W3-Professor or W2-Professor with tenure track to W3 for Theoretical Physics – Relativistic Astrophy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Germany) invites applications for a professorship starting in the summer semester 2026:

W3-Professor or W2-Professor with tenure track to W3 for
Theoretical Physics – Relativistic Astrophysics

The successful candidate (m/f/d) is expected to have demonstrated broad expertise in scientific research and high competence in teaching in this subject area. We search for excellence in gravitational physics and relativity theory, with research interests for example in general relativistic astrophysics, gravitational waves and their sources, as well as mathematical and theoretical foundations of classical and modified gravity. With regard to technical expertise, a strong background in mathematical and/or numerical relativity is desired.

A close collaboration with existing groups at the department is expected, especially with other theoretical research groups in the areas of theoretical physics, quantum field theory, astronomy and/or computational physics. These activities should be strengthened and expanded, in particular with respect to coordinated funding programs, while additional, new initiatives are welcome. Experience in grant acquisition and leadership in science management are required.

We are looking for a person who will contribute to the Bachelor‘s, Master‘s, and teacher’s training programs of the department and who will be committed to modernizing the teaching program. Teaching competence in the area of theoretical physics, computational physics and in in particular in relativistic physics are expected. Duties include participation in academic self-administration. Our future colleague will cooperate in an interdisciplinary manner and contribute to the dialogue with society.

The prerequisites are a completed degree, a relevant doctorate, a habilitation or equivalent academic achievements, as well as pedagogical aptitude. Appointment as a W3 professor shall be for life as a civil servant, provided that the legal requirements are met. In the case of a first-time appointment to a professorship, the professorship shall initially be filled as a W2 professorship for a fixed term of six years. After a maximum of six years and subject to a positive tenure evaluation, appointment to a W3 professorship shall take place without the vacancy being readvertised.

Friedrich Schiller University aims to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore strongly encourages qualified female academics to apply.

Severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in the case of equal suitability.

Applications in German or English with the usual documents such as cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of certificates and diplomas, list of publications, list of courses, teaching evaluations (if available), list of third-party funds acquired, research and teaching concept should be submitted electronically to the University’s Appointment Portal at www.berufungsportal.uni-jena.de  no later than July 1st, 2025.

They should be addressed to the Dean of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena.

For further information for applicants and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to Data privacy and information for applicants