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:
Questions regarding the Cluster of Excellence can be directed to the spokespersons of TERRA (terraadmin@
uni-tuebingen.de).
Please submit your application documents via the online application portal of the University of Tübingen at
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).