W 3 professorship for Theoretical Physics Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

Become part of the University of Freiburg, one of Germany’s most prestigious and researchintensive universities – with a unique diversity and interplay of disciplines and perspectives in one of the most popular cities in the heart of Europe.
The University of Freiburg‘s human resources policy is oriented toward the principles of equal opportunity and diversity. The university is committed to the goal of creating a family-friendly university.

The Faculty of Mathematics and Physic at the Institute of Physics is offering a

W 3 professorship for Theoretical Physics

with focus on the physics of living systems
(successor to Prof. Timmer)
Full-time position; starting date: 01.10.2027

This professorship is also particularly suitable for outstandingly qualified early-career researchers. The professorship is based at the Institute of Physics of the University of Freiburg and strengthens research and teaching at the interface between physics, the life sciences, and data science. It is embedded in an interdisciplinary environment with close links to soft condensed matter, bio-inspired materials research, and biological systems, and addresses current research topics, including possible links with the Cluster of Excellence CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies. Possible research areas include, for example, the structure and dynamics of signalling complexes, (sub)cellular dynamics, self-organization, energy transduction, biomechanics, and information processing in living matter. Typical methodological approaches in this field may comprise concepts from statistical physics, non-equilibrium physics, the theory of stochastic processes and nonlinear dynamics, as well as data- and AI-based modelling.

Applicants must hold an outstanding PhD in physics or a closely related field, demonstrate internationally visible scientific achievements in the theoretical modeling of complex or biological systems, and have an excellent publication record in the relevant research area at the interface to the quantitative life sciences. Further required qualifications include teaching experience and didactic aptitude, the ability to acquire competitive third-party funding, and the ability to establish and lead an independent research group. The professorship contributes to teaching in the B.Sc. programmes (taught in German; willigness to acquire sufficient German language skills is expected.) and M.Sc. programmes in Physics. Active participation in collaborative research and joint research initiatives forms part of the duties of the position.

The University of Freiburg offers an excellent research environment with strong experimental and theoretical groups, good opportunities for collaboration within EUCOR – The European Campus, and attractive conditions for establishing an internationally visible research program. In all other respects, the conditions for appointment according to § 47 Landeshochschulgesetz apply.

We especially welcome female applicants for this advertised position.

The University supports those appointed through a dual career service and a family service.

We request for the following application materials:

• Resumé
• Certificates and diplomas
• Research Statement (2-3 pages)
• Teaching concept (1 page)
• Complete list of publications and lectures, listing the 5 most important publications.

Please apply (where applicable in English) using this application form (https://intranet.uni-freiburg.de/public/downloads/saz/bewerbungsbogen-professoren.pdf / https://intranet.uni-freiburg.de/public/downloads/saz/bewerbungsbogen-professoren-en.pdf) and the above-mentioned documents and records, quoting the reference number 00004943 by July 19, 2026 latest.

Please send your application in written or electronic form to the chair of the appointment committee.

An den Vorsitzenden der Berufungskommission
Prof. Dr. Andreas Buchleitner
Fakultät für Mathematik und Physik, Dekanat, Ernst-Zermelo-Str. 1, 79104 Freiburg
E-Mail: berufungen@physik.uni-freiburg.de

Further information on the appointment procedure can be found in the appointment guidelines, available at https://intranet.uni-freiburg.de/public/downloads/saz/berufungsleitfaden.pdf.
Important legal information: https://uni-freiburg.de/stellenangebot/00004943/