Jena combines excellent research in the natural and life sciences with a vibrant network of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, non-university research institutions, and innovative companies. As part of the Jena Ecosystem, an internationally visible research environment with particular strengths in microbiology, infection biology, chemical biology, biodiversity research, bioinformatics and systems biology, biogeosciences, optics and photonics, and materials science, Jena offers outstanding opportunities for collaboration with the Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse and related research fields. It provides ideal conditions for interdisciplinary cooperation, creative ideas, and innovative research.
The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI) is an internationally renowned and highly competitive non-university research institute within the Jena Ecosystem, employing approximately 450 staff members, including around 150 doctoral researchers. Research at the Leibniz-HKI focuses on the pathobiology of microorganisms, particularly fungi, the study of natural products as mediators of microbial communication, and their development into novel compounds for medical applications, especially for the treatment of infectious diseases.
The Leibniz-HKI is funded by the federal and state governments and organised as a registered association. The Leibniz-HKI is a member of the Leibniz Association.
To further strengthen the research profile of the Jena scientific landscape, the Faculty of Biological Sciences at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, together with the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), invites applications for the following position by the next possible date through a joint appointment procedure according to the Berlin Model:
W3 Professorship in Fungal Infection Biology and/or Natural Product Research
at Friedrich Schiller University Jena combined with the position of
Scientific Director (f/m/d)
of the Leibniz-HKI.
For the W3 professorship in the Faculty of Biological Sciences and the leadership of a scientific department at Leibniz-HKI, we seek an internationally visible and scientifically outstanding researcher with an excellent track record in fungal infection biology (e.g. Aspergillus fumigatus), natural product research, or a closely related field that aligns with the core research areas of Leibniz-HKI. Applicants should demonstrate exceptional success in acquiring and managing competitive third-party funding. The successful candidate is expected to actively contribute to the close integration of the university, non-university research institutions, and innovative companies, to foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and to engage with society through the communication and transfer of scientific knowledge.
The Scientific Director of the Leibniz-HKI will lead the institute together with the Administrative Director. The successful candidate will represent the institute externally and is responsible for the strategic development of its scientific profile as well as for scientific structural and organisational matters. These responsibilities will be carried out in close cooperation with the research group leaders and in consultation with the Board of Trustees, the Scientific Advisory Board, and the General Assembly. The position requires pronounced leadership and communication skills, strategic vision, and a strong ability to integrate and connect diverse stakeholders. Extensive experience in research management and the leadership of scientific institutions is expected.
Excellent command of both German and English is required. Familiarity with the German academic system and publicly funded research structures is expected.
In order to be eligible for the position, candidates must have a completed university degree, pedagogical aptitude, a particular aptitude for academic work demonstrated by a doctorate as well as a Habilitation or equivalent academic achievements. Appointment as a professor shall be for life as a civil servant, provided that the legal requirements are met. The appointment as Scientific Director will initially be for a period of five years, with the intention of renewal.
Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz-HKI aim to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore strongly encourage 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 including selected reprints, documentation of teaching activities and teaching evaluation, list of third-party funds acquired, research and teaching concept are to be submitted electronically via the University's Appointment Portal at
www.berufungsportal.uni-jena.de
no later than 11. January 2027. They should be addressed to the Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Professor Dr. Thorsten Heinzel.
For further information regarding the position and the appointment procedure, please contact Professor Miriam Agler-Rosenbaum (miriam.rosenbaum@leibniz-hki.de)
