The Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU)

The Faculty of Languages and Literatures invites applications for the Junior Professorship of Digital Journalism (W1 with tenure track to W2) to be filled by the earliest possible starting date. This tenure track professorship is financed by the federal states and government program for promoting young researchers. The common guiding principle for the acquired professorships is the topic “For a human-centered digital society”. The aim is to approach the transformation of politics, the industry and society, which is caused by ongoing digitalization, within the research and teaching practice.

Employment will be effected on the basis of a temporary public servant or private law employment relationship in pay grade W1. The employment relationship is initially limited to three years. After successful interim evaluation, it will be extended by another three years. In case of a successful tenure evaluation and subject to fulfillment of the employment law requirements, the position of the tenure track professor will be transferred into a public servant employment relationship for a permanent professorship with pay grade W2.

The KU is committed to increasing the percentage of female professors and therefore explicitly encourages female researchers to apply.

Your responsibilities

The holder of the position shall investigate the role of digital journalism and digital public spheres in society. A particular focus will be on questions regarding the quality and ethics of journalism and public spheres especially within digital transformation of the media world. Another key area will be dealing with editorial working methods in researching, selecting, processing and dissemination – by also taking into account the influence of social media platforms, algorithmic mechanisms and interaction with the audience.

The professorship will participate in the teaching practice for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in Journalism. The work includes both training aspects for practical journalism as well as research-oriented teaching on the topic of digitalization and innovation. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the KU-wide focus on “a human-centered digital society”. Furthermore, active participation in the Artificial Intelligence Network in Ingolstadt is desired.

Your profile

In order to be able to fulfill the outlined range of tasks in a long-term perspective, candidates must have in-depth knowledge in the field of social science research on digital journalism and digital public spheres. Proof of corresponding qualification is generally provided by an outstanding doctoral degree. Another important factor are high-quality teaching skills, as demonstrated by positive teaching evaluations. Basic requirements for these tasks also include in-depth knowledge of the media system and the professional field of journalism in Germany.

Experience in journalistic practice and regarding collaborations with media partners in research and teaching is beneficial. Knowledge of digital research methods (both qualitative and quantitative) is desired.

• If the candidate was employed as research associate or research assistant in the period of time before or after the doctoral degree, the total period of employment plus doctoral phase must not have exceeded six years at the point in time of appointment in accordance with Article 14 sentence 3 et seqq. BayHSchPG (Bavarian Law on Academic Personnel of Higher Education Institutions). This maximum permissible period of time may, amongst others, be extended by periods of maternity leave and parental leave.
• Candidates who have completed their doctoral degree at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt must have changed to another university after their doctoral degree or must have carried out academic work outside the Catholic University of EichstättIngolstadt for at least two years.
• The KU pursues a policy of intensive student mentoring and therefore expects its teaching staff to spend an appropriate amount of time on campus.
• Furthermore, the successful candidate should have a very good command of the German and English language and should be able to teach German and Englishlanguage courses.

Our offer

In accordance with the guiding principles of excellence, international profile and individual development, the KU Tenure Track Model offers attractive framework conditions for strengthening independent research at an early stage, international networking as well as personal development as an academic leader. Further information is available at www.ku.de/forschung/nachwuchsfoerderung/ku-tenure-track/.

Your application

Please send your application with the usual supporting documents by e-mail to the dean’s office of the Faculty of Languages and Literatures, dekanat-slf@ku.de, by March 20, 2020 (please combine all documents in one PDF file). In addition to the usual documents, please also submit a distinctive concept (no longer than two pages) that outlines your contribution to the implementation of the KU tenure track principle “For a human-centered digital society” (www.ku.de/ku-tenure-track-en). All submitted application documents will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations after the hiring process has been completed.

In accordance with Article 10 (4) of the Foundation Charter, the KU takes the Catholic character of the University into consideration when appointing professors. It is therefore interested in receiving applications with relevant information in this regard. The Charter of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt Foundation, which supports the University, is available for download from the website of the KU in German with an English translation at www.ku.de/unsere-ku/traeger-stiftung/.

The KU is committed to promoting equal opportunities for men and women, and aims to ensure that its members are able to balance work and family life. Candidates with severe disabilities who are equally suitable to other applicants will be prioritized.