Cluster Hire in Terrestrial Geo-Biosphere Interactions, University of Tübingen

The Department of Geosciences at the University of Tübingen, Germany, announces the opening of four full professorships (W3) as part of a new cluster hire in the field of Terrestrial Geo-Biosphere interactions. The chosen candidates are expected to develop internationally visible research programs that integrate geoscience research with modern and past biologic and climate processes. We are particularly interested in candidates who can bridge between disciplines and investigate processes active on both recent (human-relevant) and geologic timescales. The candidates are expected to link their research to existing department strengths in geosciences, applied and environmental sciences, geoecology, geography, and also biology-related University units such as the Institute for Ecology and Evolution; Center for Molecular and Plant Biology (ZMBP), and the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology. Connections are also desirable to current University expertise in the area of ‘Machine Learning for Science’ through a University Cluster of Excellence, and through the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Paleoenvironments (HEP) at the University of Tübingen. Teaching should contribute to the programs of Geosciences (BSc and MSc), Geoecology (BSc and MSc), Environmental Sciences (BSc), and Applied and Environmental Geoscience (MSc).

We welcome applications for the following positions:

1. Professor (W3) of Climatology and the Biosphere (Klimatologie und Biosphäre): The preferred candidate will conduct research on terrestrial modern- and paleo-climate with expertise in one or more of the following areas: quantitative analysis of (paleo)climate data, terrestrial climate reconstructions from novel chemical and/or organismic proxy methods, and records of past climate and vegetation change from the Pleistocene to present. Teaching contributions will be in the broad areas of a BSc co- taught course on Biology for Geoscientists, and MSc courses Climate Dynamics, (Paleo)climate methods and analysis, and also a field excursions/mapping course.
2. Professor (W3) of Terrestrial Sedimentology (Terrestrische Sedimentologie): We seek candidates with expertise in the broad areas of terrestrial sedimentology and interactions between sedimentology, climate, and the biosphere. Applications from candidates with expertise in process sedimentology or analysis of the geologic record using field based, geochemical, geophysical, biologic, or analog or numerical modeling techniques are welcome. Teaching contributions will include classroom and field- based BSc-level instruction in sedimentology; field excursions or mapping courses; and regional geology.
3. Professor (W3) of Near-Surface Geophysics (Geophysik der nahen Erdoberfläche): The chosen candidate is expected to have expertise in observational geophysics and diverse geophysical imaging techniques near the Earth’s surface and critical zone. We seek persons who investigate terrestrial environmental change related to geologic, climate, and biologic processes. Teaching contributions will be in BSc and MSc level courses in solid Earth and Environmental Geophysics. Student instruction in field based geophysical techniques is expected, as is a MSc level course in advanced geophysics.
4. Professor (W3) of Geo-Biosphere Interactions (Geo-Biosphären-Wechselwirkungen): We seek candidates who investigate interactions and couplings between the Earth’s surface and biota over either modern or geologic timescales. Fields of study could include (but are not limited to): ecohydrology; rhizosphere processes; vegetation-atmosphere-hydrosphere interactions; surface water hydrology; global biogeochemical cycles; biogeography; vegetation dynamics, biodiversity and climate or geologic processes; or nutrient and element cycling. Techniques used can include: geochemical, molecular, physiological, geophysical, field or greenhouse studies, or analog/numerical modeling experiments. Teaching contributions will include BSc and MSc courses in the candidate’s area of research, including a co-taught BSc course in Biology for Geoscientists, and field excursions.

Teaching requirements for all positions are 9 hours/week during semesters including student advising/supervision. Teaching obligations should include contributions to both BSc and MSc courses. Teaching of MSc courses should be in English. BSc courses can initially be taught in English.

Required qualifications for all positions include a PhD or equivalent international degree and postdoctoral qualifications equivalent to the requirements for tenure. This includes evidence of teaching effectiveness.

The University of Tübingen is one of 11 Universities in Germany designated as a University of Excellence. It is located in south west Germany, is one of the oldest Universities in Germany, and hosts one of the largest geoscience departments in the country. The department is housed in the new (2020) building with state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities. The city of Tübingen is a mid-sized university town that is culturally and internationally diverse, and with an intellectually stimulating atmosphere. The region offers a high-quality and family friendly standard of living with abundant recreational and cultural opportunities. More information is available at: https://www.tuebingen.de/en/1815.html.

The University of Tübingen is particularly interested in increasing the number of women in research and teaching and therefore strongly encourages women candidates to apply. In line with its internationalization agenda, the university welcomes applications from researchers outside Germany. In the case of equally qualified candidates, applicants with disabilities will be given preference.

Applications should be in English and include: a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, references, list of publications with links to the publications, 1 page research and 1 page teaching statements, diplomas/certificates, and a completed application from https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/faculties/faculty-of- science/faculty/service-downloads/#c608746 . Applications should be sent via email as a single PDF file (max. 10 MB) to the Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Tübingen (career@mnf.uni- tuebingen.de). Please clearly indicate which of the above position(s) you are applying for in your cover letter as well as your perceived fit with the geoscience, biology, or machine learning research units in the University. Closing date for the applications is June 11, 2020. Enquiries may be directed to the Dean (career@mnf.uni-tuebingen.de) or Department Chair (todd.ehlers@uni-tuebingen.de). Interviews for short-listed candidates will likely occur in Tübingen between Sept. 28 and October 16, 2020, but are subject to change depending on the global health situation.