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


University professorship pursuant to § 98 of the University Act 2002 

“Psychotherapy Training

and Psychotherapy Research”


Expected start date: as soon as possible, ideally October 2026

The professorship represents the field of psychotherapy in training and research.

Responsibilities: The professorship is intended to strengthen internationally competitive research and teaching in psychotherapy at the University of Salzburg. The professorship will play a central role in the new regular Master’s programme in Psychotherapy within the Department of Psychology, focusing on psychotherapy research and the training of students in the humanistic therapy cluster. Through empirical-quantitative assessment and evaluation methods, the aim is to …

  1. … gain new insights into psychotherapy training in accordance with the Psychotherapy Act of 2024, and
  2. … conduct innovative cross-cluster research on the effects and mechanisms of psychotherapy with clear references to humanistic therapeutic approaches among various target groups in different therapeutic settings (individual, group, and online therapy).

Active involvement is expected in the University Outpatient Clinic for Psychotherapy and in the new Master’s programme in psychotherapy, as well as in the psychology programme (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral programmes).

In addition, active participation in gender equality initiatives and in the promotion of diversity and equal opportunity is expected.

Evidence-based and theory-guided empirical approaches ensure the acquisition of new knowledge and enable connections to other research topics within the Department of Psychology and beyond.

A professorship at the University of Salzburg stands for forward-looking research, dedicated teaching, and social responsibility. It encompasses independent and collaborative scientific work, the acquisition of external funding, team leadership, and the publication of research results. Professors support early-career researchers, value interdisciplinarity, organize third-mission activities, and are actively involved in university committees and internationalisation efforts. With a sense of responsibility, integrity, and innovative spirit, they foster a respectful work environment and drive scientific, technological, and societal advancements.

Required Qualifications
in accordance with academic seniority and the respective professional background

  • Doctorate in a field relevant to the position or an equivalent foreign higher education degree;
  • Relevant habilitation (venia docendi/venia legendi) or an equivalent academic qualification;
  • Substantial experience in research and teaching related to the humanistic therapy cluster, as well as in empirical-quantitative research with patients, psychotherapists, and/or students in various settings (individual, group, online), demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications;
  • Proven independent academic research and publication activity, as well as experience in implementing externally funded research projects, in academic research management, and in higher education pedagogy;
  • National and/or international networking, ideally with active participation in interdisciplinary collaborations;
  • Experience in academic self-governance and the ability to strategically and responsibly lead a university institution;
  • Good academic proficiency in spoken and written English, or willingness to reach level B2 within 3 years;
  • Good written and spoken German skills, or a willingness to reach B1 level within 3 years.


Desired competencies
in line with the candidate’s academic background and professional experience

  • Proven research experience outside the University of Salzburg, preferably with at least one year of international experience;
  • Social skills for the development and collaboration of staff and students, as well as awareness of DEI issues and the ability to lead teams in an inspiring manner, implement strategic goals, and foster a cooperative, appreciative work culture.
  • Digital skills in working with modern technologies and their practical application;
  • Experience in gathering evidence on the effects and mechanisms of psychotherapy in the above-mentioned areas using quantitative methods or mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative), as well as openness to shaping and researching Austrian psychotherapy training;
  • Existing registration or imminent registration (if applicable, based on equivalent training outside of Austria) in the Austrian professional registry of psychotherapists, as well as several years of clinical experience in applying interventions with clear ties to the humanistic therapy cluster for individuals with mental health conditions;
  • Openness to, and ideally prior experience in, research and/or teaching related to the other therapy clusters: “Psychoanalytic-Psychodynamic Therapy,” “Systemic Therapy,” and “Behavioral Therapy”;
  • Ability to collaborate in the development of outpatient psychotherapy clinics as well as in clinical/health psychology and cognitive neuroscience;
  • A clear commitment to “Open Science” and a willingness to engage in “Third Mission” activities (e.g., science communication, public relations, theory-practice transfer, university outpatient clinic for psychotherapy).

Application
Your application in a single PDF should include:

  • Application form (download here);
  • Statement of motivation and concept for future plans in research, teaching, and the Third Mission;
  • Curriculum Vitae including
  • a summary of your research achievements to date (especially externally funded projects);
  • Description of teaching experience and activities (and, if applicable, mentoring of early-career researchers), including teaching evaluations and teaching certificates;
  • Description of previous Third Mission activities;
  • Description of social and digital competencies;
  • List of publications and presentations;
  • Proof of relevant university degrees;
  • Proof of psychotherapy training and/or clinical experience.

If necessary, you may be asked to submit additional documents (e.g., relevant publications).

Application deadline: 27th May 2026
Scheduled hearing date: to be announced

Applications should be addressed to the Rector, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bernhard Fügenschuh.
Email:
Subject: 2026_15_98

Please note that travel and accommodation expenses related to the appointment process cannot be covered.

The University of Salzburg aims to increase the proportion of women in academic and administrative fields—particularly in leadership roles—and expressly encourages qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, as reflected in the respective CVs, female applicants will be given priority.

We also encourage people with disabilities or chronic health conditions who meet the job requirements to apply. If you have any questions regarding accessibility or need assistance with the application process, please contact our Family, Gender, Diversity & Disability team at +43 662 8044-2462 or .

Salary
Employment is on a permanent, full-time basis in accordance with § 98 UG 2002, the Austrian Civil Service Act, and the Collective Agreement for Universities/Employment Group A1. A salary above the collective agreement’s annual minimum gross salary of €93,986.20 is provided.

Contact
For further information, please contact the Deputy Chair of the Appointments Committee, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Probst, at .

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