Professorship in Early Hominin Evolution

University of Tübingen

W3-Professorship in Early Hominin Evolution (m/f/d)

Faculty of Science, Department of Geosciences

Application deadline: 11.03.2026

The Faculty of Science at Tübingen University invites applications for a W3-Professorship in Early Hominin Evolution (m/w/d) at the Department of Geosciences and the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment starting as soon as possible.

The preferred candidate should have carried out long-term research in early hominin evolution and paleobiology, focusing on Plio-Pleistocene hominins up to and including early Homo. Well documented expertise in the analysis of the early human fossil record, in comparative anatomy and in analytical skills (including, but not limited to, phylogenetic analysis, morphometrics, or finite elements modelling) are expected. Extensive participation and / or experience in leading fieldwork is expected. The successful candidate will take an active role in the excellence cluster “Human Origins,” complementing and expanding on existing strengths. Potential research directions include, but are not limited to, phylogeny, locomotion, diet, brain evolution or life history of early hominins. The Department of Geosciences expects an active participation in teaching at the bachelor and master levels in the fields of Archaeological Sciences and Human Evolution, including teaching of introductory and specialized courses in human evolution and paleobiology. The successful candidate will be integrated into the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Paleoenvironment (SHEP) and will be expected to collaborate with colleagues in the Geosciences and related archaeological fields. 

Required qualifications include a PhD or equivalent international degree and postdoctoral qualifications equivalent to the requirements of a full professorship as well as international research and experience in the acquisition and implementation of national and international third-party funded projects. This includes evidence of teaching effectiveness. 

The successful candidate will be working in a highly collegial and family friendly work environment.

The University of Tübingen is committed to equity and diversity and actively promotes equal opportunities. Female academics, in particular, are explicitly invited to apply, as are applicants from outside Germany. Applications from equally qualified candidates with disabilities will be given preference.

General information on professorships, hiring processes, and the German academic system can be found here: https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/213700 

Please submit your full application through the application site of the University of Tübingen at https://berufungen.uni-tuebingen.de by 11th March 2026. Questions concerning the call for applications and the application portal can be directed to the Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Tübingen, Professor Dr. Thilo Stehle careerspam prevention@mnf.uni-tuebingen.de