Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU) is an internationally oriented and regionally networked university with a strong research profile.
The Institute of Psychology at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is seeking to fill its first
Professorship in Work and Organizational Psychology (open-rank W1/W2, with tenure track to a W2 professorship in Work and Organizational Psychology)
The professorship
The advertised professorship will contribute to the experimental-psychology focus of the Institute and strengthen its collaboration with the engineering and clinical disciplines at OVGU.
The professorship will establish an experimental research focus in Work and Organizational Psychology and further develop the field using innovative experimental methods, for example, in one or more of the following areas: cognitive ergonomics, human-computer interaction, human-centered systems design, human factors engineering, brain-machine interfaces, predictive diagnostics, and behavioral phenotyping. This will involve creating links to existing research networks in Magdeburg (in particular CRC 1436 – Neural Resources of Cognition, Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, RTG 2413 – The Aging Synapse) as well as links to the focus area of human-technology interaction.
The position involves teaching in the polyvalent B.Sc. program in Psychology (Work and Organizational Psychology) as well as in the master's programs in Environmental Psychology/Human-Technology Interaction and Psychology, in accordance with the teaching load associated with the respective appointment (W1: 4 semester hours per week (SWS) until the interim evaluation, then 4-6 semester hours per week (SWS); W2: 8 semester hours per week (SWS)).
The position is initially fixed-term. Following a positive interim evaluation (W1), it will be extended for a further three years pursuant to Section 41(1) of the Higher Education Act of Saxony-Anhalt (HSG-LSA). Upon a positive final evaluation (W1 or W2), the appointee will be appointed to a permanent employment or civil-service relationship (W2). Further details can be found in the regulations for tenure-track appointments.
Your profile:
You have a research focus and excellent publications in the field of experimental Work and Organizational Psychology, success in securing external funding, and experience in interdisciplinary collaboration with engineering or clinical disciplines (e.g., electrical engineering, computer science, clinical imaging, clinical psychology, mechanical engineering, medicine). Experience with virtual reality is desirable. Your ability to teach in English is expected, commensurate with your open-rank qualification.
The qualifications sought are deliberately broad under the open-rank procedure. They range from a first record of excellent publications, early evidence of success in competitive grant acquisition, and initial teaching experience to an internationally recognized research profile, sustained success in competitive grant acquisition, and relevant teaching experience.
The requirements for appointment are a university degree and a doctorate in psychology or a related field pursuant to Section 40 of the Higher Education Act of Saxony-Anhalt (HSG-LSA) (W1) and, if applicable, a habilitation or equivalent qualification (W2).
For further questions, please contact Prof. Ostwald by email: dirk.ostwald@ovgu.de
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is a signatory of the Diversity Charter. We welcome your application regardless of gender, cultural or social background, age, or sexual orientation. Applications from persons with severe disabilities and those with equivalent status will be given preferential consideration if they possess equal suitability, qualifications, and professional credentials. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is committed to gender equality. It aims to increase the proportion of women in academia and therefore strongly encourages women researchers to apply.
Please note the information on the collection of personal data at: https://www.ovgu.de/unimagdeburg/en/data_protection-p-66790.html
Please send your complete application (cover letter, CV, list of publications, teaching and research concept, a statement on planned measures to promote equality and on leadership style, certificates, and optionally the completed form on career interruptions and special circumstances) as a single PDF document to w12-arbeitspsychologie@ovgu.de by 15.11.2026 (date of receipt).
