Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Salzburg

University Professorship – § 99 (1) Universities Act 2002

„Psychological Prevention & Health Promotion“

Planned start date: 1 October 2026

The professorship aims to develop internationally competitive research and teaching in the areas of evidence-based psychological health promotion and prevention in the context of public health. Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of physical and mental illness are becoming increasingly important in modern health systems. Against the backdrop of the WHO definition of health, general well-being, quality of life and social health play important roles, which is why health promotion beyond risk factors deserves consideration. In both areas, the interaction of various health behaviours (lifestyle variables) is central, in particular nutrition and eating behaviors; exercise, sport and physical activity; emotional and stress experiences, behavioural and substance-related addictions. In addition to individual determinants of health behaviour (motivational/emotional/social-cognitive mechanisms, behavioural prevention), societal conditions should also be taken into account (“Health in All Policies”, contextual prevention), and interventions should be developed. References to sustainable behaviour with its collective and social-normative approaches also arise (“Global Health”). Evidence-based, theory-guided empirical approaches and research on mechanisms drive scientific insight and create links to other research focus areas of the department for psychology and beyond.

Areas of responsibility: The professorship was established as part of the Department of Psychology’s participation in the interdisciplinary Bachelor’s/Master’s degree programme Food – Movement – Health. The future position holder will develop an internationally visible research agenda in the above-mentioned areas, attract competitive third-party funding and publish in renowned international journals. The position holder will offer lectures, tutorials and research-led teaching in the Food – Movement – Health study programme, participate in the operational and planning aspects of the further development of the curriculum, and will be involved in the dissemination of research findings (third mission).

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

  • PhD in psychology or an equivalent foreign university degree;
  • relevant habilitation (venia docendi/venia legendi) or equivalent academic qualification;
  • profound knowledge in one or ideally several of the above-mentioned health behaviours, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications on mechanisms, determinants or interventions in different target groups in different settings;
  • 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 and expert societies;
  • clear focus on Open Science;
  • experience in university self-administration and ability to provide strategic and responsible leadership;
  • good academic English skills or the willingness to reach level B2 (CEFRL) within 3 years;
  • good German skills or the willingness to reach level B1 (CEFRL) within 3 years.

Desired skills
considering academic age and individual career path

  • proven external (outside the University of Salzburg) academic activity, preferably abroad, minimum 1 year;
  • 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;
  • skills for applying and teaching a broad repertoire of methods;
  • experience in research-led and/or practical health psychology projects, preferably with a background of own practical experience.

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;
  • 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;
  • list of publications and presentations;
  • three publications relevant to the advertised professorship (full text);
  • proof of relevant university degrees.

If necessary, submission of additional documents 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_5_991

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 professors on a fixed term 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
Duration of contract: 5 years
The basis of salary negotiations is the required legal minimum of € 93,986.20 gross.

Contact
For further information, please contact Prof. Jens Blechert at .

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