The University of Greifswald’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences is seeking candidates for the earliest possible appointment of a
W2 Professor of Plant Physiology
The availability of the position is subject to the provision of budgetary funds. We are looking for an internationally renowned academic who is able to represent the full scope of research and teaching in the field of plant physiology. Candidates require in-depth knowledge of the physiological fundamentals of plant functions and proven research activities in the field of ecophysiology, particularly with regard to biotic interactions, climate change adaptation and stress research. Research activities in one or more of the following areas are desirable:
- Adaptation strategies of plants to climatic stress factors such as drought or flooding using ecophysiological methods
- Biotic interactions such as plant-microbiome interactions
- Plant responses to combined abiotic and biotic stress, including molecular and epigenetic adaptation mechanisms (‘priming’, resilience)
- Root physiology and rhizosphere processes
- Physiology of plants in forests and/or peatlands, especially in the context of renaturation and sustainable use
- Quantification of plant physiological processes in carbon and gas exchange, e.g. by measuring CO2 and CH4 fluxes, light/dark phases of respiration or isotope analyses, preferably also under field conditions.
The professorship shall actively contribute to strengthening the One Health research domain and, for example, contribute to one or more of the established key research topics of environmental change, peatlands and forests, coasts & oceans, and bioeconomy, and contribute to interdisciplinary research networks – e.g. in cooperation with the Greifswald Moor Centrum (GMC) and other organisational units at the University that specialise in the biological and environmental sciences.
In teaching, the professorship will be responsible for foundational classes in biological and biochemical degree courses on the topics of plant physiology, stress physiology and biotic interactions between plants and their environment. Teaching experience and a willingness to teach in German and English are required.
Applicants are expected to provide evidence of their ability to acquire third-party funding and the international visibility of their scientific work. Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration within the Institute, particularly in the context of the One Health research domain, is also required, as is participation in academic self-administration. Experience abroad will be seen as an advantage. The University of Greifswald supports and demands family-friendly leadership.
Applicants must fulfil the requirements for a university professor according to § 58(1) of the Landeshochschulgesetz – LHG M-V (State Higher Education Act): a university degree, teaching experience and a high level of scientific research, which is generally documented by an outstanding doctoral degree. Further academic achievements are expected. § 58(2) LHG M-V stipulates that these are usually proven by a junior professorship, habilitation or equivalent.
In accordance with § 61 LHG M-V, the appointed professor will be assigned the status of a civil servant (Beamtenverhältnis) with unlimited tenure; alternatively, if the applicant is not permanently available: limited tenure as a civil servant or public service employee. As a general rule, permanent tenure as a civil servant (Beamtenverhältnis auf Lebenszeit) can only be awarded for the first time to persons who have not yet ended their 50th year of life when they enter employment.
This vacancy is open to all applicants, irrespective of gender. The University would like to increase the proportion of women in areas in which they are underrepresented and thus applications from women are particularly welcome and will be treated with priority if they have the same qualifications and as long as there are no clear reasons which make a fellow applicant more suitable. Women are specifically encouraged to apply for the position. Severely disabled applicants with the same professional and personal qualifications will be considered with preference.
Unfortunately, application costs (e.g. travel expenses for interviews) will not be reimbursed by the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Matthias Eschrig, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Applications with all usual documents (Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing the academic career, list of scholarly publications and courses taught, academic certificates, proof of teaching experience, details of externally raised funds, information on teaching concept and future research topics in Greifswald,) must be sent via email (one PDF file) by the 5 January 2026, addressed to:
Universität Greifswald
Dekan der Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät
Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Straße 15a
17489 Greifswald
Tel. + 49 (0) 3834 420 4000
Please take note of our data protection information that is available at https://www.uni-greifswald.de/en/university/information/jobs/