5 steps to becoming a professor

The appointment procedure begins when a post becomes vacant (due to retirement or resignation) or is created (new post, reclassification). An ‘unsolicited application’ is therefore not advisable for professorships. You can find the current vacancies here; you can filter by your subject area: to the vacancies overview

Do you have any questions about your application or the appointment procedure? You can find FAQs on the appointment procedure here

After reviewing all applications, the Appointments Committee invites selected candidates to an initial interview. The appointments committee comprises at least four professors; in addition, academic staff members and students are each represented by one member, as is the department’s equality officer.

The Appointments Committee assesses your academic suitability, whilst the human resources department determines whether you meet all the formal requirements (‘eligibility for appointment’). If both conditions are met, we will invite you to deliver one compulsory and one optional trial lecture, followed by an interview. You will then have the opportunity to demonstrate your professional competence and motivation in the lecture theatre.

The most suitable candidates will be placed on the appointment list.

A proposal will then be put to the relevant bodies to offer you the professorship.

During your appointment interview, you will meet the president of HM and the dean of your department. You will discuss the details of your professorship.

The letter of appointment will then be sent to you. If you accept the appointment, the president will present you with your certificate of appointment (civil service appointment) or your contract of employment (private-sector employment) at a subsequent meeting.