Open position: Full Professor of Forest Ecology at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences

The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, seeks to appoint a Full Professor of Forest Ecology from 1 October 2024. The position is offered in accordance with §98 of the 2002 Universities Act in the form of an ongoing contract.

The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, the "Alma Mater Viridis”, is the University of Sustainability and Life Sciences. It is BOKU's task to make a key contribution to the conservation and protection of resources for future generations through its wide variety of expertise. Combining natural sciences, engineering plus social and economic sciences, its aim is to increase knowledge of the ecologically and economically sustainable use of natural resources. With 10,000 students and over 2,900 staff members, BOKU is one of Europe’s leading life science universities.

The central tasks of the Department of Forest and Soil Sciences are research and research-guided teaching on analysis, modeling and management of forest ecosystems as well as soil use and soil protection. The research competence of the Department is unique in Austria and covers the entire range of services and functions of forest ecosystems.

The responsibilities of the person appointed include research and teaching in the field of forest ecology with at least two of the following focal points:

• Forest soil science and forest site ecology (classification and mapping of forest sites)
• Energy and water budget of forest ecosystems (forest climatology, forest hydrology)
• Nutrient and carbon budget of forest ecosystems (biogeochemistry)
• Forest dynamics and its impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services

In addition to research questions on the main topics of the Institute of Forest Ecology, interdisciplinary research topics are to be worked on in teamwork with scientists of BOKU. An active participation in the further development of the BOKU field offices and experimental sites is strongly desired.

Teaching in the Department of Forest Ecology includes lectures, tutorials and excursions in German and English as well as the supervision of bachelor and master theses and dissertations. Teaching also requires participation in interdisciplinary events and practical exercises, as well as integration and collaboration with BOKU doctoral schools. In addition to this teaching activity, participation in the further development of curricula is expected, in particular of the Bachelor's program in Forestry and the Master's programs in Forest Sciences and Mountain Forestry.

Job specifications

• Venia docendi or foreign equivalent or an equivalent subject-relevant academic qualification.
• Relevant experience and competence in teaching, guidance in scientific work, as well as the supervision of junior scientists (PhD students). The candidate is expected to submit a teaching portfolio.
• Subject-specific research experience, national and international reputation, as well as ability to network.
• Excellent publication achievements in the scientific field.
• Excellent international research experience.
• Teaching in German and English.
• Experience in successful acquisition, execution and management of high-level competitive research projects at national and European level.
• Cooperation with national and international research institutions and with relevant partners from public services and business.
• Management and interpersonal skills including gender and diversity management skills, communication and team skills.
• Participation in public relations.
• Participation in relevant focus and cooperation programs of the University.
• Participation in the self-governance of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna.
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken German and English or willingness to learn German in the first two years.

For more information about this position, please contact the Head of Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Karl Stampfer, phone: +43 1 47654 91501, email: karl.stampfer@boku.ac.at 

Please submit your application as a single PDF file (LastName_FirstName.pdf) containing the information mentioned below in English via email no later than 31st January 2024 to the Rectorate of the University of Natural Ressources and Life Sciences, Vienna: berufungen@boku.ac.at 

Your application includes the following documents:

• Brief explanation of why you believe yourself to be particularly suitable for this position (max. 1 page A4)
• CV including ORCID and details of professional, teaching and research activities (incl. teaching portfolio – further information is available in German at http://short.boku.ac.at/lehrportfolio)
• Draft concept for research and teaching; presentation of planned research priorities (max. 4 pages A4)
• List of publications (referenced / not referenced), presentations and projects
• Copies of 5 recent publications that you consider particularly important

By submitting the application, you also agree to the participation of an external recruitment consultant in the selection process. The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna is seeking to increase the number of its female faculty members and therefore, qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. Women are given priority when qualifications are equal, except in cases where there are outweighing factors
concerning another candidate. People with disabilities and appropriate qualifications are specifically encouraged to apply. The employment contract is classified as group A1 of the collective agreement for university employees. Minimum gross yearly salary: € 81,571; the actual annual gross salary is subject to negotiation.