Information for applicants

Academic employees at universities are those employees assigned to the faculties, scientific institutions or operating units of the University of Paderborn who, in accordance with their employment relationship, are responsible for providing formative academic services in research and teaching, in particular if they have a teaching obligation. Insofar as the academic staff are assigned to the area of responsibility of a professor, the latter is authorized to issue instructions. In addition to their formative academic services, the tasks of academic staff may also include administrative work in academic or operational units, in the organization of studies and examinations, in student advisory services, and in other tasks of the university.


The scientific staff at universities have the task of imparting specialist knowledge and practical skills to students and teaching them how to apply scientific methods, insofar as this is necessary to ensure the range of courses offered.

In addition to the general conditions of public sector employment law, the prerequisite for employment is:

  • If employed in a fixed-term employment relationship under private law, a university degree in a course of study that corresponds to the requirements of the official duties, with a general standard period of study of at least six semesters
  • If employed in a permanent employment relationship under private law, a university degree in a course of study that corresponds to the requirements of the official duties, with a general standard period of study of at least six semesters, and, unless employees are employed in operating units, generally a doctorate

Academic pay-scale employees are employed pursuant to § 44 of the North Rhine-Westphalia Higher Education Act (HG NRW) and the relevant statutory requirements, as well as the agreement on good employment conditions for university staff.

The relevant form for requesting employment of an academic staff member must be submitted by the respective department wishing to recruit to the Human Resources department via the official channels.

On receipt of this form, the Human Resources department - Division 4.2 will proceed with the recruitment procedure.

Please note that the department wishing to recruit must submit requests for employment to the Human Resources department at least 6 weeks before the planned starting date.

If you are currently employed as a student assistant, student research assistant with bachelor degree or research assistant at Paderborn University, your current employment contact will end (by termination or a cancellation agreement) on the date on which you start your new job as an academic staff member.

Please refer to the information on the German residence permit for academics from non-EU countries provided by the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK).

The agreements and arrangements required in connection with the recruitment process, in partic. with regard to the starting date, must be agreed on and co-ordinated exclusively with the Human Resources department.