W3-Professorship in Functional Ecology

Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

The Faculty of Science at Tübingen University announces the opening of a new position:

W3-Professorship in Functional Ecology

starting October 2026
The professorship will be based at the Institute for Evolution and Ecology (EvE) in the Department of Biology. The research at EvE focuses on ecological and evolutionary processes and mechanisms that explain natural biodiversity at different levels, and on the ecological and evolutionary impacts of anthropogenic environmental changes. The EvE Institute currently supports the SAGE Centre, one of four DAAD Global Centres for Climate and Environment, and it is involved in two newly funded DFG clusters of excellence with strong ecological-evolutionary aspects, GreenRobust and TERRA.

The professorship will use observational and experimental methods, possibly combined with molecular and/or theoretical approaches, to study the roles, functions and traits of organisms (animals or plants), and how these influence interactions and processes in ecosystems. We are particularly interested in colleagues linking these questions to anthropogenic environmental changes. Potential fields of research include (but are not restricted to) organismal traits (physiology, anatomy, life-history) and their importance for communities and ecosystems, evolution and adaptation of functional traits in response to (multiple) environmental changes, or physiological plasticity.

The chosen candidate is expected to develop an internationally visible research program in plant or animal functional ecology, and to link his or her research to existing strengths within the EvE Institute and the University of Tübingen, and ideally also to the new DFG clusters of excellence. The professorship will contribute to graduate and undergraduate teaching in functional ecology and biodiversity, with a regular teaching load of 9 SWS (9 contact hours per week).

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.

This professorship is advertised as part of the German government’s Professorinnenprogramm 2030, aimed at promoting women academics and scientists. An appointment to the professorship is subject to the availability of funding under the Professorinnenprogramm 2030.

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. For information on the scientific focus of the professorship please contact Prof. Dr. Katharina Foerster (katharina.foerster@uni-tuebingen.de).

Please submit your full application through the application site of the University of Tübingen at https://berufungen.uni-tuebingen.de by 31st of October 2025. Questions concerning the application process and portal can be directed to the Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Tübingen, Professor Dr. Thilo Stehle (career@mnf.uni-tuebingen.de).