The procedure for awarding scientific titles in Bulgaria: how to become an “associate professor”?

The process of awarding academic titles in Bulgaria is carried out in accordance with the Academic Staff Development Act of the Republic of Bulgaria and other regulations. One of the key stages of an academic career is the awarding of the title of Associate Professor. In this article, we will look at the requirements for applicants and the procedure of awarding this academic title.

Requirements for candidates for the academic rank of "Associate Professor"

Candidates for the academic position of "Associate Professor" must fulfil the minimum national requirements defined in the Act on the Development of Academic Personnel in the Republic of Bulgaria.

The minimum national requirements are a series of criteria established by the Act and include the following academic achievements.

Candidates for the title of Associate Professor are required to provide a certificate showing that they meet the minimum national requirements. In addition, reference to original scholarly work with supporting materials must be provided.

Appointment to the academic position of "Associate Professor" is carried out through competitive selection. The competition is announced if there is an appropriate teaching or research load, provided by the charter of a higher education institution or scientific organisation. In the system of higher education, teaching activities include classroom teaching, extracurricular activities and research. Their volume and ratio are regulated by the internal normative acts of the educational institution.

The minimum number of points required for awarding the academic title "Associate Professor": 50+100+200+50

The minimum national requirements for the academic title of "associate professor" differ depending on the category of sciences and are defined by the Act on the Development of Academic Personnel in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Stages of awarding the academic title "Associate Professor"

1. Announcement of the competition and formation of the jury

A higher education institution or scientific organisation announces a competition for the position of associate professor in a particular field of science. The competition is organised by a seven-member scientific jury.

It must include at least three professors and at least three members who are not employees of the given higher education institution or scientific organisation. At its first meeting, the Jury shall elect a chairperson from among its members.  

The appointment of the scientific jury is carried out by the order of the rector of a higher education institution or the head of a scientific organisation on the basis of the decision of the primary unit. This decision must be approved by the Faculty or Academic Council.

Within 14 days after the submission deadline, the jury appoints two reviewers from among its members, at least one of whom must have the academic title of professor. The other members of the jury prepare the conclusions. All reviews and opinions contain a final judgement - positive or negative - on the candidature.  

The members of the scientific jury are obliged to submit the prepared reviews and opinions to the primary unit within two months of their appointment.

2. Evaluation of candidates for the academic position of "Associate Professor"

The Scientific Jury evaluates candidates for the academic position of Associate Professor according to the fulfilment of the minimum national requirements. The Scientific Jury also takes into account the overall score obtained on the basis of the following additional indicators relevant to the specific field of science:

1. Educational activity:

• conducting classroom and extracurricular activities, introducing innovative teaching methods, as well as organising practical classes outside a higher education institution or scientific organisation
• working with students and doctoral students, including participation in joint research or artistic projects. Special attention is paid to scientific publications indexed in international databases (Scopus and Web of Science).

2. Research activities:

• Membership in reputable creative and/or professional organisations related to the relevant scientific field
• scientific research with practical application, as well as inventions and other forms of intellectual property.

3. Artistic or sporting activities:

• participation in specialised projects, membership in artistic or sports organisations
• creation of works of art or achievement of internationally recognised sporting successes.

In scientific specialities in the field of arts, artistic and creative activities may be assessed instead of research activities, in accordance with the established minimum national requirements.

In addition, charters of higher education institutions and scientific organisations may provide for additional indicators and criteria, supplementing the above requirements.

3. Assignment of the academic title "Associate Professor"

Within 14 days of the end of the selection process, an official written notification of the results will be sent to each candidate admitted to the competition.  

The elected Associate Professor shall give an open scientific lecture for the academic community in the relevant higher education institution or scientific organisation.

The employment relationship between the higher education institution or scientific organisation and the candidate who won the competition shall enter into force from the date of approval of his/her appointment by the rector or the head of the scientific organisation. The labour contract must be concluded within one month from the date of awarding the academic title.

Entrust the publication of scientific articles to professionals!  

Scientific Publications has been helping researchers to successfully place articles in Scopus and Web of Science for more than 8 years, ensuring their indexing in the leading international databases. Submit your application right now and get a free consultation from our expert!