The Open Topic Tenure Track Professorships are a core element in the TUD’s Institutional Strategy. In terms of financial provision and long-term effectiveness, this is the most substantial measure in the recruitment of the “brightest and best” for research and teaching.

The Open Topic Professorships program is TU Dresden’s entirely innovative way of attracting and keeping the best and most original young scholars from around the world. The appointment procedure does not follow the usual path of a classical application; instead it is based on an active recruitment process. The hunt for applicants takes place independently of links to particular disciplines, categories or descriptions of functions. The major factors are solely the potential appointee’s excellence in their field and innovative power they would bring to scientific work at the TU Dresden. Particular attention will be focused on outstanding young scientists who already demonstrate an exceptional level of potential in their research work at an early stage of their academic careers.

There are no formal requirements for individual applications. A selection committee of external members has the task of producing a list of proposed candidates, based on the applications and nominations received and their own recommendations. Up to ten candidates from this list will be selected to receive invitations from the rector to a one-week “orientation visit” to the TU Dresden. When the invitations are issued, the selection committee will simultaneously obtain at least six external reports on each candidate.

These reports and the relevant faculties’ statements following the orientation visits form the foundation on which the selection committee will base its final appointment proposals.

You can find all information including a timetable with all the relevant data on the round of appointments to the Open Topic Tenure Track Professorships 2013/14 here.

The deadline for applications and proposed nominations for the winter semester 2013/14 is May 15, 2013. They should be addressed to:

Technische Universität Dresden
The Rector
– personal/confidential –
"Application for Open Topic Professorship"
01062 Dresden
GERMANY

Alternatively, applications may be sent by email with the subject “Application for Open Topic Professorship" to rektor@tu-dresden.de.

Please address any questions you might have via email only to zukunftskonzept@tu-dresden.de.
 

FAQ

Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about the application procedure and surrounding conditions for the Open Topic Tenure Track Professorships.
 

Questions about the application procedure

1. Are the professorships open to current TUD members as well?
   The Professorships are open to current TUD members if they meet the relevant requirements.
2. Does the right to recommend a suitable candidate apply to TUD honorary professors as well?
   All scientists, no matter if affiliated to the TUD or committed externally, have the right to search for suitable candidates and to encourage them to apply or to recommend candidates to the selection board. Nominations ought to be addressed to the Rector who will forward the corresponding documents to the selection board in confidence.
3. Is it possible for scientists to apply even if still in an early post-doctoral phase?
   Yes.
4. Are applications from established researchers welcome as well?
   Yes.
5. How many professorships will be appointed in the framework of the first call?
   TUD seeks to fill up to ten professorial positions within the first call.
6. Will there be more calls to come and when will the next application round start?
   The maximum number of professorships depends on the actual call for funds in the framework of the first call. The next application round is not yet scheduled.
7. Is it necessary for application documents to contain writing samples?
   Writing samples are welcome, if the applicants feel that those samples are suitable to support the selection board’s work. There are no specific requirements or expectations
8. Is it necessary to enclose letters of recommendation?
   Letters of recommendation facilitate the selection board’s work and are therefore recommended.
9. Should applications be submitted in German and/or English?
   There are no specific requirements concerning the language.
10. Are concepts focusing on knowledge transfer from science to industry welcome, in particular including cooperations with industry partners?
    Yes, such concepts are welcome.
11. How will the professorships be integrated into established TUD structures?
    The professorships will be integrated in consultation with the faculties.

Questions about appointment, terms and conversion to tenured employment

1. Which pay scale grouping will be applied for the professorships?
   Depending on the candidate’s qualification, grouping will be possible within all three academic salary grades (W1/W2/W3) of the German pay regulations.
2. What is the equipment for the professorships concerning staff, material expenses, investments etc.?
   Endowment depends on the discipline and the candidate’s qualification and is therefore subject to individual negotiations upon appointment.
3. Is there a written guideline for the tenure evaluation after the initial five-year appointment?
   There is no written guideline yet, since it is currently subject to adjustment within the selection board.