Tenure Track Professor of Physics Education

University of Graz; Graz; Vor Ort; EUR 90.000 - 130.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

University of Graz invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in physics education, with the intention to qualify for permanent Associate Professor after six years. The role emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration among physics, chemistry and biology, modern media in teacher education, and science communication.

The appointee should hold a PhD in Physics Education Research, demonstrate strong research and teaching credentials, and have international presentation experience,

Qualifikationen

• Doctorate in Physics Education Research.
• Strong research and teaching credentials commensurate with career stage.
• Experience in interdisciplinary teaching and research across natural sciences.

Aufgaben

• Lead research and teaching in an interdisciplinary context across physics, chemistry and biology.
• Develop and implement didactic approaches for university and school-level education.
• Attract subject-specific project grants and manage collaborations.

Kenntnisse

Interdisciplinary research

Qualitative methods

Quantitative methods

Science communication

Networking skills

German language

English language

Ausbildung

PhD in Physics Education Research

Austrian or equivalent higher education degree

Jobbeschreibung

Scientific Profile

Initially the successful candidate starts as an Assistant Professor with a qualification agreement for a fixed term tenure phase of six years. After successful completion of the qualification goals, the position will be converted into a permanent Associate Professor position.

The tenure-track professorship in physics education is strategically positioned with a strong interdisciplinary focus, strengthening natural science education by integrating physics, chemistry, and biology. In research and teaching, it promotes cross-disciplinary approaches, innovative methodologies, and the use of modern media, particularly in teacher education. Its goal is to enhance scientific competencies and science communication, enabling students to develop a connected and integrated understanding of the natural sciences.

Employment Requirements

• Austrian or equivalent foreign higher education degree corresponding with the position (doctorate/PhD) in the field of Physics Education Research
• Outstanding academic qualifications in research and teaching in the relevant discipline and for the profile of the professorship (commensurate with stage of academic career and interruptions in employment due to caring responsibilities)
• Several years of experience as post-doc or in a similar position
• Skills in attracting subject-specific project grants
• Skills in higher science education didactics including the use of digital media
• Gender mainstreaming and diversity management skills
• Methodological expertise in the field of physics education with a proven ability to integrate science education issues (physics, chemistry, biology) in an interdisciplinary manner
• Experience in interdisciplinary research and teaching, particularly in the development and implementation of approaches that transcend the boundaries of traditional natural science disciplines
• Experience in handling new media and digital teaching/learning environments, particularly in the context of basic natural science education at university and school level
• Experience of teaching in schools, at least in project-based learning
• Methodological competence in qualitative and quantitative research methods of empirical education research
• Ability to conceptualise and implement subject-specific didactic experiments and to teach these skills to teacher candidates in a practical manner
• Commitment to science communication and the teaching of scientific competencies, including with regard to societal relevance and skepticism toward natural science
• Willingness to collaborate and networking skills
• Excellent German and good knowledge of English
• International experience in presenting papers and delivering lectures
• Preferred: Previous position at a university/research institution outside the applicant’s home country

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate will be highly motivated, aiming for academic excellence and integrity in research and teaching. He/she will have demonstrated ability to collaborate constructively in a responsible manner and inspire colleagues and students in an interdisciplinary, internationally oriented context.

Application Documents

• Letter of application
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of publications, numbered, with a complete bibliographic information, sorted by
  • monographs
  • (co-)edited volumes
  • journal articles
  • other information
• Submission of the three most important publications
• Presentation of any teaching and lecturing activities
• Presentation of any previous research projects and collaborations
• Exposé of future plans and goals in the field of research

Equality Principle

The University of Graz is committed to increasing the proportion of female employees, especially in leadership roles. We therefore encourage qualified female colleagues in particular to apply for this position. In case of equal qualifications, women will receive priority consideration.

Please note that in order to comply with the applicable data protection regulations, we can only accept applications via our web-based applicant tool for this vacant position.

Hearing Dates

Planned dates of the applicant`s presentation: 07.01.2027 - 08.01.2027

Contact

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Claudia Haagen-Schützenhöfer ([e-mail])