Department of Educational Science at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Salzburg

 

University Professorship – § 98 Universities Act 2002

„ Educational Gerontology “

Planned start date: 1 October 2026


The professorship represents the entire spectrum of Educational Gerontology in research and teaching. It is dedicated to education, learning and development processes in the second half of life and will make a science-based contribution to overcoming the challenges of an ageing society. Empirically and theoretically informed empirical research achievements are expected on topics such as:

  • Education, learning and development in the second half of life
  • Intergenerational and inclusive educational processes
  • Professionalisation and qualification in educational gerontology-related occupations
  • Digital media and educational technologies
  • Health promotion, prevention and social participation supported by education

The professorship is intended to complement and expand the Department’s research and teaching focus in the field of lifelong learning. The future position holder will work closely with existing university institutions (including the life-long learning programme “Uni 55-PLUS”), regional partner institutions (e.g. University Clinic for Geriatrics, the non-partisan and non-denominational association “Salzburger Bildungswerk”, and the senior citizens community “50plus Center”) and other educational institutions (Universities of Applied Sciences, the vocational training instititue “bfi”, etc.) and authorities (social welfare office, pension insurance institutions, etc.).


A professorship at the University of Salzburg stands for forward-looking research, committed teaching and social responsibility. It includes independent and collaborative academic work, the acquisition of third-party funding, the management of teams and the publication of research results. Professors encourage young scientists, value interdisciplinarity, organise third mission activities and are involved in university committees and internationalisation. With a sense of responsibility, integrity and innovative strength, they shape a respectful working environment and promote scientific, technological and social developments.


Required qualifications
considering academic age and individual career path

  • Doctorate in Educational Science or related subject, or equivalent foreign university degree;
  • relevant habilitation (venia docendi/venia legendi) or equivalent academic qualification;
  • profound knowledge in Educational Gerontology;
  • proven independent academic research and publication activity, as well as experience in implementing third-party projects, science management and university-level teaching;
  • national and/or international networking, ideally with active participation in interdisciplinary collaborations;
  • experience in university self-administration and ability to provide strategic and responsible leadership;
  • very good written and spoken academic English skills or the willingness to reach level B2 (CEFRL) within 3 years;
  • good written and spoken German skills or the willingness to reach level B1 (CEFRL) within 3 years.

Desired skills
considering academic age and individual career path

  • proven experience in university teaching, including (co-)supervising students in theses at all levels;
  • social skills for staff and student development and collaboration, awareness of DEI issues, and the ability to lead teams in an inspiring way, implement strategic goals, and foster a cooperative, appreciative work culture;
  • digital skills in dealing with contemporary technologies und their application;
  • networking with professional and research associations in the fields of Educational Gerontology, Geriatrics, Gerontology, or Educational Research.

Application
your application includes the following documents as one PDF:

  • application form (Download Link);
  • letter of motivation and concept for planned research, teaching and third mission activities (max. 3 pages each);
  • curriculum vitae including
  • description of research achievements (particularly third party projects);
  • description of experience and activities in teaching (and, if applicable, supervision/mentoring experience); including course evaluations and teaching certificates, if available;
  • description of third mission activities;
  • description of social and digital skills;
  • list of publications and presentations;
  • proof of relevant university degrees.

If necessary, submission of additional documents (e.g. relevant publications) may be requested.

Deadline for applications: 11 March 2026
Applications should be addressed to the Head of the University (“Rektor”), Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bernhard Fügenschuh.
E-Mail:
Subject: 2026_3_98

 

We regret that expenses for travel and accommodation incurred in the job application cannot be refunded.

The University of Salzburg seeks to increase the proportion of women in academic and administrative areas and therefore encourages female candidates to apply. Considering the respective biography 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.

If you have any questions about accessibility and support during the application process, please contact the Family, Gender, Diversity & Disability team at +43 662 8044 2462 or .

Salary
The university hires tenured professors according to the Austrian Universities Act (“Universitätsgesetz”), the Austrian Salaried Employees Act (“Angestelltengesetz”) and the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Employees (“Kollektivvertrag für die Arbeitnehmer*innen der Universitäten”).

Salary schedule: A1

The basis of salary negotiations is the required legal minimum of € 93,986.20 gross.

Contact
For further information, please contact the chair of the selection committee, Prof. Burkhard Gniewosz at .

 

Please note that in case of doubt, the German version of the advertisement is binding.