University Professors are hired by the university after completing an appointment procedure.

The university professor's research topics are based on current research questions and are relevant to the scientific community. These are presented and promoted to the public or the scientific community, for example at specialist conferences. International cooperation also plays a role here. It is equally important to publish regularly.

In addition to research tasks, teaching is naturally also a key focus. Teaching courses is a mandatory part of the job, as is supervising students and doctoral candidates.

University Professors are leaders and are responsible for developing and training the next generation of scientists.

What are the duties of a University Professor (all genders)?
Responsibility for a subject area and development of this subject area in research and teaching; representation of the subject area internally and externally, nationally and internationally; Management of teams and organizational units; acquisition of third-party funding; project work; independent research and teaching; supervision of students and young academics; publication activity; participation in organizational and administrative tasks as well as evaluation measures; participation in the development of the faculty and university; committee work; assumption of offices and functions

What are the most important skills?
High level of technical expertise = expert; habilitation or equivalent; teaching skills; innovative strength; leadership and technical expertise; social skills; experience in acquiring third-party funding; experience in acquiring and implementing (research) projects; publication experience; teaching experience; involvement in the scientific community

What qualities are required?
Curiosity and enjoyment in researching and solving social and technical problems; analytical skills; structured working style; openness to new developments; management skills; leadership skills; strong social skills; interest in contributing to the development of the university

Who do you deal with?
Students; employees and professors of the institute, faculty, and university; project and cooperation partners from (inter)national universities and from business, industry, and public administration; scientific community; funding agencies

What are the pros and cons?
+ Freedom in research and teaching; shaping your own field of expertise; national and international activities; working in and with interdisciplinary and international teams; research and finding solutions with regard to social developments

– Challenges in the tension between being a manager and a researcher