Information for professors

You strengthen junior staff and provide impetus for developments.
You will receive support for your research project / teaching activities.
You contribute to increasing diversity in science.
You are a professional role model for academic career planning and recognize and promote individual talents.
You are a professional role model for academic career planning.

The following objectives are pursued with the SHK job to be funded:

Exercise of study-related and research-related activities
Integration into team structures and introduction to the academic world
Insight into the triad: research - teaching - practice
Expansion of scientific knowledge and skills
Joint reflection on the professional development of the SHK
Establishment of networks

Video testimonial

Prof. Dr. Lasse Scherffig, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Intake 2024/25

FAQs

+Funding criteria

We support SHK activities in which students can enhance their academic competences in the triad of research, teaching and transfer/practical relevance.
In line with the PLan_CV project and in order to meet the quality standards of the programme, we are interested in the following areas of activity (listed here as examples):
- Participation in a research project (e.g. assistance with literature searches, study preparation, questionnaire development and production, etc.).
- Laboratory work and participation in experimental design
- Preparing and designing Moodle rooms for teaching purposes
- Helping to prepare larger events such as lecture series, congresses and conferences
- Liaise with placements and collaborative partners

The aim is to integrate the student assistant into existing team structures and thus provide comprehensive insights into the academic world at TH Köln. The aim is to arouse interest, pleasure and curiosity in the career profile of the HAW professorship and to transparently demonstrate the necessary career steps on the way there.

Time frame and commitment

+How many hours can the SHK work?

The SHK activity can be arranged flexibly. The duration can be between 3 and 5 months and comprise 8 to 12 hours per week, depending on the needs of the supervising professors and the availability of the students. A maximum of 180 hours can be applied for. The attractiveness of the SHK job is also increased if students can make use of the opportunities for mobile working at times.

+How much time does it take to supervise an SHK within the framework of "Working@TH Köln"?

Regular feedback meetings should take place during the employment of an SHK. In addition, at least two reflection meetings on academic career options at a HAW are planned during the program. These take place in consultation with the SHK. We also organise a kick-off event at the end of September to mark the start of the annual "Working@TH Köln" program, where participants can get to know each other and network. Your participation as a professor is also welcome.

Target group

+What kind of students are we looking for?

We would like to support students who have had little contact with the career profile of the HAW professorship and the field of academic activity. In particular, the "Working@TH Köln" programme aims to reflect the existing diversity of students at the TH Köln in SHK employment relationships.
In addition, the following formal criteria are required for participation in the program:
Bachelor students from the 3rd semester onwards who have not yet gained any experience as a student assistant.
We cannot accept Master students, students who are about to graduate or students who have already completed their first degree in the respective subject.

Selection process and application

+How are candidates and professors matched?

Matching takes place after the application deadline by a selection committee consisting of the project team and the project management and coordination of PLan_CV. Here, all applications are carefully reviewed with regard to motivation, interests and diversity dimensions and the profiles are compared with the applications we have received from the faculties.

After the selection committee has finalized the matches to be funded, you will receive feedback from us on your application by mid-June. If the matching is successful, there will be a short, moderated meeting between you and the matching student, after which both sides can agree or decline to work together.

We ask for your understanding that due to the limited budget, between 10 and 12 SHK contracts can be funded each year and we therefore have to make a selection.

+Application and deadline

Application for the winter semester 2025/26 is now closed.

+Further procedure after approval

We will inform you about the outcome of your application. If your application is successful, you will then have a short, moderated introductory meeting with the suitable student. If both sides agree to work together, the regular application for the SHK position will be submitted via the relevant faculty office.

+Who can I contact if there are problems during the SHK activity?

We want you to have a positive experience at "Working@TH Köln". If you have any problems or conflicts, we will be happy to help you and work together to find a solution. Please contact the coordinator of "Working@TH Köln":