Becoming A Professor In Austria: A Step-By-Step Guide

Austria is a great place for academics to pursue their careers, with many opportunities for scientists and researchers. The country is always on the lookout for highly qualified workers and offers generous tax benefits to attract them. There are a few routes to becoming a professor in Austria, and the process can be challenging. Typically, after completing an MA, the next step is to obtain a PhD while working as a Universitätsassistent. Following this, academics may apply for a post-doc tenure track position and become an assistant professor. During the next six years, they must reach the goals outlined in a qualification agreement, which may include specific research objectives and, in some cases, obtaining tenure. After this, they can be promoted to associate professor, and then eventually to full professor.

Post-MA, complete a PhD while working as a Universitätsassistent

Post-MA, completing a PhD while working as a Universitätsassistent is a common path to becoming a professor in Austria. This route provides a good balance of research and teaching experience, which is essential for a successful academic career. Here are some key considerations for this path:

Firstly, a Universitätsassistent is an academic position that involves assisting university professors with research and teaching duties. It is a great opportunity to gain experience in academia and build a strong foundation for a future professorship. The role typically involves conducting research, assisting with lectures and tutorials, and supporting professors in their academic activities.

While working as a Universitätsassistent, it is important to focus on completing your PhD. A PhD is a significant milestone in academia and is often a prerequisite for more advanced academic positions, including professorships. It demonstrates your ability to conduct independent research and contribute new knowledge to your field. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to publish your research, which can enhance your reputation and credibility in your academic discipline.

To excel as a Universitätsassistent and successfully complete your PhD, consider the following strategies:

• Develop strong research skills: Proficiency in research methods, data analysis, and critical thinking is essential. Stay up to date with the latest research in your field and seek opportunities to contribute to research projects and publications.
• Build relationships with mentors and colleagues: Collaborating with experienced academics can provide valuable guidance, support, and connections. Seek feedback and advice from professors and establish a strong network within your academic community.
• Enhance your teaching skills: As a Universitätsassistent, you will likely have teaching responsibilities. Invest time in developing effective teaching techniques, creating engaging lectures or tutorials, and providing constructive feedback to students.
• Manage your time effectively: Balancing research, teaching, and administrative tasks can be challenging. Prioritize your commitments, set clear goals, and allocate your time efficiently to ensure progress in your PhD and fulfilment of your assistantship duties.
• Stay motivated and proactive: Pursuing a PhD while working as a Universitätsassistent can be demanding. Maintain a strong work ethic, seek support when needed, and proactively seek out opportunities for professional development and growth.

Remember that the path to becoming a professor can vary, and there may be alternative routes depending on your specific field and circumstances. However, by excelling as a Universitätsassistent and successfully completing your PhD, you will be well-positioned to advance your academic career and work towards a professorship in Austria.

Apply for a Laufbahnstelle and become an assistant professor

In Austria, there are various routes to becoming a professor depending on your educational background. The usual process after obtaining an MA is to complete a PhD while working as a Universitätsassistent. This is followed by applying for a post-doc tenure track (Laufbahnstelle) to become an assistant professor.

During the next six years, the academic must reach the goals agreed upon in a qualification agreement (Qualifikationsvereinbarung). These goals typically include specific research objectives and, in some cases, obtaining a Habilitation. Habilitation is a qualification that is often required to teach at many Austrian universities. Although it is no longer essential for becoming a professor, it is still expected for a scientific career at universities such as the University of Vienna. Habilitation in Austria is considered proof of the highest level of achievement in an academic subject.

After being appointed as an assistant professor, the next step is to be evaluated by a committee of international experts in the respective field. This evaluation usually takes place after six years of research. If the researcher meets the agreed-upon goals, they can progress to an associate professor (assoziierter Professor), which is a permanent position.

It is important to note that the path to becoming a full professor in Austria can be challenging. Many positions in academia are temporary, and finding a permanent position as a professor can be difficult. However, Austria offers excellent opportunities for academics, including visiting professorships and research positions. Additionally, Austria provides generous tax benefits to attract scientists and researchers from abroad.

Reach goals in a qualification agreement, including research and teaching

In Austria, there are various routes to becoming a professor, depending on your educational background. The usual process post-MA is to complete a PhD while working as a Universitätsassistent. After this, academics may apply for a post-doc tenure track position and become an assistant professor.

During the next six years, the academic must reach the goals agreed upon in a qualification agreement (Qualifikationsvereinbarung). These goals then become prerequisites for tenure or promotion to Universitätsprofessur. If the researcher meets these goals, they will progress to an associate professor (a permanent position).

The specific goals of a qualification agreement will vary depending on the institution and the individual's academic background. However, they typically include research goals and, in some cases, obtaining teaching qualifications.

Research goals in a qualification agreement may involve:

• Participating in research programmes and conferences
• Networking with other academics and researchers
• Publishing a specific number of papers or books in the individual's field of study
• Collaborating with other researchers on interdisciplinary projects
• Obtaining external research grants to support their work

Teaching qualifications may include:

• Completing a teaching training programme or obtaining a teaching certificate
• Gaining experience as a tutor or teaching assistant
• Developing and teaching undergraduate or graduate-level courses
• Supervising student research projects, such as theses or dissertations

Gain promotion to associate professor, a permanent position

In Austria, the path to becoming a professor is often challenging and involves several temporary positions. However, gaining promotion to associate professor, a permanent position, is a significant milestone. Here are the key steps and considerations for achieving this goal:

First, it's important to understand the Austrian academic system and the requirements for becoming an associate professor. After obtaining a Master's degree, the typical process is to pursue a PhD while holding a position as a Universitätsassistent. During this time, individuals can gain valuable experience through short-term roles as tutors or research assistants.

To gain promotion to associate professor, researchers must meet the goals outlined in their qualification agreement (Qualifikationsvereinbarung). These goals typically include specific research objectives and may also involve teaching duties. It is essential to demonstrate excellence in research and make notable contributions to the field. Additionally, participation in research programmes, conferences, and networking events can enhance one's academic profile.

While fluency in German is not always required for international candidates, a good command of the language is expected within a short period. Therefore, it is advisable to start learning German beforehand to meet the expectations of universities.

The path to becoming an associate professor in Austria can vary depending on the institution. For example, the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria) employs a "tenure track" system. Under this system, researchers start as Assistant Professors and are evaluated by a committee of international experts after six years of research. If they meet the criteria, they can achieve a permanent position as an Associate Professor.

It is worth noting that the Austrian tenure system leads to a promotion to associate professor, but it does not guarantee promotion to the level of Universitätsprofessor (full tenured professor). To attain the position of Universitätsprofessor, a separate application procedure is typically required.

Apply for a full professorship through a special appointment procedure

In Austria, there are various routes to becoming a professor, depending on your educational background. The usual process after obtaining an MA is to complete a PhD while working as a Universitätsassistent. After this, academics may apply for a post-doc tenure track position and become an assistant professor.

During the next six years, the academic must reach the goals outlined in a qualification agreement, which typically includes specific research goals and, in some cases, the requirement to obtain a Habilitation qualification. Habilitation is a qualification that is often required to teach at many Austrian universities. Although it is no longer essential for becoming a professor, universities such as the University of Vienna still require it for scientific careers. Habilitation is regarded as proof of the highest level of achievement in an academic subject.

Once an academic has obtained a full professorship in Austria, they benefit from excellent salary prospects and job security. Austria also offers generous tax benefits to attract foreign scientists and researchers.

After progressing through the tenure system and becoming an associate professor, academics can apply to become a Universitätsprofessor (full tenured professor) through a special appointment procedure. This procedure is competitive and does not guarantee promotion to the full professorship.

Frequently asked questions