University Professor for Pastoral Theology

Organisation/Company Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Research Field Religious sciences » Theology Researcher Profile Leading Researcher (R4) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 29 May 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Apr 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number -W3-nk Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is one of the largest universities in Germany. Thanks to its location in the Rhine- Main science region, the university can exploit its full potential and showcase its dynamic innovative power. Its status as a comprehensive university allows for multidisciplinary learning and teaching, in turn paving the way for internationally renowned, interdisciplinary research. Almost all of its faculties and departments are located on a single campus close to the Mainz city center, creating a lively academic culture for researchers, teaching staff, and students from all over the world.

The Faculty of Catholic Theology, part of the Faculty 01: Catholic Theology and Protestant Theology invites applications for the position of

University Professor for Pastoral Theology

Salary grade W 3 LBesG | Civil Servant (tenured), to be filled at the earliest possible date.

Tasks and expectations:

We are looking for an excellent academic candidate (m/f/d) who can represent the full scope of Pastoral Theology in both research and teaching. An innovative research profile is expected. Candidates should be able to contribute visible academic input to the topics and questions related to this field against the backdrop of the challenges of our day as well as social and ecclesiastical transformation processes. The professorship is an endowed chair financed by the Diocese of Mainz.

Teaching in the various Catholic theology degree programs is to be carried out in German; a readiness to offer English-language courses is desirable. We expect candidates to offer thematically open, methodically diverse, and interdisciplinary oriented courses. They should also exhibit a willingness to contribute to the development of innovative forms of teaching and learning (e.g., in the context of denominational-cooperative projects within the department). Candidates are also expected to be willing to cooperate with institutions of the diocese and the readiness to teach at other faculties and/or institutions.

The capacity for innerfaculty and ecumenical cooperation within Faculty as well as interdisciplinary collaboration, such as in multidisciplinary research associations at JGU and in the Rhine-Main University alliance, is indispensable. Experience in acquiring third-party funding for research or teaching projects is also advantageous. In addition, the department is looking for someone who is prepared to participate in public discourse in the context of their expertise; the transfer and communication of knowledge is important to the department. JGU values international connections and visibility, and therefore also digital literacy.

Additionally, participation in academic self-administration is expected as part of the professorship in addition to the active promotion of early career researchers.

In addition to the general requirements according to public services law, applicants must meet the recruitment requirements stipulated in Section 49 of the University Act (Hochschulgesetz) of Rhineland-Palatinate as well as the relevant state-church law and church law provisions.

In addition to a qualified doctorate, further outstanding academic achievements must be proven (generally through a habilitation or academic publications of equal standing).

The state of Rhineland-Palatinate and JGU are committed to the close personal mentoring of students and therefore expect teaching staff to have a strong presence at the university. A cooperative, team-oriented and proactive work attitude, strong communication skills, and the willingness to assume responsibility – including further professional development in accordance with JGU's leadership guidelines – is also expected.

Research Field Religious sciences » Theology

Additional Information

JGU firmly supports making family and career compatible and promotes its employees’ further professional development with an extensive human resources development offer.

As a diverse space, JGU promotes equal opportunity and welcomes qualified applications from people with different backgrounds. JGU aims to increase the number of qualified women and non-binary people in research and teaching and therefore expressly encourages their application.

People with severe disabilities and people with disabilities who are treated equally in accordance with Section 2 (3) SGB IX will be given preferential consideration if they are suitable.

You can upload your documents, including a cover letter, academic CV, list of publications and courses taught, further information (on external funding, awards, etc.), teaching evaluations, and certificates here by .

If you have questions or require further information, please contact the chair of the appointment committee, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Konrad Huber, at

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute The Faculty of Catholic Theology, part of the Faculty 01: Catholic Theology and Protestant Theology Country Germany State/Province Rheinland-Pfalz City Mainz Postal Code 55122 Street Saarstraße 21 Geofield