitation or additional academic achievements of equivalent value.

In addition, you have experience in acquiring third-party funding and in carrying out externally funded projects, with experience in DFG or EU projects being particularly desirable.

Your teaching experience qualifies you to deliver excellent instruction in the subject area to be filled. You are capable of teaching at all curricular levels from Bachelor’s to doctoral studies, supervising theses, and supporting early-career researchers. Your knowledge and experience also enable you to contribute to academic self-governance and to 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 close proximity to Berlin, Dresden, and Leipzig,
• a dynamically developing research environment,
• support in 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).

The appointment requirements and conditions are based on Sections 43 (1) – (4a) and 45 of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG).

In line with our diversity-oriented mission statement, we expressly 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 the appointment proces, including the legal framework and the current status of ongoing appointment procedures 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: 149/25 until 03.12.2025 to:

E-Mail:

Prof. Simone Schröder, Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences

Postal address: 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:

Dean Prof. Simone Schröder (Tel.: +49 (0)355 5818900, Email: )
and 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.