The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg is looking to appoint an outstanding scientist to a
Tenured Professorship
„Plant Ecology"
(W2 salary)
at the Faculty of Natural Sciences I - Biosciences, Institute of Biology / Geobotany and Botanical Garden. The position is available from April 2027 onwards.
In line with the MLU's long-term vision for knowledge cultures, learning, sustainability, and transformation, the appointed Professor is expected to address key questions in the field of "sustainability" by studying the demography and genetics of plant populations. Examples of potential research directions include spatial and temporal organization of plant populations and biotic interactions between plants and other trophic levels, to understand the maintenance of plant populations and their functions. Beside population ecology, relevant research may also include related disciplines such as evolutionary ecology, biogeography, systematics, global change biology and conservation biology.
The professorship (successor of Prof. Dr. Isabell Hensen) will play a central role in advancing collaborative research in the field of biodiversity, at the Faculty of Natural Sciences I of the MLU and with the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig. The focal areas of the faculty are biodiversity, molecular plant research and RNA / protein biology. Research at iDiv is aimed at the origins, conservation, and change of biodiversity and its functions from local to global scales. Ideally, the candidate's past research should have a foundation in at least one of the faculty's or iDiv's areas. His/her "Research Statement" should clearly explain how synergies between the focal areas will be strengthened, interdisciplinary collaboration will be used and existing or planned collaborative research initiatives (CRC or RTG) will be enriched.
We are looking for a team player with an innovative research concept, which reflects our commitment to cultivating a dynamic and forward-thinking academic environment. Junior Group Leaders at an early stage of their career, who have already demonstrated scientific excellence through a strong publication record and by securing competitive third-party funding, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants must fulfill the appointment requirements according to § 35 of the Higher Education Act of Saxony-Anhalt. In particular, the prerequisites for appointment are a relevant habilitation or equivalent academic achievements and pedagogical aptitude. We attach great importance to university didactic skills. In teaching, the professorship should cover the entire spectrum of plant ecology at Bachelor's and Master's level and in the teacher training courses. Applicants are asked to submit a teaching statement outlining their pedagogical approaches and specific ideas for the courses offered. A willingness to participate in university self-administration is desired. Further tasks and responsibilities are regulated in § 34 of the Saxony-Anhalt State Higher Education Act.
In particular, we aim to increase the proportion of women appointed as permanent staff; therefore, appropriately qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg is committed to diversity and aims to create an inclusive environment where our staff and students feel valued and inspired.
The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg strives to provide an environment compatible with worklife balance and has been certified as a family-friendly university since 2009. For queries pertinent to reconciling of work and family life please contact the family representative of the Martin Luther University Prof. Dr. Kay Saalwächter ( kay.saalwaechter@physik.uni-halle.de, Tel. 0345-5528560).
Applications from candidates with disabilities are particularly welcome and will be given preference in the event of equivalent qualification.
Applications with curriculum vitae, certificates, description of academic career, list of all publications and successful third-party funding as well as a teaching record including evaluations are requested by 22.08.2025 via the appointment portal of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, stating the private address:
Contact person for queries pertinent to the position: Prof. Dr. Helge Bruelheide Tel.: 0345 5526222, Email: helge.bruelheide@botanik.uni-halle.de
The call for tenders is subject to any possible budgetary restrictions. Application costs will not be reimbursed by the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.