University Professorship in Molecular Phytopathology

We strive for universality, diversity and interdisciplinarity. With more than 26,000 students, three Clusters of Excellence, 5,000 members of staff, over 150 institutes and an outstanding infrastructure, Leibniz University Hannover offers an innovative environment for top-level education and research in a comprehensive range of subjects.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences invites applications for the following position within salary scale W2 of the Lower Saxony salary system (NBesO) with tenure track leading to salary scale W3 NBesO to be appointed at the earliest possible date: University Professorship in Molecular Phytopathology

The position is limited to 5 years. Following a positive evaluation, the candidate will receive a tenured professorship (salary scale W3 NBesO).

The Position

• The professorship is assigned to the Plant Research Division of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, comprising the three institutes Plant Nutrition, Plant Genetics, and Botany, with which it interacts closely.
• The professorship addresses forward-looking research questions on the interaction of plants with pathogens at the interface between basic and applied research. It makes an important contribution to overcoming the existential challenges associated with climate change.
• The professorship focuses primarily on basic research in molecular biology. It engages with cutting-edge research topics and secures internationally competitive third-party funding.
• Within the framework of the faculty’s research topics on the resilience of biological systems at various levels, the professorship is expected to represent current and forward-looking topics in molecular phytopathology in research and teaching.

Your Profile

• For research in the field of molecular phytopathology, we are looking for a scientifically proven personality who has distinguished themselves through outstanding publications on the molecular biological fundamentals of the interaction between pathogens and plants. The research focus should not be limited to model organisms alone, but should explicitly go beyond this and consider ecosystem effects.
• The research must be compatible with existing plant science research fields, and active interaction and cooperation with local working groups in molecular and applied plant science, microbiology, and earth system science is expected.
• The successful acquisition of third-party funding (national and international) for innovative research approaches is expected.
• The future holder of the position is expected to be able to teach in English.

What we can offer you

LUH offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community combined with an exceptional standard of living in a modern city surrounded by nature.

In addition, LUH provides numerous opportunities for further education and training as well as many services to support families. The Dual Career Service at LUH is aimed at the partners of newly-appointed professors and provides support with career perspectives in Hannover and the surrounding region. As a central point of contact for international researchers, the Welcome Centre provides information, service and help on non-academic queries for you and your family concerning your stay in Hannover (e.g. official administrative procedures).

Leibniz University Hannover promotes equal opportunities, diversity and a balance between work and family life (Equal Opportunities Office). For this reason, female researchers are particularly encouraged to apply. Furthermore, we welcome applications from international researchers. Preference will be given to equally-qualified applicants with disabilities (Representative for employees with disabilities). Upon request, part-time employment is possible.

Further information

Candidates aged 50 or over at the intended time of appointment who do not already have civil servant status in Germany will be employed as regular members of staff.

General duties and employment requirements are specified in § 25 of the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act (NHG). For detailed information on employment requirements, please contact the Appointment Matters department.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Jens Boch (phone: +49 511 762-4082, email: jens.boch@genetik.uni-hannover.de).

Please send your application to the dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Stefanie Heiden, and submit your documents by April 27, 2026 exclusively via the appointment portal of Leibniz University Hannover at:

https://berufungen.uni-hannover.de  

Information on the collection of personal data according to article 13 GDPR can be found at https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/dsgvo/datenschutzhinweis-bewerbungen.