W3 Professorship for Personality Psychology and Psychological Assessment

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena offers an attractive research environment in the humanities, cultural studies and social sciences, characterised by close cooperation with non‑university research institutions in the region. Psychology in Jena embeds its distinctive research foci in social interaction, development and health in Friedrich Schiller University Jena‑s excellent social science network. Through close links with clinical and non‑university cooperation partners in the region, a strong research bridge is built between mind, behaviour and society.

At the Institute of Psychology of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, a W3 Professorship for Personality Psychology and Psychological Assessment is to be filled as of the summer semester 2028. We are looking for an outstanding researcher (m/f/d) with broad expertise and a high level of didactic competence. The future holder of the position (m/f/d) is expected to represent the fields of Personality Psychology and Psychological Assessment in their full breadth in teaching. In addition, the appointee will have an independent research profile with internationally visible contributions to central areas of the field, with a research focus on personality psychology.

We expect the appointee to have experience in leading and conducting research projects, experience in cooperation and strong leadership skills. Experience and success in acquiring substantial third‑party funding are required. The applicant must have an excellent teaching record. A high quality of teaching involving innovative methods is expected.

Future tasks include participation in teaching in the Bachelor‑s and Master‑s programmes in Psychology, both as a major and as a supplementary subject. In addition, the appointee will contribute to the further development of challenging courses and study programmes in Psychology. As part of the internationalisation of study programmes, courses offered in English are possible.

We expect a willingness to acquire, within three years, any German language skills that may be lacking and that are required for teaching in German and for active participation in German‑language committees. Furthermore, willingness to cooperate with colleagues from other subject areas is expected.

In the LIFE profile area, excellent synergies are available with the Centre for Ageing Research on differential ageing, as well as with biodiversity research and bioinformatics on genetic influences and big data. Through the LIBERTY profile area, the professorship connects directly with KomRex (Center for Right‑Wing Extremism Research, Democracy Education and Social Integration), the Schumpeter Centre and the Centre for Romanticism Research on topics such as authoritarianism, social change and the history of individuality.

In addition, the location offers a direct connection to the Deutsches Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit (German Center for Mental Health). Participation in academic self‑administration is also part of the duties.

Requirements for the application are a completed university degree in psychology, pedagogical aptitude, a particular aptitude for academic work, demonstrated by a relevant doctorate, as well as a Habilitation or equivalent academic achievements. Appointment as professor will be made as a civil servant for life, provided that the legal requirements are met.

Friedrich Schiller University Jena aims to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore strongly encourages qualified female academics to apply. Severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in the case of equal suitability.