Professorship of Experimental Biodiversity Research

W3-Professorship of Experimental Biodiversity Research

Cluster of Excellence 3121 “TERRA: Terrestrial Geo-Biosphere Interactions in a Changing World”

Application deadline : 26.04.2026

The Faculty of Science at the University of Tübingen invites applications for a tenured
W3-Professorship of Experimental Biodiversity Research
starting October 1, 2027

The position corresponds to a full professorship in the German academic system. It will be created in the framework of the Cluster of Excellence 3121 “TERRA: Terrestrial Geo-Biosphere Interactions in a Changing World”, together with three tenure-track professorships at the University of Tübingen and a W3-professorship at the University of Hohenheim. TERRA will develop an integrated understanding of how geo-biosphere interactions in terrestrial systems induce and respond to environmental changes. A team of more than 25 research groups will use evidence from both the geological past and the present to improve projections of future global-change impacts and assess the effectiveness of mitigation and adaptation strategies.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative colleague who is a recognized expert in biodiversity research in terrestrial systems. We are particularly interested in colleagues working with animals, and addressing one or more of the following topics: responses of soil biodiversity to environmental changes, plant-soil fauna interactions, below-ground food webs, or biodiversity effects on biogeochemical cycles or other geo-biosphere interactions. While experiments should be at the core of the candidate’s research, additional molecular and/or theoretical approaches are a plus.

The candidate is expected to link his/her research to existing strengths within the Cluster of Excellence and its participating institutions. In this context, we are particularly keen to identify candidates who can link bio- and geosciences and/or bridge across temporal or spatial scales.

The professorship will be associated with the Institute of Evolution and Ecology in the Department of Biology. It will contribute to basic and advanced teaching in ecology and biodiversity.

Required qualifications include a PhD or equivalent degree as well as postdoctoral qualifications and teaching experience equivalent to the requirements of a full professorship. An outstanding, internationally visible research profile is expected. The candidates should have a documented track record in acquiring external research funding, and in collaborative research.

The University of Tübingen is committed to equity and diversity and actively promotes equal opportunities. Female academics, in particular, are explicitly invited to apply, as are applicants from outside Germany. Applications from equally qualified candidates with disabilities will be given preference.

General information on professorships, hiring processes, and the German academic system can be found here: https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/213700.

Questions regarding the Cluster of Excellence can be directed to the spokespersons of TERRA (terra-admin@uni-tuebingen.de).

Please submit your application documents via the online application portal of the University of Tübingen at https://berufungen.uni-tuebingen.de  by April 26, 2026. Questions about the call for applications and questions about the online application portal can be directed to the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Dr. Thilo Stehle, University of Tübingen, Germany (career@mnf.uni-tuebingen.de).