The process of awarding academic titles in Bulgaria is regulated by the Academic Staff Development Act of the Republic of Bulgaria, as well as by a number of other regulations. The academic positions of "assistant" and "principal assistant" represent the initial stages in academic teaching and research activities. They are the first steps in an academic career that lead to the higher positions of "associate professor" and "professor". In this article we will look at the minimum national requirements for applicants for the academic titles of "assistant" and "principal assistant".
Requirements and procedure for appointment to the academic position of "assistant"
Both doctoral students and non-doctoral students may be appointed to the academic position of "assistant". The appointment shall be made in accordance with the procedure stipulated in the Act on the Development of Academic Personnel of the Republic of Bulgaria as well as the relevant internal acts of higher education institutions and scientific organisations.
- Appointment of doctoral students to the academic position of "assistant":
A doctoral student who has been granted the right to defend a dissertation, but who has not yet completed the defence procedure, may be appointed to the position of "assistant". The appointment is made under a labour contract for a period of no more than two years. The decision is made by the rector of the university or the head of the scientific organisation on the basis of the submission of the head of the primary subdivision and in agreement with the head of the receiving structural subdivision.
- Appointment of persons who are not doctoral students:
A person who does not have the status of a doctoral student may also be appointed to the position of "assistant". In this case, the labour contract is concluded for a period not exceeding four years by the same procedure: on the proposal of the head of the primary unit and agreement with the host unit.
- Obligations during the period of the employment contract:
The person holding the position of "assistant" shall, during the term of the employment contract, be obliged to take measures to obtain the educational and scientific degree of "doctor".
- Restrictions on the renewal of the labour contract:
After the fixed term of the contract has expired, it may not be renewed with the same person.
- Opportunity for further career development:
Assistant has the right to participate in the competition to fill the academic position of "Principal assistant" after receiving the scientific degree "doctor". The competition is held in accordance with the procedure established by the Law on Science and Education, internal regulations of a higher education institution or scientific organisation.
Requirements for candidates for the academic title of "Principal Assistant"
In order to hold the academic position of "Principal Assistant" the candidate must fulfil the established minimum national requirements regulated by the Act on the Development of Academic Personnel in the Republic of Bulgaria.
These requirements are a set of quantitative and qualitative indicators reflecting the applicant's academic productivity, teaching experience and professional qualifications.
The Charter of the relevant higher education institution or scientific organisation may stipulate additional criteria.
Appointment to the academic position of "Principal assistant" is carried out on a competitive basis depending on the number of points scored by the candidate.
The minimum number of points required for awarding the academic title of "Principal assistant": 50.
These points are awarded for the defence of a thesis for the scientific degree of "doctor".
The minimum national requirements for a "Principal assistant" differ depending on the category of sciences and are defined by Law.
Procedure for awarding the academic title "Principal assistant"
1. Announcement of the competition and formation of the scientific jury
Candidates wishing to participate in the competition shall submit documents in accordance with the requirements of the Academic Staff Development Act in the Republic of Bulgaria, as well as the internal regulations of the relevant higher education institution or scientific organisation.
The deadline for submission of documents is at least two months from the date of the official publication of the competition announcement in the State Gazette.
Candidates who fulfil the statutory requirements, including the minimum national requirements, shall be allowed to participate in the competition.
2. Composition of the Commission
The attestation commission shall consist of:
- the head of the host structural subdivision for whose needs the competition is held
- the head of the primary unit that initiated the proposal for the competition.
The composition of the commission, including the chairman, members and their total number, is determined by the order of the rector of a higher education institution or the head of a scientific organisation.
3. Evaluation of candidates for the academic post of "Principal Assistant" and conduct of the competition
Appointment of the scientific jury
The scientific jury is appointed by the order of the rector of a higher education institution or the head of a scientific organisation on the proposal of the primary unit and after approval by the Faculty or Academic Council. The jury shall be formed no later than two months after the publication of the announcement of the competition in the "Derzhavniy Vestnik". The jury shall be composed of five habilitated specialists, at least two of whom must not be employees of the institution concerned. The President of the Jury shall be appointed from among the staff of the higher education institution or scientific organisation that is a member of the Jury.
Notification of pre-selection results to candidates
After the jury is formed, all candidates are notified in writing of the results of the pre-selection within 14 days. Candidates not admitted to the competition shall receive a motivated refusal with reasons. Eligible candidates are informed of the date, time and place of the competitive procedure.
The competition shall be held no later than one month from the date of sending notifications to the admitted candidates.
Conduct of the competition
The evaluation is carried out by each member of the Jury individually on the basis of an analysis of the candidates' compliance with the established minimum national requirements, as well as taking into account their scientific results and professional contribution. A favourable or unfavourable judgement is made based on the results of the evaluation.
At the beginning of the final session of the competition, each candidate makes a brief presentation on the topic corresponding to the announced competition, after which he/she answers the questions of the jury members. Not later than 7 days after the end of the competition the chairman of the jury sends to the Faculty or the Academic Council a summary report and a conclusion on the results of the competition, including a proposal for the selection of the candidate. The report shall be signed by all members of the jury. In case several candidates have successfully passed the competition, the jury forms a motivated proposal for preferential selection of one of them.
The election for the position of "Principal assistant" shall be conducted by the Faculty or Academic Council within 14 days after receiving the proposal of the scientific jury.
Within 14 days after the end of the competition, each of the candidates who took part in the competition receives a written notification about the results of the evaluation and the final selection.
4. Assignment of the academic title of "Principal assistant"
Candidates who have passed the competitive selection and approved by the results of the vote of the Faculty or Academic Council are appointed to the academic position of "Principal assistant" by the order of the Rector of the relevant higher education institution or the head of the scientific organisation. The appointment shall be made not later than one month from the date of the official announcement of their selection.
The order of appointment is the basis for awarding the academic title "Principal assistant" and the beginning of the performance of official duties.
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