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

Professorship: Psychology, Behaviour Change and Sustainability Transformation (W2/W3)

Leuphana University of Lüneburg invites applications for a full professorship in psychology with a focus on behaviour change and sustainability transformation. The role is a W2/W3 university full professorship.

Leuphana University stands for innovation in research and education, emphasizing methodological diversity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainable development across its colleges and graduate schools.

Research focus – Conduct empirical research on the psychological foundations of sustainability‑related behaviour and behaviour change within societal transformation processes. Explore how individuals make decisions and form judgments amid complex social, political, and environmental challenges. Analyse cognitive, emotional, and motivational determinants of behaviour, including perceptions, evaluations, and actions regarding sustainability information. Develop and validate evidence‑based interventions to promote sustainable behaviour and advance internationally relevant psychological insights for societal transformation.

Methodology – Use experimental, quasi‑experimental, longitudinal, cross‑cultural, field, and observational studies. Incorporate innovative tools such as data‑driven and AI‑based methods, agent‑based modelling, machine learning, and large language models.

Contribute to the School of Sustainability’s psychological and behavioural science teaching in bachelor and master programmes, covering key psychological perspectives on sustainability, decision‑making, emotion, communication, and motivation. Provide training in research methods, supervise thesis projects, and embed courses within interdisciplinary settings.

Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, joint research projects, co‑authored publications, and acquisition of external funding. Align work with the School of Sustainability’s focus project “Regenerative Society” and the university’s profile focus “Embracing Transformation.”

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct cutting‑edge research on sustainability psychology.
• Develop and evaluate interventions for sustainable behaviour change.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology, sustainability, and interdisciplinary studies.
• Supervise bachelor, master, and Ph.D. students.
• Publish in high‑impact, peer‑reviewed journals.
• Secure and manage third‑party research funding (e.g., DFG, ERC).
• Collaborate with internal and external partners across academia and industry.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in psychology or a related discipline, and a strong international research profile.
• Demonstrated record of innovative research and publications in sustainable behaviour and transformation.
• Experience with independent academic research and teaching at the university level.
• Evidence of successful acquisition of third‑party funding for research projects.
• Track record of supervising bachelor, master, and ideally Ph.D. students.
• Strong commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.
• Proficiency in English (additional languages a plus).

Application materials

• Motivation letter, CV, full publication list, copies of degrees, and a concise (max. one page) research concept.
• Three most relevant publications.
• Completed application form (Excel).

Send your application by email (keyword “Behavior Change and Sustainability Transformation (W2/W3)”) to or to the President of Leuphana University, Post Box 2440, Lüneburg D‑21314, by November 30, 2025. Applications received by post will not be returned.

By submitting your application, you consent to the storage and processing of your data for the recruitment process. Please see our Data Protection Notice for Applicants.

Leuphana University is an equal‑opportunity employer. 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.

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