Working at RWU, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten

Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten, commonly known as RWU or Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences, is a dynamic public university located in the beautiful region of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. With campuses in Weingarten and Ravensburg, it serves around 3,800 students and specializes in practice-oriented higher education. Founded in 1994 through the merger of engineering and social sciences programs, RWU emphasizes hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and innovative research tailored to regional needs like advanced manufacturing and sustainable technologies.

The university's dual-campus setup allows for specialized focus: Weingarten hosts business, social work, and health programs, while Ravensburg concentrates on engineering disciplines. This structure supports a collaborative environment where jobs at Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten blend teaching, research, and practical application. Whether you're eyeing faculty positions or support roles, RWU offers opportunities in a supportive academic setting amid the scenic Upper Swabia landscape, near Lake Constance.

History and Development of RWU

RWU traces its roots to the 1960s with precursor institutions for engineering in Ravensburg and social sciences in Weingarten. Officially established in 1994 as part of Germany's Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) system, it has grown into a leader in applied sciences. Key milestones include the 2000 opening of modern facilities, expansion of master's programs in 2007, and recent investments in digital labs. Today, RWU ranks highly in Baden-Württemberg for graduate employability, with over 90% of alumni finding jobs within six months, thanks to its strong industry ties with companies like ZF Friedrichshafen and Airbus.

This evolution shapes jobs at the university, prioritizing candidates with real-world experience to bridge academia and industry.

Academic Programs and Departments

RWU offers over 40 bachelor's and master's programs across seven departments: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Automotive Engineering, Business and Economics, Social Sciences and Health, Business Administration, and Energy Technology. Popular programs include International Business Studies (English-taught) and Mechatronics. The university excels in dual study models, combining study with paid work placements.

These programs influence job openings, with needs for lecturers in emerging fields like renewable energy and data science.

Types of Jobs at Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten

Jobs at Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten span academic, research, and administrative roles. Professorships (Professoren) are central, divided into W2 (temporary, 5-6 years) and W3 (permanent). Research assistants support projects, while administrative positions handle operations. Student jobs like HiWi (Hilfswissenschaftler) offer part-time work. For a full breakdown, see our guide to university job types.

• Professorships: Teaching 18 hours/week, research leadership.
• Research Assistants: Project work, PhD pursuit.
• Admin Roles: HR, finance, student services.
• Technical Staff: Lab management, IT support.

Definitions

To understand jobs at Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten, key terms include:

• Fachhochschule (FH): University of applied sciences focusing on practical training versus traditional research universities (Universitäten).
• W2 Professor: Non-tenured full professor position, often entry-level for academics with industry background.
• HiWi: Student research assistant, part-time paid role for undergraduates.
• Dual Studies: Program integrating academic study with company apprenticeship.
• Practice Partner: Industry collaborator providing internships and funding.

Required Academic Qualifications

For faculty jobs at RWU, a doctoral degree (Promotion, e.g., Dr.-Ing. for engineers) is mandatory. Administrative roles may need a bachelor's in business or law. Research positions require a master's minimum, with PhD preferred. International applicants must have qualifications recognized by KMK (Standing Conference of Ministers of Education). Teaching certification (Lehrbefähigung) is often needed post-hire.

Research Focus and Expertise Needed

RWU's research clusters around sustainability, digital transformation, and health. Expertise in areas like electric mobility, AI in manufacturing, or social innovation is sought. Centers such as the Research Center Energy Storage and the Institute for Customer Insight drive projects funded by EU Horizon or BMBF grants, creating roles for specialists in simulation software or sustainable materials.

Preferred Experience

Candidates for professorships need at least five years of professional practice, ideally post-PhD, including industry leadership. Publications in journals, grant acquisition (e.g., DFG projects), and teaching experience are preferred. For research roles, project management in EU-funded consortia is a plus. Explore research jobs for similar opportunities.

Skills and Competencies

Essential skills include German (C1 level) for teaching, English proficiency, interdisciplinary collaboration, and digital tools like MATLAB or SAP. Soft skills: pedagogical talent, team leadership, innovation mindset. For admin jobs, CRM systems and data analysis are valued.

• Technical: Programming (Python, C++), CAD software.
• Pedagogical: Student mentoring, curriculum development.
• Professional: Grant writing, industry networking.

📝 Application Process and Tips

Job postings appear on RWU's career portal (rwu.de/stellenangebote) and platforms like higher ed jobs sites. Submit PDF documents: Anschreiben (cover letter), Lebenslauf (CV), Zeugnisse (certificates), research/teaching concept.

1. Customize for the department's focus.
2. Highlight practical achievements quantitatively (e.g., 'Led €500k project').
3. Prepare for aptitude test (Eignungsprüfung) including trial lecture.
4. Network via conferences or RWU events.
5. Use our free cover letter template and resume template.

Timeline: 4-6 months from posting to hire. Germans value precision; proofread thoroughly.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

RWU actively advances equality via its Gleichstellungsbeauftragte (Equal Opportunities Office), targeting 30% women in STEM professorships. Programs include mentoring for female leaders, dual-career couples support, and anti-bias training. As a family-friendly university (audit-certified), it accommodates international hires and offers childcare subsidies. RWU's International Office aids visa processes, promoting a diverse faculty from over 20 countries.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

In Baden-Württemberg's public sector, RWU provides 40-hour weeks, flexible schedules (Gleitzeit), and up to 5 days remote work. Benefits: 30 vacation days, sabbaticals, wellness programs. Campuses feature sports facilities, cafeterias, and green spaces. Weingarten's historic setting offers cultural events; Ravensburg buzzes with tech innovation. Employee networks foster community, with low turnover reflecting high satisfaction.

Why Pursue Jobs at RWU?

RWU combines academic freedom with industry impact, ideal for those passionate about applied sciences. Salaries competitive (TV-L scale), career progression clear. Join a forward-thinking institution shaping Baden-Württemberg's future.

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