Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – The University in the Helmholtz Association
In close partnership with society, KIT develops solutions for urgent challenges – from climate change, energy transition and sustainable use of natural resources to artificial intelligence, sovereignty and an aging population. As The University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT unites scientific excellence from insight to application-driven research under one roof – and is thus in a unique position to drive this transformation. As a University of Excellence, KIT offers its more than 10,000 employees and 22,800 students outstanding opportunities to shape a sustainable and resilient future. KIT – Science for Impact.
This university professorship in the field of art history provides the fundamental tools for understanding artistic processes and works as well as for the critical interpretation of the built environment at the center of research and teaching. The university professorship (W3) "History of Art, Technology, and Design" is part of the KIT-Department of Architecture. It encompasses the history of artistic forms, techniques, and design in both research and teaching. It provides expertise in art history from the Middle Ages to the present.
University Professorship (W3) in "History of Art, Technology, and Design" (f/m/d)
KIT Department of Architecture · unlimited · start date [contact details available in the full listing] · fulltime
Your Tasks
Research
- You are an internationally renowned scholar of outstanding academic merit who examines artistic artifacts in their historical scope, materiality as well as regarding their technical condition and methodological concerns.
- You will develop an original, viable and sustainable research program that enriches the existing research priorities of KIT and the Department and provides new impulses, for example through a focus on artistic and design-related phenomena.
- You will collaborate with the professorships at the Institute for History of Art and Architecture and the Department of Architecture, as well as with professorships in the humanities and social sciences at KIT.
- You are part of the collegial leadership team of the Institute for History of Art and Architecture (IKB).
- You are actively involved in national and international research consortia and networks.
- You will play a key role in the strategic development of an understanding of art history at the Karlsruhe campus that addresses the question of sustainable, integrative, and interdisciplinary methods, approaches, and future challenges through historical inquiry.
Teaching
- As part of your teaching duties, you will contribute 9 SWS (weekly semester contact hours) to the foundational curriculum in the Bachelor's and Master's programs in Art History and Architecture, ensuring the education of the next generation.
- You are able to cover the field of art history in its historical depth, from the Middle Ages through to contemporary art. Artistic production is contextualized within cultural and historical frameworks; the evolution of interpretations of their meaning as well as their reception is also subject of consideration.
Knowledge Transfer
- You show engagement in knowledge transfer for instance through scientific and curatorial collaborations with cultural institutions such as (in Karlsruhe for example) the Staatliche Kunsthalle, the Badisches Landesmuseum, the Kunstmuseum Karlsruhe, or the ZKM.
Your Profile
- We are seeking candidates (f/m/d) from the field of art history for this university professorship who possess excellent scholarly and methodological skills and who see themselves as contributing to the further development of the discipline on an international and interdisciplinary level.
- Candidates must hold a doctoral degree, a habilitation, or have achieved equivalent academic qualifications; demonstrate outstanding research achievements with international visibility; have a proven track record in competitive external funding; and possess excellent teaching skills. Experience in international academic contexts is preferred.
- Teaching in German and English is expected.
- In addition to the general requirements under civil service law, the qualifications for this position include a completed university degree in art history, a demonstrated aptitude for scholarly work evidenced by a doctoral degree, a habilitation, or equivalent achievements, as well as pedagogical aptitude and teaching skills.
Employment is subject to Art. 14, par. (2) of the KIT Act in conjunction with Art. 47 LHG Baden-Württemberg (Act of Baden-Württemberg on Universities and Colleges).
We Offer
Excellent Research Conditions & State-of-the-art Infrastructure
Benefit from a unique environment that combines university and large-scale research, and gain access to state-of-the-art equipment and interdisciplinary projects. This environment enables you to conduct both basic and applied research at the highest level.
Family-friendly Offers
The KIT Dual Career Service supports you and your partner in integrating into the workforce, while flexible working time models and company childcare facilities make it easier to balance work and family life.
International Networking
You will work in a global network that encompasses international collaborations and English-language scientific communication. KIT promotes exchange with leading research institutions and industry partners worldwide.
Onboarding & Integration
A customized onboarding program will accompany you from your first day at work, enabling you to quickly get started in research, teaching, and the KIT networks and get off to the best possible start.
Transparent Career Paths & Personal Development
Clear development prospects, individual coaching, and a well-developed leadership development program support you in steering your academic career in a targeted manner.
Salary
Salary is governed by the statutory provisions of the State of Baden-Württemberg and comprises the basic salary of salary grade W3.
In addition, the granting of performance-related pay components is possible. The family allowance is paid, where applicable, in accordance with civil service law.
Contact person in line-management
For subject-matter inquiries, please contact Simon Hartmann, Email: [contact details available in the full listing]
Application
Please submit your detailed application, including the standard documents (cover letter, resume, list of publications, description of your teaching experience to date, including teaching evaluation results if applicable, certificates/diplomas, a 2-page research plan and a 2-page teaching plan, an overview of previously acquired external funding, and a statement on academic integrity) as a PDF file (A4 pages, max. 10 MB) to the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Division IV, Division Head Prof. Dr. Orphal, Englerstraße 7, 76131 Karlsruhe, and by email to: [contact details available in the full listing].
In addition, we ask that you submit three of your most important publications in digital form (PDF).
An information sheet detailing the requirements for a university professorship with regard to teaching and research can be requested from the Dean's Office of the KIT-Department.
At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.
Application up to: [contact details available in the full listing]
Job posting number: 1202/2026
