In a joint appointment procedure by the Faculty of Agriculture, Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering (AUF) and the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), the following position is to be filled at the earliest possible date in accordance with the Thuringian model:
W2 professorship in “Biochemistry in Animal Nutrition”
combined with the leadership of a Focus Topic and a Research Group at the FBN
We are seeking a scientifically distinguished scholar with a proven track record who is established in the field of nutritional physiology of livestock and who will complement the animal sciences at the AUF as well as the research groups at the FBN.
The successful candidate will assume leadership and further development of the FBN’s Focus Topic “Managing Critical Life Stages of Farm Animals.” This interdisciplinary research focus brings together 12 FBN research groups. The Focus Topic investigates molecular, cellular, and systemic adaptation and coping mechanisms in response to stressors during critical life and production stages (including birth/weaning, relocation, transit, and high-performance phases). The goal is to develop valid indicators as well as evidence-based, practical nutrition, management, and breeding strategies to strengthen resilience and minimize the negative effects of climate change, heat stress, and disease. The work is intended to contribute to improving animal health, animal welfare, and nutrient efficiency.
The future position holder will lead and carry out innovative research projects at the FBN with their own research group on nutrition-related determinants of growth, development, immune defense, and energy and macronutrient metabolism in pigs, poultry, and beneficial insects. Through physiological phenotyping, the aim is to identify relationships between nutrient utilization, health, and animal development and to derive evidence-based feeding and management recommendations from these findings.
At the AUF, the professorship represents animal sciences in the Bachelor’s program in “Agricultural Sciences” and the Master’s program in “Sustainable Agricultural Systems,” with a focus on metabolic and performance physiology, nutritional deficiencies and dietetics, as well as the anatomical and physiological foundations and experimental methods of animal nutrition. It stands for research-based, practice-oriented teaching at the University of Rostock; the future holder of the position currently has a teaching load of two SWS to fulfill there.
The appointee is expected to actively promote collaboration between the University of Rostock and the FBN in research and teaching. Furthermore, the appointee is expected to contribute their research expertise to the Interdisciplinary Faculty of the University of Rostock (INF) and its departments.
Suitable candidates must demonstrate:
a completed academic degree in agricultural, animal, or veterinary sciences, or a related life science; a habilitation or equivalent academic achievements in animal nutrition, biochemistry, or physiology, ideally with a focus on monogastric animals; a strong network and an established national and international profile in fields of animal nutrition and animal physiology; a high level of commitment and ambition, as well as a proven track record in attracting external funding and publishing; teaching experience in relevant degree programs, supervision of theses, and experience in leading interdisciplinary teams; the ability to develop an innovative, interdisciplinary research agenda, combined with a high level of personal commitment and strong organizational skills; excellent German and English language skills, or a willingness to acquire the necessary German language skills in a timely manner. For further information, please contact:
Prof. Dr. Philip Marzahn,
Chair of the AUF Appointment Committee
Phone: 0381/498-3200
Email: philip.marzahn@uni-rostock.de
Prof. Dr. Klaus Wimmers,
Chair of the FBN Appointment Committee
Phone: 038208/68-600
Email: wimmers@fbn-dummerstorf.de
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The appointment requirements are determined in accordance with Section 58(1, 2) of the State Higher Education Act of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (LHG M-V).
The joint appointment is made according to the Thuringian Model pursuant to § 59(7) LHG M-V. The title of professor is conferred upon the appointee in connection with the appointment. The appointment requirements are determined in accordance with § 58(1) of the State Higher Education Act of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (LHG M-V).
Special skills and achievements in teaching, as well as in academic administration and self-governance, will be taken into account. To this end, applicants must present their teaching achievements, their vision for future teaching – including the didactic design of courses – and describe their experience in academic management. Active engagement and experience in securing external funding are expected.
The University of Rostock is committed to its university leadership guidelines.
The University of Rostock aims to increase the proportion of women among its academic staff and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply, in accordance with Section 7(3) of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Equal Opportunity Act. Women will be given priority consideration if their qualifications are essentially equal, unless there are compelling reasons related to the male candidate.
Equal opportunity is an integral part of our personnel policy. This job posting is therefore open to all individuals regardless of gender. Individuals with severe disabilities will be given special consideration if they have the same aptitude, competence, and qualifications.
Applications should include the usual documents (a tabular résumé, a statement describing the applicant’s academic and professional background, a list of publications including the five most significant publications, a summary of teaching experience to date, any additional qualifications in higher education teaching, and details of third-party funding acquired to date), as well as a statement outlining the applicant’s prospective teaching and research concept for the Focus Topic and their own Research Group. Applications must be submitted by June 8, 2026, to the University of Rostock, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 6, 18059 Rostock, Germany, or by email to : dekan.auf@uni-rostock.de
The protection of your personal data is very important to us. Therefore, the data collected as part of the application process will be collected, processed, and used in accordance with the relevant data protection regulations.
Unfortunately, the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania cannot cover application costs. Please submit only copies of your application materials, as these will not be returned after the process is completed.