Professor (W2) in Education with a Focus on Social Science Education at the University of Hamburg – Germany

Summary

The University of Hamburg seeks a W2 professor in Education with a focus on Social Science Education, based in the Faculty of Education. The role combines research on social science education, teacher education in diverse contexts, and democracy education, with responsibilities such as supervising teaching placements and contributing to internationalisation activities. Candidates must demonstrate expertise, empirical research experience with external funding, international academic experience, university‑level teaching, and German language proficiency at C1 level (attainable within two years). Applications are due by 29 October 2026, with a start date of 1 October 2027. Remuneration follows the Hamburg W pay scale, and the university offers onboarding, professional development, health benefits, and support for partners and children.

Key Facts

Department	Faculty of Education
Position Type	Professor (W2)
Discipline	Education
Research Area	Social Science Education
Experience	University-level teaching experience and empirical research experience
Salary	Hamburg W pay scale; specific annual salary not stated
Funding	Salary (Hamburg W pay scale)
Language	German (C1)
Deadline	2026-10-29
Required Documents	Cover letter and CV, Publication list and three representative publications, Evidence of teaching experience, Evidence of experience and success in obtaining and conducting externally funded projects, Certificates and supporting documents, Description of teaching and research plans, Teaching evaluations (if available), Additional documentation such as talks, posters, and significant organizational roles (if available)
Employer Address	Von-Melle-Park 8, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
Employer Contact	Prof. Dr. Kerstin Michalik, [email protected]; Prof. Dr. Julia Schwanewedel, [email protected]

About the Project

The professorship will advance research in social science education, linking it to teacher education for secondary schools, special needs, vocational and subject‑specific training. It will address democracy and political education in professional contexts and contribute to the faculty’s internationalisation and knowledge‑exchange initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research in social science education
• Contribute to teacher education in diverse contexts
• Prepare and supervise teaching placements
• Participate in university or faculty research priorities
• Support internationalisation and knowledge‑exchange activities
• Address democracy and political education in professional contexts

Required Skills

• Expertise in social science education
• Experience in empirical research with external funding
• International academic experience
• University‑level teaching skills
• German language proficiency at C1 level

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a strong research record in social science education, proven ability to obtain external research funding, international academic experience, university‑level teaching experience, and German language proficiency at C1 level are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Onboarding support
• Professional development opportunities
• Health benefits
• Support for partners and children
• Civil‑service status with employment and retirement security
• Gender equality, diversity, and work‑life balance initiatives

About the Employer

The University of Hamburg, located in Hamburg, Germany, emphasizes gender equality, diversity, and work‑life balance. It offers civil‑service status, onboarding, professional development, health benefits, and support for partners and children. The Faculty of Education hosts the W2 professorship in Education with a focus on Social Science Education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What language proficiency is required?

German at C1 level, which can be achieved within the first two years of employment.

How should the application be submitted?

All supporting documents must be combined into one PDF and sent to the listed contacts.

Is a specific salary amount provided?

Salary follows the Hamburg W pay scale; a specific annual amount is not stated.

Who can be contacted for technical application support?

Technical support is available at [email protected].