University of Hamburg: New positions for innovative minds in social sciences!

University of Hamburg: New positions for innovative minds in social sciences!

From April 1, 2025, the University of Hamburg will take a decisive step in the departmental organization of its faculties with the introduction of new job models. This is done with the aim of both attracting national and international talent and retaining them in the long term. This is reported by the University of Hamburg news.

The first two senior lecturers will be hired in the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, in the Department of Social Sciences. These permanent positions are not only a valuable addition to existing professorships, but also offer innovative opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching. The senior lecturers will focus on qualitative research methods and sociological theory.

Tasks and requirements

The tasks of the senior lecturers are varied and include, among other things, the independent implementation of courses in the bachelor's degree program in sociology as well as support and advice on practical course content. These activities make up around 75% of working time. Furthermore, senior lecturers are required to carry out research and publication activities on their own responsibility, which takes up a further 15% of their working time. The acquisition of third-party funding is also desirable, with the faculty and the university offering support.

A specific requirements profile was created for the senior lecturer positions, which includes very good qualifications in sociology as well as in-depth knowledge of qualitative research methods. A completed university degree in the relevant field is required. In addition, applicants should have experience in teaching, particularly in qualitative methods. The ability to teach in digital and hybrid formats is also valued.

New job model and the “Hamburg Declaration”

The new position model was developed in collaboration with the university's faculties, clusters of excellence and various administrative institutions. It encourages faculties to decide independently about new hires, so that in addition to the senior lecturer positions, new researcher positions with a focus on research should also be created. This initiative is available to all faculties and is intended to help introduce contemporary permanent positions.

A central goal of the university is the active implementation of the “Hamburg Declaration”, which aims to significantly improve employment conditions in science. A particular focus is on creating optimal qualification prospects for researchers and teachers as well as improving the transition from studies to an academic career.

The new position model is also part of the “Hub of Academic Career & Research Culture” (HARC), which will be founded in early 2025. HARC aims to promote the career and academic culture at the university and to develop a holistic understanding of career development, diversity and a healthy work culture.

The application process for these new positions begins with the job advertisement dated January 2, 2025. Interested applicants can find out about the respective requirements and deadlines on the University of Hamburg job portal. With this step, the University of Hamburg aims to sustainably strengthen its research and teaching through highly qualified specialists.