Tenure Track Professor of Soil Biology

Job Description

Initially the successful candidate starts as an Assistant Professor with a qualification agreement for a fixed term tenure phase of six years. After successful completion of the qualification goals, the position will be converted into a permanent Associate Professor position.

The tenure track professor of Soil Biology is assigned to the Institute of Biology, section Botany, in research and teaching. Soil provides the substrate for plant growth, a habitat for many animals, it represents the largest terrestrial carbon reservoir on earth and acts as an interface between the bio-, hydro- and atmosphere. This position will investigate the functional processes in soils that control biodiversity, biogeochemical exchange, plant growth and the characteristics of habitat quality for plants, animals and other organisms – particularly in the context of the impacts of global change. Experimental approaches and/or modelling methods will be used to investigate the functional processes in order to understand the biological, biophysical and biochemical processes and subsequently make them usable for implementation in earth system models. The professorship is intended to strengthen teaching in the fields of Botany/Soil Biology and Field Biology as well as in Spatial Analyses (desired). Support for the field of excellence “Climate Change” is desired. The professional qualification requires a doctorate or PhD in the field of Biology or in a field that aligns with the focus of the professorship as well as several years of experience as a post-doc or in a comparable position and outstanding research achievements in Soil Biology. Didactic aptitude, very good English language skills with English-language specialist publication experience are expected. 

Employment Requirements

• Austrian or equivalent foreign higher education degree corresponding with the position (doctorate/PhD) in the field of Biology or in a field that aligns with the focus of the professorship
• Outstanding academic qualifications in research and teaching in the relevant discipline and for the profile of the professorship (commensurate with stage of academic career and interruptions in employment due to caring responsibilities)
• Several years of experience as post-doc or in a similar position
• Skills in attracting subject-specific project grants
• Skills in higher education didactics including the use of digital media
• Gender mainstreaming and diversity management skills
• Mobility during the academic career (international experience desirable)
• Very good knowledge of English, basic knowledge of German (the successful candidate is expected to teach in German no later than one year after starting the position)
• International experience in presenting papers and delivering lectures

The successful candidate will be highly motivated, aiming for academic excellence and integrity in research and teaching. He/she will have demonstrated ability to collaborate constructively in a responsible manner and inspire colleagues and students in an interdisciplinary, internationally oriented context.

Application Documents

• Letter of application
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of publications, numbered, with a complete bibliographic information, sorted by
  • monographs
  • (co-)edited volumes
  • journal articles
  • other information
• Submission of the three most important publications
• Presentation of any teaching and lecturing activities
• Presentation of any previous research projects and collaborations
• Exposé of future plans and goals in the field of research

Please submit your application documents in English.

We Offer

We offer a diverse, challenging, team-oriented working environment and a high degree of personal responsibility. Working hours are flexible and there are many options for further education and personal development.

The minimum remuneration as stated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement is € 81,314.80 gross per year after signing the Qualification Agreement.

Hearings

Planned dates of the applicant’s presentation: 08.01.2026 to 09.01.2026

About us

At the University of Graz, researchers and students work across a broad disciplinary spectrum to enlarge our knowledge, and find strategies to deal with challenges our society is confronted with and to shape tomorrow’s world. The University of Graz is a place which combines high quality academic research and teaching, where achievement is rewarded, careers are promoted, and social diversity is encouraged – all within a modern, award-winning working environment. Our motto: We work for tomorrow. Join us!

Contact

For further information please contact Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bettina Weber at +43 (0) 316 / 380 – 5694, or via email at [email protected]

The University of Graz is committed to increasing the proportion of female employees, especially in leadership roles. We therefore encourage qualified female colleagues in particular to apply for this position. In case of equal qualifications, women will receive priority consideration.

Please note that in order to comply with the applicable data protection regulations, we can only accept applications via our web-based applicant tool for this vacant position.