Professorship, Psychology, in Particular Behavior Change and Sustainability Transformation (W2/W3)

Professorship, Psychology, in Particular Behavior Change and Sustainability Transformation (W2/W3)

Join to apply for the Professorship, Psychology, in Particular Behavior Change and Sustainability Transformation (W2/W3) role at Leuphana University of Lüneburg

Leuphana University of Lüneburg stands for innovation in research and education. Methodological diversity, interdisciplinary collaboration, transdisciplinary cooperation with partners outside academia and a dynamic development characterize our research profile in the fields of education, culture, management & technology, sustainability and public affairs. Our award‑winning study model is organised into the Leuphana College, the Leuphana Graduate School and the Leuphana Professional School.

HUMANISTIC. SUSTAINABLE. ENTREPRENEURIAL.

Research Focus

You conduct empirical research on the psychological foundations of sustainability‑related behaviour and behaviour change in the context of societal transformation processes. Your work focuses on how individuals make decisions and form judgments in the face of complex social, political, and environmental challenges, and how these psychological processes manifest in private, professional, or organisational contexts. Central to your research is the analysis of cognitive, emotional, and motivational determinants of human behaviour, with particular attention to how people perceive, evaluate, and act upon sustainability‑related information. Drawing on these insights, your research develops and validates evidence‑based interventions to promote sustainable behaviour. The overarching goal of your research is to advance internationally relevant psychological insights and develop approaches that foster sustainable societal transformation through a deeper understanding of individual decision‑making and behaviour in diverse contexts.

Methodology

• Experimental and quasi‑experimental methods, longitudinal and cross‑cultural studies, and/or field or observational research.
• Integration of innovative tools and data‑driven methods, such as agent‑based modelling, machine learning or large language models, to explore human behaviour in sustainability contexts and contribute to methodological advancements in the field.

Teaching and Supervision

The professorship contributes to the development of psychological and behavioural science teaching in the Bachelor’s programs of the School of Sustainability, including Environmental Sciences, Global Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, Psychology, and Master’s programs in Sustainability Science. Your teaching covers key psychological perspectives on sustainability, including environmental behaviour, motivation, emotion, communication, and decision‑making. You will also provide training in research methods and supervise thesis projects. Courses are embedded in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary settings and prepare students to address sustainability challenges from a behavioural science perspective.

Qualities and Expectations

• You are a committed researcher with an outstanding international research profile in combination with a track record of unique ideas put into action, impacting your field as well as society.
• You have a strong publication record in international, peer‑reviewed scientific journals in the above‑mentioned field of expertise.
• You have experience in initiating and conducting third‑party funded research projects and/or funding for research consortia; ideally you have successfully acquired third‑party funding on your own from renowned research funding organisations (e.g., DFG, ERC).
• You have proven experience in the supervision of students (Bachelor, Master, and ideally Ph.D.) and can document your teaching experiences in seminars, and ideally also lectures, in the subject areas of this professorship.
• You have a strong ability to cooperate with partners inside and outside academia and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue.

Institutional Commitment

The professorship will advance Leuphana’s overarching transformation agenda through interdisciplinary collaboration. We expect substantive contributions to the School of Sustainability (e.g., the focus project “Regenerative Society”) and to the University’s profile focus “Embracing Transformation”, aligning work with the five key subject areas (sustainability, democracy, digital cultures, entrepreneurship, organisation) toward a Psychology of Transformation.

Application Process

Please submit your application (without an application photo) consisting of the following materials in two separate PDF files:

1. a) motivation letter, CV, full publication list, copies of academic degrees and a research concept (max. one page)
2. b) three most relevant publications.

Additionally, enclose the completed application form (as Excel file) with your documents. Guidance on the required application materials can be found here .

Applications should be sent preferably by email using the keyword “Behaviour Change and Sustainability Transformation” (W2/W3) to or to the President of Leuphana University Lüneburg, Post Box 2440, Lüneburg D‑21314 by November 30, 2025 . Please be aware that we cannot return application documents sent physically.

By submitting your application, you consent to your data being stored and processed for the purpose of the recruitment process. Please note our Data Protection Notice for Applicants (in English or in German).

Leuphana University is an equal opportunities employer. The university aims to increase its number of female professors. Qualified women are especially invited to apply. Severely disabled applicants and applicants with equivalent status will be considered preferentially in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.

#J-18808-Ljbffr