W3 Professorship Intelligence in Biological and Artificial Systems

uncovering the (neuro-)computational building blocks of cognition and intelligence in biological and artificial systems.

Due to its interdisciplinarity, the research focus of the professorship may range from theoretical work to AI research to the development of advanced analysis techniques, and to experimental work, but must be able to connect the different perspectives of biological and artificial intelligence. To strengthen interdisciplinary exchange, the professorship will work closely with the existing research groups at the Institute of Cognitive Science and actively contribute to joint third-party-funded collaborative activities.

Examples of research directions that usefully complement the existing research groups include:

• principles of efficient learning in humans and neural networks
• principles of neural processing underlying perception, behaviour, and ultimately intelligence
• computational foundations of higher cognitive abilities and human-like intelligence
• AI-based discovery and analysis methods for neuroscientific and behavioural data

The professorship will also contribute to teaching in all Cognitive Science study programmes (B.Sc., M.Sc.) as well as to academic self-government. The responsibilities include offering corresponding specialist courses as well as introductory lectures. All courses are taught in English.

Professional Requirements: The appointment requirements are an internationally visible academic record as well as an independent research programme in the area of investigating principles of intelligence in biological and artificial systems, which usefully complements the existing research groups at the Institute. The research programme shall be demonstrated by relevant publications in internationally recognised journals and/or by conference contributions.

Experience in acquiring third-party funding commensurate with the candidate’s academic age is required. Furthermore, the ability to conduct interdisciplinary research in the field of Cognitive Science and a synergistic fit with existing research groups at the Institute are required, which we ask for you to detail as part of the application materials.

Experience in independent undergraduate-level teaching in the subject area of the professorship, corresponding to the candidate’s academic age, is also required.

International experience through positions at universities abroad and/or other academic institutions as well as international collaboration are desirable.

The appointment requirements further include excellent written and spoken English. Due to participation in academic self-government, non-German-speaking applicants are asked to achieve an appropriate level of German within two years.

Statutory Requirements: You will hold a first degree in Cognitive Science or neighbouring fields (e.g. Computer Science, Data Science, Computational Neuroscience, or Artificial Intelligence), show a proven aptitude for teaching, have demonstrated your ability to engage independently in advanced academic research – as a rule by obtaining an outstanding PhD – and have a sustained publication record in research equivalent to the German Habilitation in accordance with Section 25 subsection 1 no. 4a of the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act [NHG].

The position is available on a full-time or part-time basis.

Osnabrück University is a family-friendly university and is committed to helping working parents balance their family and working lives.

Osnabrück University is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and the professional equality of the genders. We promote a culture of science and work that enables fair opportunities and a discrimination-free environment for learning, teaching, and working. In doing so, we strive for fair representation of all social groups among our staff and work to counteract underrepresentation.

Applications from people with severe disabilities and those treated as equivalent under applicable law will be given preferential consideration where candidates are equally qualified.

Please submit your application with the usual documents (curriculum vitae, certificates/degrees, academic career, list of publications, research plans, list of courses taught to date, description of possible connections to existing research groups at the Institute) in a digital format (as one single PDF file) together with the "Bewerbungsprofil" (Applicant Profile) form by September 20, 2026 to the Dean of the School of Human Sciences at Osnabrück University, Prof. Dr. Simone Pika (bewerbungfb08@uni-osnabrueck.de).

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Tim Kietzmann (tim.kietzmann@uni-osnabrueck.de, +49 541 969-2710).

We look forward to receiving your application.