W2 Professorship for Applied Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability and Cognitive Information Processing (m/f/d)

The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is one of the largest practice-oriented universities in Bavaria and covers a wide range of subjects with the fields of technology, social and economic sciences, design and languages. We accompany around 9,300 students in more than 70 courses on their educational path. We meet global challenges such as the energy transition or the climate crisis with an innovative and international study offer. For example, we have been a pioneer in the design of bilingual courses (TWIN courses), in the construction of the first basic study programme for hydrogen technology and in the software-centric study programme for robotics. In addition, digitalization is an important focus for our university. As part of the Hightech Agenda Bayern, the Free State of Bavaria is currently investing significantly in the further expansion of our university as part of the Bavarian AI network. At the university site Würzburg, a centre for strong artificial intelligence and a centre for robotics are created at the university site Schweinfurt. Our more than 270 professors are inspiring not only for teaching but also for applied research in cooperation with companies, institutions and social institutions from the region. The successful transfer of knowledge in industry and society distinguishes our professors as well as interdisciplinary cooperation in ten faculties and 16 research institutes. You are supported by around 630 employees in science, technology and administration. At our locations in Mainfranken, city and country, culture and nature meet – with correspondingly diverse leisure opportunities. Since 2022, THWS has been certified by the audit family-friendly university in order to meet the diversity of life plans and family forms and to actively promote the reconciliation of the profession and family of their employees. Constant growth, innovative teaching and pioneering research shape the atmosphere at our university. Currently we have the following place to occupy: Faculty of Computer Science and Business Informatics W2-Professorship for Applied Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability and Cognitive Information Processing (w/m/d) Application code: 06.1.767 The place is to be occupied for the summer semester 2026/2027; the place of service is located in Würzburg. Job description: The professorship combines technical, sustainable and social perspectives on digital change. The focus is on the question of how artificial intelligence (AI) is applied in a universally beneficial manner and how the digital transformation can be sustainable. It also examines how people perceive, process and evaluate digital information. Through its focus on sustainability, technology and human cognition, the professorship proposes the interdisciplinary bridge between computer science, psychology and social sciences as well as design – it makes a central contribution to the reflected design of the digital society and, through teaching, applied research and transfer activities in institutes and technology transfer centres, contributes decisively to preparing students, companies as well as start-ups and social actors for the opportunities and challenges of the digital era.

You conduct teaching and applied research in the field of digital society. You take courses in German and English on the topics of digitalization, cognitive processes and sustainability. Very good knowledge of English is therefore a prerequisite. In the teaching, you set on presence, but can also use hybrid and asynchronous teaching formats profitably. You supervise bachelor and master thesis; You coach the students, e.g. as part of project and seminar work. You actively participate in the university's academic self-government. You participate in the development and maintenance of the network with cooperation partners and in the acquisition and implementation of transfer or third-party projects. Professorship is also expected: In case of need, takeover of courses from the basic area, the further study offer and related areas, also in other faculties Standing for regular guest stays at international universities with strategic reference to THWS active participation in the further development of the faculty and the university Engagement in the internationalisation and self-government of our university and participation in projects of applied research and in the field of technology and knowledge transfer.

Your qualifications and skills: You usually have a doctorate, experience with third-party acquisitions and project implementation and have proven practical knowledge in the thematic priorities of cognitive processes, digitization, sustainability and applied AI proven scientific expertise (publications, conference contributions, third-party projects) in the field of digital transformation, applied AI, sustainability and psychological measurements comprehensive knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods and experience in empirical data collection and evaluation strong ability to understand complex content and to inspire students for topics of digital transformation You have at least five years of professional practice in the field of digital transformation, sustainability, psychological aspects of digitalization and/or digital innovation management, including at least three years outside the higher education sector. You can demonstrate your pedagogical suitability through experience in teaching, training or corresponding training. The following conditions must be fulfilled for the acceptance of the professorship at our university (Art. 57 para. 3 Bavarian University Innovation Act: completed university studies, preferably in a course relevant to the subject pedagogical aptitude which is usually demonstrated by experience in teaching and training special ability to scientific work that is usually demonstrated by the quality of a doctorate special achievements in the application or development of scientific knowledge and methods in at least five years of professional practice, which must be acquired after completion of university studies and must have been exercised by at least three years outside the higher education sector; times as a lecturer or a lecturer or as a scientific or artistic employee or as a scientific or artistic employee can only be counted up to two years; evidence of professional practice outside the higher education sector may be carried out in special cases by providing a significant proportion of professional activity in cooperation between the higher education institution and non-university professional practice over a period of at least five years.

The state of Bavaria offers not only optimal working conditions and excellent quality of life, but also special, country-specific assessment regulations. A fulfilling task with temporal flexibility and self-determination allows the balance of work, family and leisure. Engaged colleagues form a highly motivated team and support you from the outset. Our university promotes the professional equality of women and strives for a significant increase in the proportion of women in the scientific field. Women are therefore expressly invited to apply. Prof. Dr. Anne Heß (anne.hess@thws.de) is available for questions. It can be called into the civil service who is 52. It has not yet been completed in the year of life, otherwise an employment with a private service contract takes place in the employee relationship. Disabled applicants are preferably hired in the case of otherwise essentially the same suitability, capability and professional performance. The professorship is basically full-time. In order to promote the reconciliation of work and family life, THWS offers the opportunity to occupy the job in parttime (for a period of one to two years). After this period, further employment in parttime is possible in principle according to the statutory provisions. For technical questions, the Chairman of the Committee of Appeal Prof. Dr. Markus Oermann (markus.oermann@thws.de) is at your disposal. .