Tenured Professorship "Systematics, evolution and biodiversity of plants"

The professorship should cover the aforementioned field in its entirety, encompassing both research and teaching. The appointed scientist is expected to be an internationally renowned researcher in the field of plant systematics, including modern phylogenetic, morphological and molecular approaches. In line with the MLU's long-term vision for knowledge cultures, learning, sustainability and transformation, the appointed Professor is expected to make a significant contribution to the understanding of plant diversity, its evolution, and its importance for the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. Examples of possible research directions include organismic studies with phylogenetic and taxonomic analyses, colonization histories, evolutionary and genome-based studies ("phylogenomics") on the origin of biodiversity, integration of morphological, molecular and ecological data for systematics, or the development of digital and data-based approaches (e.g., biodiversity informatics). The inclusion of the herbarium and the botanical garden of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg in the research and teaching concepts of the chair is expressly encouraged. The professorship is expected to contribute actively to the further development, sustainable use and scientific networking of these collections, and to integrate them into national and international research initiatives.

The professorship (successor to Prof. Dr. Martin Röser) will play a central role in advancing collaborative research in the field of biodiversity, both within the Faculty of Natural Sciences I at the MLU and with the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig. The faculty's focus areas are biodiversity, molecular plant research, and RNA/protein biology. Research at iDiv concentrates on the origin, conservation, and modification of biodiversity and its functions from the local to the global scales. Ideally, the candidate’s previous research should have a foundation in at least one of the faculty's or iDiv's focus areas. The research statement should clearly demonstrate a commitment to fostering synergies between these focus areas, to interdisciplinary collaboration, and to participating in existing or future collaborative research groups (CRC or RTG).

We are looking for a team-player with an innovative research concept that reflects our commitment to a dynamic and forward-thinking academic environment. Junior research group leaders at an early stage of their career, who have already demonstrated scientific excellence through a strong publication record and by securing competitive third-party funding, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must fulfill the appointment requirements according to § 35 of the Higher Education Act of Saxony-Anhalt. In particular, the prerequisites for appointment are a relevant habilitation or equivalent academic achievements and pedagogical aptitude. We attach great importance to didactic skills in teaching. The professorship should cover the entire spectrum of plant systematics, evolution and biodiversity at both Bachelor and Master levels and in the teacher-training courses. Applicants are asked to submit a teaching statement outlining their pedagogical approaches and specific ideas for the courses offered. A willingness to participate in university self-administration is expected. Further tasks and responsibilities are regulated in § 34 of the Saxony-Anhalt State Higher Education Act.

In particular, we aim to increase the proportion of women appointed as permanent staff; therefore, appropriately qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg is committed to diversity and aims to create an inclusive environment where our staff and students feel valued and inspired. Applications from candidates with disabilities are particularly welcome and will be given preference in the event of equivalent qualification.

The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg strives to provide an environment compatible with work-life balance and has been certified as a family-friendly university since 2009. For queries pertinent to reconciling work and family life please contact the family representative of the Martin Luther University Prof. Dr. Kay Saalwächter (kay.saalwaechter@physik.uni-halle.de, Tel. 0345-5528560).

Applications with curriculum vitae, certificates, description of academic career, list of all publications and successful third-party funding, as well as a teaching record, including evaluations, are requested by 25.08.2026 via the appointment portal of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, stating the private address: https://berufungsportal.uni-halle.de/

Contact person for queries pertinent to the position: Prof. Dr. Helge Bruelheide Tel.: 0345 5526222, Email: helge.bruelheide@botanik.uni-halle.de