The Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) bundles top-level research and transfer at an international level, thereby creating an interdisciplinary innovation network and an excellent science and technology location. Together with its renowned partners, the BTU forms the Lausitz Science Network - an alliance of research institutions that together want to further develop the strengths of the science location Cottbus-Senftenberg and increase its visibility. Through innovative research and new teaching and learning formats, the BTU is shaping the future: with scientific findings and practice-relevant solutions, it is helping to shape the major issues of the future and transformation processes. In four profile lines - "Energy Transition and Decarbonization," "Health and Life Sciences," "Global Change and Transformation Processes," and "Artificial Intelligence and Sensor Technology" - it combines its strengths in teaching and research across institutes and faculties.

At its locations in Cottbus and Senftenberg, the BTU guarantees its students a challenging education, individual support and the opportunity to learn from and with each other with curiosity and openness. The BTU stands for an inspiring atmosphere of learning and research in a dialogical, democratic cooperation of all: The diversity of our faculty and students enables innovation and progress.

The Faculty of Economics, Law and Society is seeking to fill the following position as of 1st October 2026

PROFESSORSHIP (W3) Social-Ecological Transformation of Economy and Work (Sozial-ökologische Transformation von Wirtschaft und Arbeit)

We are looking for a personality who excels in research and teaching in the social sciences with a focus on socio-ecological transformation and the future of the economy and work. In research, the professorship should contribute to the university's main research areas and deal with the fundamentals of sociology and its specialisations in at least two of the following areas:

• socio-ecological transformation of work, organisations and the economy, in particular issues relating to economic and labour sociology
• Digitalisation and democratisation of the economy and businesses, taking into account global (environmental) justice
• Socio-economic conditions and effects of regional structural change, especially in the context of decarbonisation and the implementation of climate targets
• Social-ecological innovations in production and consumption systems (such as so-called "green innovations")
• Change in labour and gender relations, especially in the course of tertiarisation
• Transformation design and transformative approaches in socio-economic change

We are looking for

Applicants who have demonstrated outstanding scientific achievements (as evidenced in particular by publications and independently acquired third-party funding) in at least two of the above-mentioned subject areas.
An internationally visible research profile is required. Experience with interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research projects and research and teaching using empirical social research methods is also expected; experience with digital methods is particularly desirable. Interest in and aptitude for leading the research cluster "Transformation Arena Labour Market" at the Centre for Structural Change and Regional Development at BTU is expected. Internationalisation is a high priority for the university profile of BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg. International research experience is therefore desirable. Experience in teaching, including in English, and a willingness to take on the role of programme director for the Bachelor's programme in Digital Society are prerequisites.

The professorship is expected to represent the above-mentioned areas in research and teaching and to perform teaching duties in the form of compulsory and elective courses for German and English-language Bachelor's and Master's programmes at the faculty. Offers are expected in new or planned degree programmes in the field of transformation design and socio-ecological transformation, as well as offers for interdisciplinary teaching in other planning, technology and environment-related degree programmes. Proven pedagogical and university teaching skills are desirable. If sufficient German language skills are not available, a willingness to learn German at short notice is required to ensure participation in the management of the institute, the faculty and in university and non-university committees, as well as teaching the Bachelor's programmes in German.

Profile

As a future professor, you can demonstrate the following requirements in accordance with Section 43 (1) Nos. 1 to 4a of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG):

• a completed university degree,
• pedagogical aptitude,
• special aptitude for academic work, usually demonstrated by the quality of a doctoral degree, and
• a postdoctoral qualification or additional scientific achievements as equivalent

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

Your teaching experience enables you to provide excellent instruction in the subject area to be filled here. You have the ability to teach at all curricular levels from bachelor's to doctoral degrees, supervise theses and promote young academics. Your knowledge and experience enable you to participate in academic self-administration and in raising the profile of the faculty.

We offer

• fair and transparent appointment negotiations,
• attractive working conditions in a city with a high quality of life and relatively close to Berlin, Dresden and Leipzig,
• a dynamically developing research location,
• support with relocating to the vicinity of your place of work,
• comprehensive advice in the dual career service and in the area of family orientation, and
• attractive remuneration with a negotiable appointment performance bonus.

Further tasks arise from Section 44 BbgHG in conjunction with Section 3 BbgHG.

The requirements and conditions for employment are set out in Sections 43 (1) – (4a) and 45 BbgHG.

The BTU is committed to equal opportunities and diversity and strives for a balanced gender ratio in all employee groups. Where candidates are equally qualified, priority is given to persons with severe disabilities or persons of equivalent status.

Information on appointment management, including the legal basis and the status of ongoing appointment procedures, can be found at

Please send your application with proof of qualifications, a tabular overview of your professional career, a list of publications naming the five most important ones, proof of teaching aptitude, and a research and teaching concept for the advertised professorship by email - mentioning the Reference-No: 9/26 - in a single PDF file (max. 7 MB) until 25.02.2026 to:

E-Mail:

Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Law, Society and Information Technology

Postal address: BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, Postfach 101344, 03013 Cottbus

When sending your application by unencrypted email, please be aware of the risks regarding the confidentiality and integrity of your application content and please also note the data protection information on BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg's website.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Melanie Jaeger-Erben (tel.: +49 (0)355 / 69-3432, 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.