A junior professorship denotes a fixed-term position for early career academics and researchers at a university or higher education institution. The junior professorship, also referred to as a W1 professorship, was introduced in 2002 and is intended to offer those in the early stage of their academic career an alternative to the traditional . 

What distinguishes a junior professorship from a full professorship?

The major difference between a junior professorship and a lifetime professorship is possibly the fixed-term nature of the former. Positions for junior professorships at universities and higher education institutions usually have a fixed-term limit of six years. This period is subdivided into two phases. A mid-term evaluation of performance in and takes place at the end of the first phase. This evaluation is then used as the basis to decide on an extension. A further successful evaluation after the entire period can result in an appointment as a . In the case of many junior professorships there are also tenure track professorships involved. Tenure track is an English term and signifies a structured career pathway for academics towards full professorship. This form of can result in transitioning to a permanent lifetime professorship after positive evaluation.

The junior professorship therefore represents a qualification position that serves to promote the career of young academics, and at universities and higher education institutions. It is designed to enable junior professors to work independently in academic teaching and research at an early stage. This obviates the need for and is intended to simplify the qualification process.

It generally involves junior professors being temporary officials or public employees. In the case of a full professorship it is conversely a lifetime position. 

What are the prerequisites for a junior professorship?

The most important prerequisite for a junior professorship is having a . This must usually be completed with exceptional results. Albeit applicants must also be able to provide substantiation of experience in research and teaching to obtain a junior professorship. This substantiation can among other things take the form of publications in prestigious , participation in research projects or positive evaluations of successful stints at universities and higher education institutions.

Applicants must also be able to provide substantiation that they are in a position to independently manage research projects and to acquire third-party funds in this respect. Tangible and a clear research profile can also assist with qualification for a junior professorship.