Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus–Senftenberg (BTU) combines cutting-edge research and knowledge transfer at an international level, creating an interdisciplinary innovation network and establishing 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 committed to strengthening and enhancing the visibility of the science region of Cottbus–Senftenberg. Through innovative research and new formats in teaching and learning, BTU actively shapes the future: contributing academic knowledge and practical solutions to address major future challenges and transformation processes. The university consolidates its strengths across faculties and institutes within four profile areas: “Energy Transition and Decarbonisation”, “Health and Life Sciences”, “Global Change and Transformation Processes”, and “Artificial Intelligence and Sensor Technology”.
BTU offers its students on both the Cottbus and Senftenberg campuses a high-quality education, individual support, and the opportunity to learn with curiosity and openness in a collaborative and democratic environment. The diversity of our academic staff and student body fosters innovation and progress.
The Faculty of Human Sciences is seeking to appoint a:
PROFESSORSHIP (W3) Primary Education/ Primary School Pedagogy
commencing at the earliest opportunity.
Tasks
This professorship forms part of the new primary teacher training programmes at BTU. Close collaboration is expected with the ten professorships within the newly established Institute of Educational Sciences, alongside a willingness to contribute to interdisciplinary cooperation beyond this framework.
The postholder will cover topics in primary education, including organisational, legal and didactical aspects, with a particular emphasis on inclusive education, as required by national regulations. The professorship addresses the professional development of future primary school teachers from both systematic and historical perspectives, engaging with foundational questions (e. g., early years education and transitions) as well as current issues in primary education. Furthermore, the role encompasses responsibility for pedagogical approaches that are sensitive to heterogeneity, and for diversity-aware diagnosis, documentation, assessment and support for children with varied (school-related) developmental trajectories.
We are seeking a candidate with an established academic track record in the field of primary education – ideally with a specialism in inclusive pedagogy – who has experience in university-level teaching and curriculum development, incorporating current research. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the development of a research cluster that draws on the disciplines represented within the Institute of Educational Sciences and makes a visible, sustainable contribution to innovative and contemporary primary education.
The professorship is expected to represent the subject area in research and teaching within the Primary Education programme and other study programmes at BTU. Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate and postgraduate modules, delivered in both German and English. Where sufficient knowledge of German is not yet in place, the willingness to acquire the language promptly is required to enable active participation in faculty and university governance and to teach Bachelor’s degree programmes in German.
Profile
In accordance with § 43 (1), Nos. 1 to 4a of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG), applicants must fulfil the following criteria:
- a relevant academic degree (Master’s / State Examination), preferably in Primary Education or a comparable field,
- proven teaching aptitude
- outstanding capability for academic work, typically demonstrated through the quality of the doctoral thesis and
- a habilitation or equivalent academic achievements.
In addition, at least two years of school teaching experience, or a comparably relevant professional background, is required as stipulated in § 43 (3) BbgHG.
Applicants are also expected to demonstrate:
- a track record in securing third-party research funding and managing externally funded projects,
- a strong publication record in recognised academic journals,
- research topics relevant to the DFG (German Research Foundation) or comparable international funding bodies,
- the ability to deliver high-quality teaching across all academic levels, from undergraduate to doctoral supervision, and to mentor early-career researchers,
- experience and commitment to academic self-governance and contributing to faculty development.
We offer
- fair and transparent appointment negotiations,
- attractive working conditions in a city with high quality of life and in relative proximity to Berlin, Dresden, and Leipzig,
- a dynamically developing research environment,
- support for relocation to the vicinity of the workplace,
- comprehensive support through the dual-career and family services and
- an attractive salary including a performance-related component, subject to negotiation.
Additional responsibilities arise from § 44 BbgHG in conjunction with § 3 BbgHG.
The legal basis for the appointment, including eligibility criteria and conditions, can be found in §§ 43 (1–4a), § 43 (3), and 45 of the BbgHG.
BTU is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. The university seeks to ensure gender balance across all employment categories and will give preference to applicants with disabilities (or equivalent status) where qualifications are equal.
Further information regarding the appointment process, including legal frameworks and the status of ongoing procedures, is available at: https://www.b-tu.de/universitaet/karriere/berufungsmanagement
Please send your application, including proof of qualifications, a CV, a list of publications (highlighting your five most relevant works), evidence of teaching experience, and a research and teaching statement relevant to this professorship – compiled in a single PDF file (max. 7 MB) – until 31.10.2025 by email to:
Email: fakultaet4+bewerbungen@b-tu.de
Postal address:
Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences
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. For more information, please consult the data protection notice on BTU’s website.
For further information, please contact Dr. Maximilian Piotraschke (Tel.: 03573/ 85 626, Email: maximilian.piotraschke@b-tu.de).
