Professor of Practice, Research and Transfer in Early Childhood Education

Job Description

The endowed professorship for “Practice, Research and Transfer in Early Childhood Education” aims to build a bridge between academic research and early childhood educational practice. With this initiative, the University of Graz is establishing a focus that is unprecedented in this form in the German-speaking area. 

The research focus of this professorship is on developing strategies for the effective implementation of research findings into everyday educational practice as well as supporting early childhood education institutions in integrating new approaches into their existing structures and processes. The analysis of these theory-practice transfer processes, as well as the insights gained regarding implementation, are to be made accessible to a broad public. 

In addition to research, central areas of responsibility for the successful candidate include collaboration with the professional community and raising public awareness of the importance of early childhood education and positive child development, primarily in the German-speaking area.

Furthermore, the professorship will offer teaching tailored to the specific study requirements ofappropriate teaching in both the bachelor’s and master’s programmes in Early Childhood Education. 

In-depth knowledge in the field of higher education didactics, as well as several years of experience as an educator in early education and child care centres and kindergartens, combined with theoretically sound didactic expertise, are required for this position.

Employment Requirements

• Austrian or equivalent foreign higher education degree corresponding with the position (doctorate/PhD) in the field of Early Childhood Education
• Habilitation or equivalent qualification in the field of Early Childhood Education
• Outstanding academic qualifications in research and teaching in the relevant discipline (commensurate with stage of academic career and interruptions in employment due to caring responsibilities)
• Skills in higher education didactics including the use of digital media
• Gender mainstreaming and diversity management skills
• Extensive experience in early childhood education practice
• Proven experience in conducting and implementing scientifically based transfer projects involving practical application
• Skills in attracting subject-specific project grants
• Professional experience abroad in the field of quality assessment and development
• Management and leadership experience
• Very Good knowledge of German and English

The successful candidate will be highly motivated, aiming for academic excellence and integrity in research and teaching. He/she will have demonstrated ability to collaborate constructively in a responsible manner and inspire colleagues and students in an interdisciplinary, internationally oriented context.

Application Documents

• Letter of application
• Curriculum vitae with a description of your academic career
• List of publications, numbered, with a complete bibliographic information, sorted by
  • monographs
  • (co-)edited volumes
  • journal articles
  • other information
• Presentation of teaching to date
• List of previous research projects and collaborations
• Description of future research intentions
• List of your five most important publications

Please submit your application documents in German or English.

We Offer

We offer a diverse, challenging, team-oriented working environment and a high degree of personal responsibility. Working hours are flexible and there are many options for further education and personal development.

The minimum remuneration as stated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement is € 46,993.10 gross per year. Salary subject to negotiation.

About us

At the University of Graz, researchers and students work across a broad disciplinary spectrum to enlarge our knowledge, and find strategies to deal with challenges our society is confronted with and to shape tomorrow’s world. The University of Graz is a place which combines high quality academic research and teaching, where achievement is rewarded, careers are promoted, and social diversity is encouraged – all within a modern, award-winning working environment. Our motto: We work for tomorrow. Join us!

Contact

Ass.-Prof. Dr. Eva Pölzl-Stefanec; E-Mail: [email protected]

The University of Graz is committed to increasing the proportion of female employees, especially in leadership roles. We therefore encourage qualified female colleagues in particular to apply for this position. In case of equal qualifications, women will receive priority consideration.

Please note that in order to comply with the applicable data protection regulations, we can only accept applications via our web-based applicant tool for this vacant position.