W1 Professorship in Sustainability Psychology (W2 tenure track position)

Saarland University; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading academic institution in Germany seeks a W1 Professorship in Sustainability Psychology, focusing on innovative teaching and research methodologies. The successful candidate will teach both undergraduate and postgraduate courses and contribute to interdisciplinary projects. A strong academic background in sustainability psychology is required, along with a commitment to engage with campus partners. The role offers a tenure track with potential for permanent appointment based on performance.

Qualifikationen

• Strong academic track record in sustainability psychology.
• Demonstrated public lectures and teaching experience.
• Ability to engage in interdisciplinary research.

Aufgaben

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in sustainability psychology.
• Conduct innovative and relevant research in sustainability psychology.
• Contribute to collaborative projects with other campus partners.

Kenntnisse

Teaching ability in sustainability psychology

Research experience in sustainability psychology

Interdisciplinary approach

Methodological rigor

Experience securing external funding

Ausbildung

PhD in Psychology or related field

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company Saarland University Research Field Psychological sciences » Psychology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 11 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 5 Nov 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Faculty of Human and Business Sciences at Saarland University is inviting applications for the following position in the Department of Psychology to commence on 1 October 2026: W1 Professorship in Sustainability Psychology (W2 tenure track position) (m/f/x; Reference no.: W2719).

The successful applicant will be capable of teaching a broad range of topics in sustainability psychology in both the undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and general postgraduate (Master’s) programmes in psychology. We are seeking to appoint a person with a strong academic track record in sustainability psychology, who will bring an innovative and interdisciplinary approach and who is keen to bridge the gap between scientific research and meaningful real‑world applications. Their research should demonstrate methodological rigour and employ environmentally relevant research designs, addressing topics such as the circular economy, acceptance of climate policy measures, sustainable behaviours in workplace settings, and individual and collective psychological responses to environmental stressors. Research results will have been published in leading international journals and include contributions that inform both policy and practice.

Experience in securing competitive external funding will be considered an asset. The appointee is expected to connect and engage with research activity within the Department of Psychology and the Faculty of Human and Business Sciences, particularly the Research Training Group 2988 ‘Flexibility and Balance as Characteristics of Adaptive Self‑Regulation.’ A willingness to contribute to collaborative projects with other campus partners such as the IZES (Institute for Future Energy Systems and Material Flow Management) is also expected.

This position will initially be a fixed‑term public sector appointment (Beamtenverhältnis auf Zeit) for a period of three years. The duration of the appointment may be extended up to a maximum of six years in total if this is supported by the results of the teaching appraisal and the external assessment of the appointee’s research work. If performance continues to meet the required standards and if the tenure evaluation procedure is positive, the junior professor will be promoted to a permanent professorship (lifetime tenure) at the German academic salary scale W2. A working knowledge of German is expected, or a willingness to acquire it within a reasonable period after appointment.

Specific Requirements

The appointment will be made in accordance with the general provisions of German public sector employment law. Candidates must be university graduates with experience in and an aptitude for academic teaching who have demonstrated a particular capacity for independent academic research, usually evidenced by the outstanding quality of their PhD or doctoral thesis. If the applicant was employed as a research associate before or after their PhD/doctorate, the combined period of doctoral research and employment in Germany should not exceed six years. For additional information on employment requirements, please refer to Sec. 1.3 of the Framework Regulations Governing the Approval, Recruitment and Evaluation Procedures for Junior Professorships at Saarland University (Rahmenordnung zur Freigabe, Besetzung und Evaluation von Juniorprofessuren an der Universität des Saarlandes) of 12 December 2018 (www.uni-saarland.de/berufungen).

Selection process

To apply for this position, please submit your application by no later than 11 December 2025 via Saarland University’s online professorial appointments platform: www.uni-saarland.de/berufungen. Application documents must be uploaded as a single PDF file (max. size 10 MB) and should include the following documents in the order specified:

• Cover letter (addressed to the Dean of the Faculty of Human and Business Sciences Prof. Dr. Axel Mecklinger)
• Curriculum vitae (with your home address, phone number and email address) that includes a summary of your academic teaching and research activities to date
• List of publications
• Details of your previous teaching experience (with teaching appraisals, if available)
• Types and amounts of external funding secured, including details of funding applications currently under review or in preparation; indicate your share in joint awards (secured or pending)
• A two-page paper detailing your teaching concept, a two-page research plan and a one-page Open Science statement
• Academic credentials, particularly degree certificates and other evidence of teaching qualifications
• Your four most significant publications of the last five years
• Proof of disability if you declared a disability in your application
• If you hold a university degree from a foreign university, please provide proof of equivalence from Germany’s Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) if available. If you have not yet requested proof of equivalence from ZAB, you must submit proof at a later date if so requested.
• The completed recruitment questionnaire for junior professorships (link provided in the application portal)

Additional Information

Saarland University is a campus university with an international focus and a strong research profile. Its four core research areas “Computer Science”, “BioMed”, “Sustainability” and “Europe” are defining features of the university. With numerous internationally respected research institutes situated in the vicinity of the university and dedicated support for start‑up companies, Saarland University is an ideal environment for research, teaching and innovation. The proportion of international students studying at Saarland University is well above the national average and is testimony to the university’s strong international focus. Saarland University has been officially certified as a family‑friendly university since 2004.

Saarland University views internationalization as a process spanning all aspects of university life. We therefore expect members of our professorial staff to promote and foster further internationalization. Special support will be provided for projects that expand collaboration within existing international cooperative networks, e.g. projects with partners in the European University Alliance Transform4Europe (www.transform4europe.eu) or the University of the Greater Region (www.uni-gr.eu).

In accordance with the objectives of its gender equality plan, Saarland University is actively seeking to increase the proportion of women in this field. Qualified women candidates are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. Preferential consideration will be given to applications from disabled candidates of equal eligibility. Furthermore, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality, ethnic heritage or social background, religious beliefs, personal beliefs or values, age, sexual orientation or identity.

Languages

ENGLISH Level Excellent

GERMAN Level Excellent

Research Field

Psychological sciences » Psychology

Additional comments

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