Search committees are temporary committees and are appointed by the Faculty Assembly when a professorship is reappointed or filled. They work on the basis of a written mandate and conclude their work with the preparation of a written report. Search committees evaluate the applications received, conduct hearings and make a list placement of usually three people. The appointment report is submitted to the Faculty Assembly for approval and then forwarded to the President's Board. The appointment is made by the University Council. In the case of assistant professors, the appointment is made by the President's Board.

Under certain circumstances, the faculty may appoint a finding committee directly in agreement with the President's Board. In the finding procedure, no calls for proposals are made for the position.

The composition of search committees is generally based on the provisions of the appointment regulations of the University of Basel, the Faculty regulations and the rules of procedure of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.