"Full Professorship (W3) for Physics of the Oceans"

Founded in 1991, the University of Potsdam has firmly established itself in the scientific landscape and has become an outstanding economic factor and development engine for the region. It has a high level of third-party funding, has won several awards for teaching, and has a service-oriented administration and has received several awards for being family-friendly. Around 20,000 students and 3,000 employees work at three locations - Am Neuen Palais, Griebnitzsee and Golm - at one of the most beautifully situated academic institutions in Germany.

The Faculty of Science, Institute of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Potsdam invites applications for a joint professorship under the Jülich Model with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) to be filled by as soon as possible:

Full Professorship (W3) for Physics of the Oceans

We are looking for an outstanding scientist (physicist) in physical oceanography to design, conduct, and lead innovative research that advances our understanding of the physics of the oceans in the context of the overall Earth system. An international record of original research and publications, competitive funding acquisition, as well as proven leadership and teaching experience are required. The successful candidate is expected to co-lead the research department Earth System Analysis at PIK, to advance the Earth system model POEM, and to contribute to the master's program Climate, Earth, Water, Sustainability (CLEWS). The candidate is expected to bring a clear vision of how to contribute to the cross-cutting and interdisciplinary study of problems of planetary stewardship conducted at PIK, notably on managing the global commons and safeguarding the planetary boundaries.

The focus of research is to be on the biophysical functioning of the ocean, particularly on the role of the global ocean’s circulation and large-scale non-linear dynamics in climate change, as well as its interactions with other Earth system components such as the atmosphere, cryosphere and biosphere, using advanced ocean and Earth system modeling. A successful candidate has made substantial scientific contributions in physical oceanography and has demonstrated a strong interest in the implications of climate change. The candidate should have an interest in the strategic development and application of coupled ocean/Earth system models to study feedbacks, non-linear interactions, and tipping points in the Earth system. Advancing the ocean, atmosphere and ice modelling components of PIK’s Earth system model (POEM) will form an integral part of the leadership function.

The candidate should have a proven success in supervising their own undergraduate, graduate and/or postdoctoral students. The candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate teaching in physics as well as to be substantially involved in the MSc courses Climate Physics and Climate, Earth, Water, Sustainability (CLEWS) at the University of Potsdam, e.g. by giving a lecture and tutorial on ocean dynamics.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Carsten Beta (carsten.beta@uni-potsdam.de).

The joint appointment will be implemented according to the “Jülich Model” with a teaching obligation at the University of Potsdam in accordance with the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG).

The hiring process is subject to the requirements set forth in Section 43 subsection 1 sentence 1 no. 1 – 3 and no. 4 letters a and c of the BbgHG. The appointment procedure is conducted in accordance with Section 42 BbgHG.

The University of Potsdam and the PIK value diversity and thus pursue the goals of equal opportunities and diversity in accordance with the general principle of equal treatment. One of the UP’s and PIK’s strategic goals is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Therefore, the UP and the PIK expressly invite applications from qualified female scientists. People with a severe disability will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Periods of time taken for parental leave or caregiving are taken into account when assessing applicants’ academic careers. The implementation of equality and diversity standards in the respective field of work is expected.

We also offer dual career support and coaching for newly appointed professors.

Please submit your application, with the relevant documentation (including a description of your research interests, CV, copies of certificates and diplomas, list of publications, list of courses taught, teaching evaluations, list of third-party funded projects), via email to ausschreibungen@uni-potsdam.de by October 8, 2025. Further information is available online at https://www.uni-potsdam.de/berufungen.