Tenure track at the University of Cologne

The tenure track career path at the University of Cologne offers attractive career prospects for outstanding early career researchers, enabling them to transition early to a tenured professorship based on meeting clear, pre-defined quality criteria.

Tenure track recruitment allows the university to attract and retain outstanding and diverse talent at an early stage of their careers. It contributes to increasing the proportion of female and international researchers, and supports better compatibility of family and an academic career. At the same time, tenure track positions are an important instrument for strengthening the research priorities of the Key Profile Areas and Faculties thereby advancing the university's overall strategic development.

80+ tenure track positions since 2013 | 20+ tenure track recruitments in the KPAs | 27 tenure track professors funded within the federal-state tenure track programme

Currently vacant tenure track positions can be found at the Academic Job Portal.

Tenure track positions are filled through a transparent, quality-assured appointment process and, from the outset, include a clearly defined path to tenure as a W2 or W3 professor.

Positions are limited to six years for junior professorships and group leaders and five years for W2 professorships. During this period, candidates work towards pre-defined quality criteria in research, teaching, knowledge transfer, and academic service. After this period, progression to a tenured professorship is determined by a final tenure evaluation with external reviewers determines. Junior professorships additionally include an interim evaluation after three years.

In cases of exceptional academic achievements or if a candidate receives an external offer for a professorship, tenure may be granted earlier (‘fast track’).

Further details are defined in the Tenure Track Regulations and its amendment.

Learn more about the procedure at Department 12 – Strategy and Evaluations.

Tenure track candidates receive continuous support throughout the process. Each candidate is paired with a mentor in their field and participates in regular, documented progress meetings.

The university offers targeted professional development and networking opportunities, including personal coaching, individual teaching coaching, networking and dialogue events, and support in leadership development.

The process also provides flexible extensions for candidates with parental responsibilities, caregiving obligations, or special circumstances.

Learn more about the offers at the Albertus Magnus Center.

The tenure track is based on Article 38a of the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia and is governed by the university's tenure track regulations. All tenure track positions are filled in accordance with the university's appointment regulations.

Further information on the legal basis can be found at the Legal Department (German only).