Junior Professorship (W1) with tenure track leading to W2 for Catholic Theology: Practical Theology

Institution: Faculty of Humanities

Commencement of duties: 1 April 2026

Application deadline: 2026-01-22

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

Responsibilities

The Faculty of Humanities is seeking a junior professor (W1TTW2) of Catholic theology: practical theology. The professor is based in the Institute of Catholic Theology in the Department of Religions and will participate in the Thought and Religions profile area in the religious research areas of the faculty. A focus on the area of Christianity in contemporary cultures and religious communication/education is expected.

In addition to research and teaching in the field of practical theology with the focus named above, the professor is also tasked with:

• active involvement in training prospective school teachers of Religion
• participation in the introduction and quality assurance of the various Catholic religion teacher training degrees
• active participation in the Department of Religions in the field of academic communication and third mission activities

Collaboration with the Department of Religious Pedagogy in the Faculty of Education at the University of Hamburg is desired in light of the involvement in the education of prospective teachers.

Your profile

This junior professorship is aimed at early career researchers. We are looking for a candidate with an outstanding academic track record and research experience in the professorship field.

We expect:

• a degree in Catholic theology (Mag. theol. or equivalent)
• an outstanding doctorate in the field of practical theology (Dr. theol., Dr. phil. or equivalent)
• relevant publications in the field of Christianity in contemporary cultures and/or religious communication and education

We also expect:

• demonstrated knowledge in the field of empirical social research
• didactic skills and university experience
• proficiency in German to (C1) level. Language proficiency may be obtained within the first 2 years of employment. The University of Hamburg is happy to assist you.
• less than 4 years since completing the doctorate (parental and care leave periods granted a standard period of 2 years per child); the junior professor will be evaluated prior to the end of their posting to ascertain whether they fulfill the requirements for a tenured professorship

Ideally, you will also have:

• initial experience acquiring external funding and carrying out externally funded projects
• the ability to work as part of a team, and to engage in interreligious research and teaching
• international experience in academia

University of Hamburg

The University of Hamburg strives to integrate gender equality, diversity, and a work/study–life balance into teaching and management. We also value diversity and encourage women, people with a disability, and those from diverse ethnic backgrounds to apply.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified nondisabled applicants.

We offer our professors the opportunity to research and teach at the highest level. The University of Hamburg and the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg also provide:

Application and appointment procedure

Upload all supporting documents as a single PDF:

• cover letter
• CV
• publication list
• proof of teaching experience (e.g., as a list of courses)
• proof of experience and success with acquiring and conducting externally funded projects
• certificates and supporting documents
• 3 representative publications
• description of teaching and research plans
• evaluations, where available
• further documentation such as talks, posters, and important roles in organizations, where available

If you have technical problems, contact .

Short-listed candidates will be evaluated by an assessment center. Further information on the academic search procedure is available at .

The appointment requirements and professorial duties are determined by the relevant regulations (particularly Sections 15, 18 and 12 subsection 7 Hamburg higher education act [Hamburgisches Hochschulgesetz]). Read more about .

Contact

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Holzbrecher

Dr. Dr. Florian Baab

Location

Gorch-Fock-Wall 7
20354 Hamburg

Reference number

JP 366