W2 Professorship for Design and Media Philosophy (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 Architecture W2-Professorship for Design and Media Philosophy (w/m/d) Application code: 05.1.768 The place is to be occupied for the summer semester 2027; the place of service is located in Würzburg. Job description: The topics and areas of competence of the professorship include: profound competence in the core areas of design theory, media and communication theory integrative knowledge in the fields of aesthetics, anthropology, cultural and scientific theory as well as social philosophy and ethics future-oriented and problem-solving competences-oriented methodology of philosophical discourses and associated communication skills Competence to the applicability of theoretical methods and approaches to practice and goal: Research with and through design Ability to illustrate complex and dynamic transformations of social processes with the means of philosophical theory formation Creativity in experimental and challenging philosophical approaches with the aim of developing future images that can provide orientation and open discursive spaces.

In addition to classic approaches to philosophical schools, the professorship should include transdisciplinary and visionary positions so that the applicability of theoretical and scientific principles for the project work of the students can lead to an integrative and argumentatively convincing solution. The Faculty of Design wants to take a step with the enrolled professorship in order to meet the educational task in a radically changing world under the signs of increasing automation and a predictable efficiency of artificial intelligence with new competencies. The disparity of coming incomes is to be countered by means of illustrative scenarios or a new form of narrative mediation and thus lead to a better understanding (tangibility). The technical orientation and cooperation go beyond the basic area of the communication design and extend up-to-date challenges in design and information as well as special topics of the digital society. In addition to the setting requirements below, the requirements include outstanding professional and pioneering scientific contributions with a critical reflection of social challenges in all fields of public discussion. 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 Ready to stay regularly at partner universities abroad 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.

The Faculty of Design seeks an outstanding personality that can draw from the finds of philosophical thoughts and brings the courage to ask new questions to meet the concept of design as a comprehensive approach to communicative design in a future ›digital‹ world and its media types with new questions and possibly speculative answers. 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. Our university develops into a bilingual university. We therefore require you to offer the courses in both German and English. Very good knowledge of English is required.

multi- and interdisciplinary working context for applied research and teaching in the studies of the faculty close connection of design and research creative excellence in an innovative faculty powerful laboratories and workshops collegial, family-friendly environment. In addition to the usual documents and proofs of your scientific contributions, please also submit a teaching concept (entry: 1 page) and ideas about possible research approaches. 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. Johanna Diehl (johanna.diehl@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. The Chair of the Appeals Committee Prof. Carl Frech (carl.frech@ thws.de) is available for technical questions. .