Essential Requirements:
* Habilitation: This is the most crucial requirement. A Habilitation is a post-doctoral qualification demonstrating significant independent research accomplishment and teaching ability. It usually involves writing a substantial monograph (Habilitationsschrift) and giving several teaching lectures (Habilitationsvortrag). The exact requirements for a Habilitation vary widely between disciplines. Some fields might accept a strong publication record in lieu of a formal Habilitation, particularly in the sciences, but this is increasingly rare.
* Extensive Research Experience: Beyond the Habilitation, candidates are expected to have a strong publication record in high-impact journals or presses, evidence of successful grant acquisition (especially in the sciences and humanities), and a demonstrated ability to lead and manage research teams.
* Teaching Experience: Successful candidates usually have substantial teaching experience at the university level, including lecturing, supervising students (Bachelor's, Master's, and potentially doctoral students), and developing courses.
* Leadership and Administrative Skills: W3 professors are often expected to lead research groups, manage budgets, and take on administrative responsibilities within the department or university. Experience in these areas is beneficial.
* University Degree (Dr. rer. nat., Dr. phil., etc.): A doctoral degree is the foundational requirement, naturally.
Highly Desirable Attributes:
* International Experience: Research collaborations, publications in international journals, stays abroad (postdoctoral positions, guest lectureships), and experience working in international teams are highly valued.
* External Funding: Demonstrated success in securing external research funding (e.g., from the DFG, EU programs) significantly strengthens a candidate's application.
* Network and Connections: A strong professional network within the academic community can be advantageous.
* Excellent Communication Skills: The ability to clearly and effectively communicate research findings, both orally and in writing, is crucial.
The Application Process:
The process is highly competitive. Universities usually advertise open positions, and candidates apply by submitting a comprehensive dossier including their CV, publication list, Habilitation (or equivalent), teaching portfolio, research plan, and letters of recommendation. The selection process involves an evaluation of the application materials, often followed by an interview and a teaching demonstration.
In summary: While a Habilitation or equivalent is usually a *sine qua non*, the specific requirements for a W3 professorship in Germany are context-dependent and extremely rigorous. It's a highly competitive process reflecting the prestige and responsibility associated with the position. It's always best to check the specific requirements listed in the job advertisement for any given W3 professorship.