Independent Junior Research Group Leader (m/f/d, TV-L E14 100 %)

The Cluster of Excellence HUMAN ORIGINS at the University of Tübingen invites applications for a Independent Junior Research Group Leader (m/f/d, TV-L E14, 100 %) in the field of hominin postcranial evolution.

The position should start on January 1st, 2027, and will be limited to five years.

Requirements

• PhD in Anthropology, Evolutionary Biology, or related fields, and an outstanding research record.
• An excellent publication record, as well as relevance of research for human evolution, are expected.
• Strong interdisciplinary agenda and articulate a vision for developing a research group in accordance with the goals of the Cluster of Excellence.
• Expected to participate and contribute to the Cluster-s activities (symposia, colloquia, retreats) and develop collaborations with Cluster PIs and projects.

The position additionally offers four-year salary funds for one doctoral researcher and operational costs.

Benefits

• Excellent opportunities for cutting-edge collaborative research.
• State-of-the-art laboratories, and access to a wide range of facilities.

The -Human Origins: Excellence Cluster of Integrative Human Origins Studies- is a newly approved Cluster of Excellence at the University of Tübingen. It will focus on the comprehensive, bio-cultural investigation of human evolution, to be examined through the integration of diverse disciplines, diachronically and at different scales throughout the last 5 million years of human evolution.

The Cluster commenced its work on January 1st, 2026.

The University of Tübingen is committed to equity and diversity and actively promotes equal opportunities. The University seeks to raise the number of women in research and teaching and therefore urges qualified women to apply for these positions. Disabled candidates will be given preference over other equally qualified applicants.

Application

• Applications should be submitted electronically no later than October 15th, 2026.
• They should include: (1) a statement of research achievements and future directions (not to exceed 3 pages); (2) curriculum vitae with publication list; (3) certificates / diplomas; (4) reprints of up to 3 key publications; and (5) the names and contact information of three referees.
• Please submit applications as a single PDF file (max. 10 MB) to Annika Thiem ( ) by October 15th, 2026.

The appointment will be made by the Central Administration (Zentrale Verwaltung).