The Faculty of Biology at the University of Freiburg, one of Germany’s leading research universities, invites applications for a W3 Professorship in Plant Biotechnology, scheduled to begin on April 1, 2027. This is a full-time, tenured position representing the highest academic rank in the German university system.
Research Focus and Scientific Environment
The university is seeking an internationally visible scientist to establish an innovative research program in plant and algal biotechnology. Candidates working with microalgae, seaweed, or plant model systems are highly encouraged to apply. Preferred research areas include:
- Synthetic Biology: Designing engineered biological circuits and pathways for industrial, bioenergy, or sustainable agricultural applications.
- Metabolic & Organelle Engineering: Modifying cellular processes to optimize the production of high-value compounds, proteins, or pigments in plants and algae.
- AI-Driven Biological Regulation: Integrating data-driven approaches and artificial intelligence to model signaling networks and metabolic pathways.
- Signal Processing & Synthetic Signaling: Engineering scale-spanning biological processes to understand how plant and algal systems adapt to environmental stress.
The professorship will be closely integrated with the Freiburg Excellence Cluster CIBSS (Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies), Collaborative Research Centers (SFBs), and international research consortia.
Teaching Responsibilities
The professor will contribute to teaching across Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Biology, Biotechnology, and Advanced Plant Sciences. This includes participation in Freiburg’s trinational degree program in Biotechnology. Teaching is conducted in English and German; candidates are expected to teach in German or show willingness to acquire the language.
Required Qualifications
- Habilitation, junior professorship, or equivalent academic record in plant biotechnology, molecular plant sciences, or related biological fields.
- High-impact publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Proven track record of securing competitive third-party research funding.
- Academic leadership experience and commitment to mentoring early-career researchers.
How to Apply
Applications (referencing Position ID 00005002) must be submitted to the Dean of the Faculty of Biology via email (application@biologie.uni-freiburg.de) by July 10, 2026. Please include your CV, degree certificates, publication list, a 3-page research statement, external funding history, and teaching portfolio.