Professorship Atmospheric Physics; W3 combined Director of TROPOS

Organisation/Company Universität Leipzig Department Physics and Earth System Sciences Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Established Researcher (R3) Positions Other Positions Final date to receive applications 31 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

At the the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) and Faculty of Physics and Earth System Sciences at Leipzig University, the position of

Professorship for Atmospheric Physics (W3) combined with the Director of TROPOS

is to be filled in a joint appointment procedure as of 1 October 2027.

The Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS), a member of the Environmental Sciences Section of the Leibniz Association, is known worldwide for its pioneering research in the field of aerosol research and aerosol-cloud interactions. TROPOS combines global field measurements, laboratory studies, numerical modelling and both ground-based and satellite-based remote sensing to improve our understanding of atmospheric processes related to aerosols and clouds.

TROPOS employs 230 scientific, technical and administrative staff. It offers state-of-the-art research infrastructure and an internationally renowned research environment. TROPOS heads the national branch of the Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure ACTRIS. Scientific work at TROPOS is divided into four departments focusing on the physics and chemistry of the atmosphere.

We are looking for an internationally renowned, active researcher for the position of Institute Director. This position is associated with a W3 professorship at the Institute of Meteorology at Leipzig University. The candidate must have leadership experience in one or more of TROPOS's thematic research areas in the field of atmospheric sciences. In addition to their own excellent scientific work in atmospheric sciences, the successful applicant will bring innovative thinking and a strong commitment to promoting the scientific mission of TROPOS.

Fluency in spoken and written German is required.

The successful candidate will develop all strategic and operational aspects of TROPOS, including the implementation of organisational and personnel initiatives. Important tasks include ensuring targeted third-party funding, expanding cooperation with national and international institutions, and participating in university teaching and research on topics related to aerosol and cloud research at the Institute of Meteorology at Leipzig University. A commitment to continuing the role of TROPOS in ACTRIS is essential.

Active engagement with the interests and objectives of the Leibniz Association is also expected.

The rights and obligations of the position holder are governed by the Saxon Higher Education Act (SächsHSG) and the Saxon Service Regulations for Higher Education Institutions (HSDAVO). The position involves teaching duties at the university amounting to 2 semester hours per week.

Applicants must meet the requirements of § 59 SächsHSG (Saxon Higher Education Act).

The director of TROPOS is also its executive director in accordance with §26 BGB (German Civil Code). The appointment of the executive director of TROPOS is limited to a maximum of five years in accordance with the statutes, with the possibility of reappointment. The appointment to the W3 professorship at Leipzig University is permanent.

Leipzig University and TROPOS are committed to gender equality. They strive to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions. In addition, as employers, they promote the compatibility of work and family life.

Severely disabled persons – or persons deemed legally equal to them under Book IX of the German Social Code – are encouraged to apply and will be given preference in the case of equal suitability. If you have any questions about accessibility or need assistance with this application process, please contact Leipzig University’s disability officers at: schwerbehinder

The application documents will also be made available to the TROPOS Board of Trustees. By submitting your application documents, you consent to the processing of the data contained therein for the purpose of the appointment procedure for the professorship advertised here. You may revoke your consent at any time. The processing is carried out exclusively for this appointment procedure and on the basis of Art.

6 GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). This includes transmission to the members of the appointment committee, the equal opportunities officer(s), the disabled persons' representative(s), the appointment officer(s), the reviewers, the rectorate, the faculty and university administration, and the Saxon State Ministry of Science and the Arts within the scope of their respective organisational or legal…