The University of Salzburg is a thriving university in Austria with a strong focus on research. The university stands for outstanding achievements in both research and teaching in the areas of (digital) humanities, life sciences, sustainability of (social) processes and the link between art and science. With the four guiding themes of Art in Context, Development & Sustainability, Digital Life and Health & Mind, the university offers researchers excellent opportunities for inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation.
The University of Salzburg invites applications for a tenured full professorship in:
Zoological Ecology
The position will become available in the Department of Environment and Biodiversity, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, as of October 1, 2026.
The Department of Environment and Biodiversity works on interactions between plants, animals and the geosphere in an interdisciplinary framework. Both basic research and applied research on topics of global change play a central role. The department attaches great importance to implementing research and teaching in the form of experimental study designs – in-situ (field work) and ex-situ (laboratory work, breeding). The Alpine region, including the Alpine foothills, is the primary, but not exclusive, study area.
The professorship is in the field of “Zoological Ecology” (e.g. with a focus on aquatic systems) in research and teaching at the Department of Environment and Biodiversity. Research will focus on questions relating to the adaptation of species and communities to variable environmental conditions and/or to long-term and short-term changes in environmental conditions. Anthropogenic changes such as climate and habitat change as well as effects of habitat restoration are of central relevance. Interactions between organisms can also be a focus. State-of-the-art methods, e.g. molecular genetics, should be applied. Experimental approaches are highly desirable.
The position holder and his/her team will teach in various degree programmes, including the Bachelor’s degree programme “Biology”, the Master’s degree programme “Ecology & Evolution”, as well as the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes “Biology & Environmental Studies”. In addition, courses will be offered in the newly developed Bachelor’s degree programme “Environmental and Geosciences”, as well as in the international CIVIS programme and in various interdisciplinary sustainability studies at the University of Salzburg.
Areas of responsibility include in particular:
- Independent academic research and publication activities in the field of zoological ecology (e.g. with a focus on aquatic systems);
- Participation in research and teaching cooperations of the University of Salzburg and their further development;
- Active involvement in the relevant degree programmes at the University of Salzburg and doctoral education, including the supervision of theses and dissertations;
- Collaboration in university committees and in university self-administration;
- Initiation of and participation in third-party funded projects and third mission activities;
- Active participation in the European university alliance CIVIS and the Climate Change Resilience Centre.
General employment requirements:
- A relevant domestic or equivalent foreign university degree (doctorate);
- Relevant habilitation (venia docendi/venia legendi) or an equivalent scientific qualification;
- Outstanding achievements in research, commensurate with academic age and biography;
- Pedagogical and university teaching aptitude;
- Competence in managing a university institution;
- Proof of involvement in the scientific community (e.g. activity as a peer);
- Excellent English skills; if necessary, a German language level of B2 must be achieved within 3 years.
Additional requirements:
- Experience in and/or willingness to participate in university committees and university self-administration;
- Experience in modern science management and in acquiring third-party funding; as well as in the development and realisation of interdisciplinary research projects;
- Ability and willingness to participate in third mission activities and to cooperate with non-university institution and settings;
- International research and cooperation experience;
- Willingness to mentor young researchers;
- Ability to work as part of a team, willingness to cooperate, interdisciplinarity, social competence, openness to interdisciplinary interactions and topics.
The university hires professors full time on tenured contracts according to the Austrian Universities Act, the Austrian Salaried Employees Act (Angestelltengesetz) and Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Employees (A1 salary schedule). The basis of salary negotiations is the required legal minimum of € 6.604,30 before taxes (in 14 monthly payments).
The University of Salzburg seeks to increase the proportion of its female staff and therefore encourages female candidates to apply. Women will be given preference over equally qualified men.
People with disabilities or chronic illnesses who fulfil the job requirements are also expressly invited to apply. Further information can be requested under +43 (0)662 8044 2465 or from .
Unfortunately, travel and accommodation expenses incurred in connection with the admission procedure cannot be reimbursed.
Application:
Applications must be submitted with the following documents:
- Letter of motivation (1-2 pages);
- Curriculum vitae (1-3 pages);
- Research concept (1-3 pages);
- Teaching and mentoring concept (1-2 pages);
- List of publications and three publications relevant to the advertised professorship;
- List of courses held, relevant research projects and other activities relevant to the position;
- Teaching evaluations and teaching certificates;
- Habilitation certificate (if available).
If necessary, further documents may be requested.
The hearings as part of the appointment procedure will take place December 9-12, 2025.
Applications should be addressed to the President of the University (“Rector”), Prof. Bernhard Fügenschuh, and must be mailed as a single pdf to by August 17, 2025, stating the code number of the job advert B 0006/1-2025.
For further information, please contact Prof. Jan Habel at +43 (0)662 8044 5620 or .
Please note that in case of doubt, the German version of the job advertisement is binding.
