The University of Freiburg, founded in 1457 and situated in the heart of Europe in direct proximity to Switzerland and France, is a comprehensive university with 22.000 students and an academic staff of 4.500. Its eleven faculties range from Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Medicine to Technical Sciences and Engineering Technology. The University of Freiburg consistently achieves top positions in university rankings and is distinguished as an “Excellence University” in both research and teaching in nationwide competitions.
In order to further strengthen its academic program, the University of Freiburg is currently establishing an innovative four-year “Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences” (LAS) interdisciplinary study program for a total of 200 students within the institutional framework of the new University College Freiburg (UCF). In this context, the University invites applications for the following positions:
Full Professor of Epistemology and Theory of Science (W3)
In addition to an excellent international academic record in methodology and epistemology, candidates must offer, in research and teaching, a historical and comparative perspective on the societal and (trans-) cultural contexts and implications of science, humanities and knowledge.
The development of a research program in the area of history and philosophy of science and knowledge is at the discretion of the position holder. Interdisciplinary research profiles that reach across the University’s faculties and integrate several academic fields and disciplines relevant to the LAS study program will be favored.
The professorship’s teaching responsibilities will focus on the LAS study program, especially on the philosophy, theory and history of science and knowledge.
In addition to an excellent international academic record in Science and Technology Studies, candidates must cover, in research and teaching, theoretical and empirical questions concerning the formation, dissemination and implications of knowledge, science and technology in contemporary societies. Proficiencies in neighboring disciplines (Sociology/Anthropology of Science, Technology Assessment, Innovation Studies) are expected.
The development of a research program in the area of Science and Technology Studies is at the discretion of the position holder. Interdisciplinary research profiles that reach across the University’s faculties and integrate scientific fields and disciplines (especially Engineering, Life and Environmental Sciences) relevant to the LAS study program will be favored.
The professorship’s teaching responsibilities will focus on the LAS study program, especially on the formation, dissemination and implications of knowledge, science and technology. The LAS program’s novelty for the German higher education system refers not only to its comprehensive interdisciplinarity, but also to the intended innovative teaching contexts and methods. Therefore, in addition to an excellent and international teaching record, a passion for teaching and proven interest and experience in interdisciplinary and innovative approaches to higher education, ideally in a Liberal Arts and Sciences context, are required.
Candidates are invited and expected to actively participate in the administration and further development of the LAS study program and the UCF structure.
As the study program will be taught in English, excellent English proficiency in teaching and research is required. The official language of the University is German. Non-native German speakers are expected to learn German within two years. Although the integration of both professorships into the Faculty of Humanities is most likely, other associations and/or joint faculty affiliations are possible, depending on the academic background and interests of the position holders. All applicants are therefore asked to provide a brief outline of their preferred incorporation into the University of Freiburg.
Formal requirement for appointment is a postdoctoral lecturing qualification (Habilitation) or equivalent achievements in research and teaching, such as a successfully completed period as associate professor.
Please direct any questions concerning the professorships, the study program or the University as well as your application (including CV, two references, certificates, teaching record, list of publications, grants awarded, research profile and plan) by January 9, 2012 to: Prof. Dr. Hans-Helmuth Gander, Dean, Faculty of Humanities, University of Freiburg, D-79085 Freiburg; philosfak@dekanate.uni-freiburg.de.
Four University Teachers (Postdocs)
These positions will be at the heart of the LAS teaching program; the teaching load (including student advising and project supervision) is 12 hours/week (starting September 2012). They will also substantially contribute to curricular development and cover some teaching-related administrative work. One position each is intended for candidates from the Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and from Engineering/ Information Technology.
We offer you the opportunity to develop your academic career by acquiring a broad range of excellent teaching skills and instructional design competencies; to participate actively in an educational initiative that will break new ground for the University of Freiburg and beyond; to work in close cooperation with an interdisciplinary, highly motivated and supportive team at the UCF; and to benefit from the possibilities an internationally renowned research university offers for the development of your next research projects.
We are looking for candidates with a very good academic track record, a relatively recent Ph.D. and excellent first results in post-doctoral research. Teaching experience, native or near-native English and excellent interpersonal skills are required; German language proficiency is an advantage. Candidates with an interdisciplinary research focus, a sound knowledge of the theory and methodology of science and a proven interest in innovative approaches to higher education will be given precedence. Remuneration is according to the German TV-L scale (E13). Contracts will run for two years. An extension is possible (maximum five years).
Further information concerning UCF, the positions and the application process can be found at: www.ucf.uni-freiburg.de/uta. Please direct your application (including letters of reference) by January 9, 2012 to:
Dr. Nicholas Eschenbruch, Director of Education LAS, University College Freiburg, Haus zur Lieben Hand, Löwenstrasse 16, D-79085 Freiburg; eschenbruch@ucf.uni-freiburg.de.
The University of Freiburg is an equal opportunities employer and particularly welcomes applications by female or handicapped scientists, who will be given preference, provided they have a corresponding qualification.
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