Professorship (W2) in Astrobiology and Research group leader at AIP

Founded in 1991, the University of Potsdam (UP) has firmly established itself in the scientific landscape and has become an outstanding economic factor and development engine for the region. It has a high level of third-party funding, has won several awards for teaching, and has a service-oriented administration and has received several awards for being family-friendly. Around 20,000 students and 3,000 employees work at three locations - Am Neuen Palais, Griebnitzsee and Golm - at one of the most beautifully situated academic institutions in Germany.

The Faculty of Science, Institute of at the University of Potsdam, invites applications for a joint professorship under the Jülich Model with the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) to be filled as soon as possible: Professorship (W2) in Astrobiology and Research group leader at AIP

The Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) is a major research center for astrophysics, home to more than 200 scientists, engineers, and support staff working on questions from solar physics to the large‑scale structure of the universe and developing technologies in spectroscopy and automated observing systems. Located in the beautiful Potsdam‑Babelsberg area near Berlin, AIP plays a leading role in international telescope instrumentation projects, including 4MOST and BlueMUSE, and contributes to next‑generation ELT spectrographs ANDES and MOSAIC.

We are looking for a researcher with an outstanding scientific record and an internationally recognized research profile in the field of astrobiology. The selected candidate will lead a new research group in this area, to be established within the “Stellar, Solar and Exoplanetary Physics” department at AIP. Candidates are expected to demonstrate an excellent research record, experience in securing external funding, teaching and student supervision, a track record of service to the astrophysics and astrobiology communities, and the willingness to build and manage a diverse and competitive research group. Excellence in research should be demonstrated through publications in peer‑reviewed journals and by recognized participation in relevant international scientific conferences and collaborative research projects.

The candidate is expected to have a strong research profile in the field of exoplanetary science, particularly addressing the conditions under which life may develop on planets outside the solar system. Possible research focuses include, but are not limited to, the identification and characterisation of biosignatures that are accessible to astrophysical detection methods, the dynamics, physics and/or chemistry of exoplanetary atmospheres in the context of biosignatures, or the influence of particles and radiation on pathways to the emergence and evolution of life on exoplanets. Applications with a focus on observations, on theory and simulation, or on instrument development are welcome. The candidate should contribute expertise that complements AIP’s existing research fields and create opportunities for collaboration.

Deadline: November 30, 2026.

For further queries contact Prof. Dr. Katja Poppenhäger ( ).

We also offer dual career support and coaching for newly appointed professors.

The joint appointment will be implemented according to the “Jülich Model” with a teaching obligation at the University of Potsdam in accordance with the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG). The hiring process is subject to the requirements set forth in Section 43 subsection 1 sentence 1 no. 1 – 3 and no. 4 letter a of the BbgHG. The appointment procedure is conducted in accordance with Section 42 BbgHG.

The University of Potsdam and the AIP value diversity and thus pursue the goals of equal opportunities and diversity in accordance with the general principle of equal treatment. One of the UP’s and AIP’s strategic goals is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Therefore, the UP and the AIP expressly invite applications from qualified female scientists. People with a severe disability will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Periods of time taken for parental leave or caregiving are taken into account when assessing applicants’ academic careers. The implementation of equality and diversity standards in the respective field of work is expected.

Further information is available online at

According to the Civil Servants Act of the State of Brandenburg (“Landesbeamtengesetz”), an inquiry must be made to the Domestic Intelligence Service prior to the completion of the hiring and appointment as a civil servant in the state of Brandenburg. Information on the lawfulness and the procedure is available here.

You can find more information about the call at: