"Wissenschaftlicher Assistent, often shortened to Assistent, literally "scientific assistant", usually translated as assistant professor in English, was formerly an academic position at German universities for researchers ...
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with doctoral degrees and additional academic qualifications, who were typically employed to conduct research to qualify themselves for the Habilitation and thus a full Professorship. The position was abolished in 2005 and replaced with the title Juniorprofessor ("junior professor"). Like professors, the position formed part of the pay grade (Besoldungsordnung) C of the higher civil service (höherer Dienst), with a rank within the civil service equal to major in the military." - (en.wikipedia.org 09.01.2021)