University of Potsdam

Founded in 1991, the University of Potsdam has firmly established itself in the scientific landscape and has become an outstanding economic factor and development engine for the region. It has a high level of third-party funding, has won several awards for teaching, and has a service-oriented administration and has received several awards for being family-friendly. Around 20,000 students and 3,000 employees work at three locations - Am Neuen Palais, Griebnitzsee and Golm - at one of the most beautifully situated academic institutions in Germany.

Homepage: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/geo/

The Faculty of Science, Institute of Geosciences, at the University of Potsdam invites applications for the following position to be filled by October 1, 2028:

Professorship (W 2) for Petrology

We are looking for candidates with a research focus on the investigation of rocks and geo-materials of the solid earth system. In their research, they should ideally combine the dynamics of processes on the (sub)microscopic scale with macroscopic processes on the Earth system scale and their mutual interaction, e.g., with regard to geochemical fractionation/enrichment or large-scale tectonic processes. They should use and develop geochemical, petrological or geochronological tools/tracers to decipher the dynamics of geological processes.

The Institute of Geosciences covers the entire spectrum of geosciences in research and teach-ing with the sub-disciplines of geology, geophysics and mineralogy-petrology. The candidates should have internationally recognized research achievements in the field of petrological, min-eralogical, or geochemical investigations of rocks and geomaterials in the context of geologi-cal-petrological research questions or applications. Applicants should have a proven track record of acquiring and managing third-party funded projects and extensive experience in inter-disciplinary national / international collaboration. The candidates are expected to be willing to collaborate with other groups at the institute, the faculty, and non-university research institu-tions in Potsdam. They should be a leading figure in the investigation of rocks and geomaterials with modern methods on various length scales and should use, further-develop and expand the existing laboratories. They should represent the full disciplinary breadth of the subject of petrology in teaching within the geoscientific bachelor's and master's degree programs offered by the institute.

Please submit your application, with the relevant documentation, via email to ausschreibungen@uni-potsdam.de by March 31, 2026. Further information is available online at https://www.uni-potsdam.de/berufungen.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Max Wilke (max.wilke@uni-potsdam.de).

The hiring process is subject to the requirements set forth in Section 43 subsection 1 sentence 1 no. 1 – 3 and no. 4 letters a and c of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG). The appointment procedure is conducted in accordance with Section 42 BbgHG.

The University of Potsdam values diversity and thus pursues the goals of equal opportunities and diversity in accordance with the general principle of equal treatment. One of the UP’s strategic goals is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Therefore, the UP expressly invites applications from qualified female scientists. People with a severe disability will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Periods of time taken for parental leave or caregiving are taken into account when assessing applicants’ academic careers. The implementation of equality and diversity standards in the respective field of work is expected.

The University of Potsdam offers dual career support and coaching for newly appointed professors.

According to the Civil Servants Act of the State of Brandenburg (“Landesbeamtengesetz”), an inquiry must be made to the Domestic Intelligence Service prior to the completion of the hiring and appointment as a civil servant in the state of Brandenburg. Information on the lawfulness and the procedure is available here.