University Professorship (W3) “Technology Assessment and Technology Governance“

Stellenbeschreibung

ITAS is dedicated to scientifically independent, high-quality problem-oriented research on the relationship between humans, technology, and the environment, to the responsible shaping of technology, and the assessment of opportunities and risks associated with current and future socio-technical change. The university professorship will further advance technology assessment at KIT, shape sustainability research and systems analysis in the long term, and position this research internationally. The university professorship has a central role in the Helmholtz programs Energy System Design (ESD) and Engineering Digital Futures (EDF), where it forms the core of research on socio-technical change. In addition, the university professorship is expected to maintain and further develop ITAS’s activities in institutionalised policy advice.

We are looking for an internationally recognized scholar with outstanding expertise in research and teaching, particularly in the following areas:

• Concepts, methods, and conditions for the implementation of technology assessment, including, i.a., its epistemic and ethical dimensions. 
• Systematic reflection on the opportunities, conditions, and consequences of socio ‑ technical change. 
• Shaping of socio ‑ technical systems and governance of complex transformation processes. 
• Interaction between science and political action (e.g., scientific policy advice).

In addition to these required qualifications, competencies in the following areas are desired:

• Involving non ‑ scientific actors in research processes. 
• Conceptualising and investigating complex transformations, especially in digitisation or energy supply. 
• Leading large research networks and inter- or transdisciplinary research teams. 
• Supporting and fostering early ‑ career researchers.

Persönliche Qualifikation

Experience in international scientific committees and policy- advisory bodies is advantageous. Applicants should possess in‑depth knowledge of the German and European research‑funding landscape and a proven track record in securing third‑party funding from public and private organisations.

The university professorship will represent the academic field Technology Assessment and will be a key contributor to the major Technology Assessment and Future Design module within the “Liberal Arts and Sciences” study programme at KIT. Since the university professorship is entrusted with the performance of large scale research responsibilities, the teaching load is 2 semester hours per week. Communication with policymakers and the public is an important part of this role, hence proficiency in German is therefore essential.

Employment is subject to Art. 14, par. (2) of the KIT Act in conjunction with Art. 47 LHG Baden-Württemberg (Act of Baden-Württemberg on Universities and Colleges).

Organisationseinheit

Contract duration

unlimited

Application up to

March 26, 2026

Contact person in line-management

For further information, please contact Professor Bernhard Beckert, phone +49 721 608-41050, E-Mail: bernhard.beckert@kit.edu.

Canditature:

Please mail your application with the relevant documents (curriculum vitae, list of publications, diplomas/certificates, teaching evaluations, description of previous and planned research and teaching activities, research and teaching concept of approximately 1 to 2 pages, description of your own contributions in the above-mentioned areas, acquired third-party funds, statement on scientific honesty), as well as three relevant scientific publications to Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Division II, Division Head Prof. Dr. Bernhard Beckert, preferably as a single PDF file to: gs@bl2.kit.edu

Vacancy number: 1045/2026

We prefer to balance the number of employees (f/m/d). Therefore, we kindly ask female applicants to apply for this job.

Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified.

As a family-friendly university, KIT offers part-time employment, leaves of absence, a dual career service, and coaching to support the work-life balance.

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