Die Hochschule für bildende
Künste Hamburg (HFBK Hamburg)
is an academic university of art offering an internationally-focussed Fine Arts BA/MA degree course. The interdisciplinary programme of study offered at the HFBK Hamburg is composed of a wide range of academic artistic subjects and workshops. Students work independently and in a self-directed fashion through artistic and academic encounters, project work and experimental working practices.
The HFBK Hamburg is looking to fill the following position from October 2026, initially for six years*
Professor of Art Theory (KN 10/2025)
in the Department of Theory and History. The options for establishing the appointment as a permanent post, extending the temporary contract or renewing the appointment result from § 16 section 2 Hamburgisches Hochschulgesetz (HmbHG).
The successful candidate will have a proven national and international track record of academic engagement with the globally interconnected contemporary art scene. They will be required to assume teaching responsibilities in the area of art theory and will be able to position themselves within, and elucidate, a range of current debates. Possible foci of interest include the materiality of the arts; transcultural perspectives on art; art and gender/queerness; and performativity. They will bring experience of teaching, be willing to provide teaching - including in English - and be prepared to participate in the life of the University.
Further information is available from Laura Kowalewski, tel.+49 40 238 582-264 or laura.kowalewski@hfbk.hamburg.de
Please submit applications with the usual documents (CV with specification of teaching experience, copies of university qualification(s), list of publications) and examples of your scientific work together with your contact details (e-mail and telephone number in the letterhead of your application) via our applications portal by 28.09.2025 .
Employment requirements / information about the procedure:
*If the successful applicant is currently employed in a permanent professorial position, the HFBK will aim to offer them a tenured position, either as a civil servant for life or on a permanent contract, depending on their current status.
The legal prerequisites for appointment to a professorial position are set out in § 15 Hamburgisches Hochschulgesetz (HmbHG). Checks will be carried out as to the possibility of establishing the successful applicant as a short-term civil service employee. The scope of the teaching duties results from the specifications of the Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung für die Hamburger Hochschulen. The post can be shared by two part-time holders. In accordance with § 12 section 7 HmbHG, the nature and scope of the tasks will be checked at appropriate intervals.
The HFBK values diversity and welcomes applications from all individuals, regardless of biological sex or gender identity, ethnic origin or nationality, age, religion or ideology, disability, sexual orientation or identity, or social background. We welcome applications from suitably-qualified severely disabled people and those with this status as defined by the Neunten Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB IX).