TT-Interviews

Prof. Dr. Tobias Sutter, tenure-track professor for Computer Science and Machine Learning at the University of Konstanz

Why did you choose the tenure track career path?
I think the tenure-track programme is very attractive since it offers the prospect of a permanent W3-level position, subject to convincing performance. This performance-based, secure long-term outlook was very appealing to me.

From today’s perspective, would you advise a young scientist to apply for a tenure-track professorship in Germany? Why or why not?
Definitely! As far as I can see, Germany’s academic system is working extremely well. It offers generous financing for fundamental research, thereby enabling innovative projects. Students also receive an outstanding education in the basic disciplines, establishing a solid basis for their fundamental research. The excellence of the German academic system attracts many international students and researchers. Overall, Germany’s system creates ideal conditions for research and teaching.

What made your job offer attractive and why did you decide to accept this offer?
For me, the tenure track was the decisive factor. I’m not sure I would have accepted the position without that prospect. The funding is also very good, with many different options within the university (for example, through the “Zukunftskolleg” at the University of Konstanz) and externally to obtain funds for employees.

Are there things you know now that you wish you had known before applying?
In my opinion, the application procedure in Germany is very formal and transparent. It places great emphasis on taking different views of fairness into account.

What tips do you have for potential applicants for a tenure-track professorship based on your personal experiences in the selection and appointment process?
Make sure that you have a clearly defined profile. I believe it helps when the applicant is able to convincingly describe that they strive excellence in their research, which is the most important point here. It is also helpful to have a clear concept of what you want to achieve and why the institution you are applying to is the right one for reaching these academic goals.

What support programmes (aimed at professional development, family obligations and/or equal opportunities, for example) have helped you personally? What additional support would you like to see?
The university and its services supported me in multiple ways. They helped me with the preparation of research applications by offering extremely helpful advice for young scientists. In addition, they assisted me with hiring doctoral candidates and the associated formal application procedures. They also facilitated the digitalization of my lectures, for example, through outstanding video recording support. The career counselling service at the University of Konstanz also advised me on academic career planning in several sessions.

Was the tenure-track professorship career path in Germany an incentive for you to pursue your further scientific career in Germany?
Since I grew up in Switzerland, I already knew about the excellent research conditions in Germany. I was aware that Germany’s education system focuses on the fundamental sciences and I find that very attractive. The Konstanz region is also very close to Switzerland, so I already knew it relatively well.

You have successfully completed the interim evaluation. How did that go and what was the process like for you? What tips do you have for other scientists?
Yes, I’ve passed the interim evaluation. Like the application procedures in Germany, the interim evaluation is quite formal and therefore also transparent. It is fair as far as I can tell. The exact process was explained to me in detail by the university and faculty colleagues, so I knew what to expect. As a tip, I would encourage future young tenure-track professors to talk to colleagues in the faculty who have already gone through this stage. It certainly helps to understand exactly how this interim evaluation works in concrete terms. Finally, I think it’s important to be productive, to maintain high quality standards in research and teaching, and to actively pursue third-party funding. That’s a rough outline of the interim evaluation’s most important elements.