Founded in 2000, the ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln is one of the leading institutions for education and professional training for media professionals in Germany. The ifs offers a Bachelor's degree in film with specializations in Screenwriting, Directing, Creative Producing, Cinematography, Editing Image & Sound, VFX & Animation, and Production Design, the Master's programmes Serial Storytelling, Digital Narratives, 3D Animation, Film, and Entertainment Producing as well as various professional training programs. TH Köln is responsible for the quality assurance of the degree programmes and study operations.

TH Köln is one of the most innovative universities of applied sciences and a member of the university alliance UAS 7. We offer 21,500 students and 1,000 academics from Germany and abroad an inspiring learning, research and work environment in the fields of engineering and humanities as well as social and natural sciences. TH Köln shapes social innovation - this is our approach to society’s challenges. Due to our interdisciplinary mindset and actions as well as our regional, national and international activities, we are a valued cooperation partner in numerous fields.
 

Professorship for Serial Storytelling
W 2 | temporary | part time with 50% | ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln | Köln-Mülheim

Your area of work
The professor is responsible for the field of "Serial Storytelling" primarily in the Master's programme Serial Storytelling, but also in other Bachelor's and Master's programmes at the ifs in teaching and research.

Main areas of the job are as follows:
 
  • Instruction and research of serial storytelling for television and digital platforms, both in theory and practice (predominantly in English, but also in German)
  • Supervision and curation of student serial storytelling projects
  • Cultivation of collaborative working techniques
  • Group-oriented instruction (for example, leading Writer’s Room processes) as well as artistic, individual supervision
  • Mentorship of students in the research and development of innovative serial concepts
  • Contribution to conceptual and curricular planning
Academic self-administration and active participation in the ifs committees are also part of the job. Candidates need to be prepared to take on responsibility and contribute their own professional network.

The position is a professorship under non-civil servant conditions (50%), which is to be filled for a limited period of three years.
 
Your profile
Candidates are required to bring an outstanding artistic personality, coupled with extensive practical experience in the realm of serial storytelling. A university degree and a doctorate/PhD are required, although equivalent achievements or a special aptitude for artistic work, evidenced by a written expert recommendation, will also be considered.

This position demands significant practical experience as a screenwriter for TV and streaming services. A thorough understanding of transnational markets, digital platforms, and the intricacies of financing and distributing serial formats is essential. Proficiency in creative collaboration techniques and a keen interest in innovation within serial storytelling, particularly with a focus on future media developments, are also expected. Fluency in both written and spoken English and German (minimum C1 level) is mandatory.

Additionally, extensive teaching experience is required, along with a proven track record of supervising artistic and creative processes. Candidates should be committed to working closely with students and collaborating with professors from various study programs and disciplines. The ability to provide exceptional dramaturgical support to writers, manage cooperative group processes, and actively assist writers in resolving creative and group-dynamic conflicts is crucial. A strong focus on contributing to the University’s long-term goals and the ability to develop solutions in both collaborative and independent tasks are also expected.
 
We foster a culture of empowerment and cooperation. International science standards, gender equality and inclusion are the guiding principles of our human resources development. We are committed to providing equal opportunities and seek to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Thus, applications from women are given priority in case of equal suitability, qualification and professional expertise in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz). Disabled persons and persons with comparable status are also given preference in case of equal suitability.
Further information regarding the job profile, appointment process and application is available here .