Habilitation in Austria
Habilitation is a qualification that is often required in order to teach at many universities in Austria. Although it is no longer essential for becoming a professor, and is gradually declining in popularity, it is still a requirement for a scientific career in universities such as the University of Vienna.
Habilitation in Austria is regarded as proof of the highest level of achievement in an academic subject. Obtaining habilitation is a lengthy process that involves writing and defending a thesis and being able to prove your competence as an academic and a teacher. The Habilitation Committee, which is set up by the University Senate, awards the qualification subsequent to a successful thesis defence (colloquium).
Being a „Privatdozent“ or „Privatdozentin“
Once the academic has successfully achieved habilitation, they are given the authorisation to teach (Venia Docendi), and awarded a title known as Privatdozent (for men) or Privatdozentin (for women). The academic is then able or obliged to teach and supervise the work of MSc and PhD students within their own university.
The position is non-tenured and is not considered a professorship; while there may be a change in salary post-habilitation, this is not guaranteed. The equivalent of a Privatdozent would be an associate professor in the USA or a senior lecturer in the UK.
Assistant professor in Austria
Scientists who have completed their PhD are eligible to apply for a tenure track position (Laufbahnstelle). At the start of the contract, a qualification agreement (Qualifizierungsvereinbarung) is made, to agree on aims for the next six years, and the academic then works as an assistant professor (Assistenzprofessor). Requirements vary, but often include the habilitation or another teaching qualification, and a good publication record. Progress is evaluated annually.
Once the academic has achieved their goals, they automatically progress to the permanent position of associate professor(assoziierter Professor), and can eventually apply for a full tenured professorship as a Universitätsprofessur.
Assistant professorships are available at a range of universities and the IST. The IST is especially focused on attracting international applicants, as its working language is English, and its job advertisements emphasise the competitive salaries and international and interdisciplinary working environment.
Although entering the academic system can be challenging, a short-term position as a tutor or assistant on a research project may increase the academic’s chance of getting accepted as an assistant professor. Participation in research programmes and conferences, networking and flexibility are all important factors for a successful start to an academic career in Austria.