This workshop is offered in cooperation with the High Performance Center Simulation and Software Based Innovation.

When & where?

Estimated time commitment:

• Time required to prepare for the course (before June 12, 2026)::

  • Instructional video: approx. 3 hours 10 minutes, available for 3 weeks prior to the group session
  • Following that, accompanying assignments: approx. 1–2 hours to prepare a 3-minute presentation

   

• Time commitment on Juni 12, 2025 (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
  • Small group session via Zoom

Format

This seminar takes place in a blended learning format. You will be given access to a self-study video (length: 3 h 10 min) in which all essential content on the topic of »Applying for (junior) professorships« is presented in detail. You will then take part in a group session via Zoom, in which you will work on open questions and practice important aspects of the application process (e.g. introduction to the scientific presentation, committee interview).

Course language is English (Note: This course will also be offered in German on Juni 11, 2026)

Target Group

The seminar is aimed at postdocs of all levels of experience (R2/R3) and is geared towards participants with little to no experience with appointment procedures. Of course, more experienced participants are also welcome.

Maximal number of participants: 6

What's it about?

Anyone aiming for a long-term career in academia will sooner or later face what is often considered the greatest hurdle in an academic career: applying for a professorship. In this seminar, we will examine the qualifications required for a professorship, the written application materials, and the substantive and strategic considerations for the appointment lecture, teaching demonstration, and interview with the appointment committee.

Objectives & Content

Self-study video (Duration: 3 h 10 min, available for 3 weeks before the group session)

The aim of the video is to inform you in detail about all phases of the appointment procedure for W1 to W3 professorships in Germany and to provide you with specific assistance and tips for your application. The video first deals with the procedure and formal aspects of the appointment process. Then all the necessary application documents (especially CV, cover letter, concepts) are discussed in detail and illustrated in part with sample materials. In the third part, the expectations and requirements in the hearing with the appointment committee as well as important preparation steps are discussed. You will receive tips and short demonstrations on how to structure your scientific presentation and teaching demonstration. In addition, the most frequently asked questions and topics in the committee interview are presented.

Accompanying tasks (Time and effort: approx. 1-2 h) 

Preparation of a 3-minute presentation to introduce your own profile (introductory part of the scientific presentation, instructions in the webcast)

Small group session  (6h via Zoom)

In the group sessions, there is first of all the opportunity to clarify any remaining questions about applying for professorships. Afterwards, all participants give their prepared 3-minute presentation to introduce their own profile (introductory part of the scientific presentation) and receive feedback from the participants and the lecturer. Finally, the interview with the committee is discussed separately. Here you will answer some typical questions from committee interviews and also receive feedback on these.

Methods

• Input via self-learning video
• Illustrations with sample material
• Short presentations by the participants
• Feedback from the instructor & the participants
• Practice with sample interview questions

Material

• Handout 
• Worksheet for analyzing advertisements for professorships
• 2 sample CVs
• Sample teaching concept
• Two formulation and structuring examples for the research concept
• List of collected questions from committee interviews

Additional Information

Please note: Watching the video and preparing a 3-minute presentation is a mandatory prerequisite for meaningful participation in the group session!

Technical requirements

• A PC or laptop with an internet connection.
• A microphone, speakers, and a camera (the built-in hardware in newer laptops is sufficient; a headset is recommended).
• A quiet workspace.
• The online seminar will be held via Zoom.

Trainer

Dr. Dieta Kuchenbrandt, schainundkuchenbrandt GbR

Dieta Kuchenbrandt holds a Ph.D. in psychology and has additional training in coaching and counseling; she worked as a researcher for several years. You can find Dieta Kuchenbrandt’s detailed résumé here.

Save the date: Additional courses on the topic of “Careers in Academia”

In English: 

"PhD done! What’s next? Academic career planning and development", October 29, 2026

In German:

“Promotion, und dann? Planung und Optimierung der Hochschulkarriere” (already took place in 2026; next session planned for 2027)

"Erstes Vorsingen? Bewerben auf (Junior-) Professuren", June 11, 2026

Registration

Please submit your binding registration by May 20, 2026, using this online registration form. The number of places is limited; they will be allocated after the registration deadline. The number of places is limited.

This continuing education program is open to early-career researchers at the RPTU and the Fraunhofer Institutes ITWM and IESE. Please review our information regarding the terms of participation and registration.

If you have any questions, please contact the REaCh office: reach-info[at]rptu.de