Leibniz Centre for Marine Tropical Research,University of Bremen

Open to unconventional approaches in research and teaching, the University of Bremen has retained its character as a place of short distances for people and ideas since its founding in 1971. With a broad spectrum of subjects, we combine exceptional performance and innovative potential. As an ambitious research university, we stand for research-based learning approaches and a pronounced interdisciplinary orientation. We actively pursue scientific cooperation in a spirit of global partnership. Today, around 23,000 people learn, teach, research, and work on our international campus. In research and teaching, administration and operations, we are strongly committed to the goals of sustainability, climate justice, and climate neutrality. Our Bremen spirit is expressed in the courage to try new things, in supportive cooperation, in respect and appreciation for each other. With our study and research profile and as part of the European YUFE network, we assume social responsibility in the region, in Europe, and in the world.

The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) GmbH is an independent research institute within the Leibniz Association located in Bremen. Its 150 staff members work towards the mission to provide a scientific basis for the protection and sustainable use of tropical coastal ecosystems by conducting research, capacity development and consulting activities. With its inter- and transdisciplinary approach to the study of tropical coastal systems, ZMT straddles natural sciences and humanities and sets the agenda for coastal science cooperation between Germany and more than 45 partner countries.

Homepage: https://www.leibniz-zmt.de/en/

The University of Bremen and the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) aim to extend their successful collaboration in marine tropical research to the field of earth system modelling. In a joint appointment procedure, they invite applications for the position of a
Cooperation professor (f/m/d) (Salary Level W2) in the subject area of Earth System Modelling and Tropical Coastal Systems
(Reference Number P139-24)

to be filled at the earliest possible date.

Your position will be based at ZMT. Here you will have the unique opportunity to build and establish a new research area while growing into your leadership role. The research area focuses on the application of Earth System Modelling on tropical costal systems. You will benefit from excellent opportunities to collaborate with colleagues at ZMT and in the University’s high-profile area Marine, Polar and Climate Research, especially at the Institute for Environmental Physics (IUP). To this end, you will receive all rights and responsibilities of a University professor with permanent tenure at the University of Bremen, Faculty 1 Physics / Electrical Engineering, based on the “Berlin” appointment model and teach two course hours per semester (Semesterwochenstunden) at Faculty 1. Provided that all general requirements under civil service law are met, a lifetime civil servant status can be received.

Job profile and requirements
You have a demonstrated expertise in the application of numerical models in Earth System research and are keen to apply this expertise to explore regional impacts of global change and extreme event scenarios for tropical coastal ecosystems. To this end, experience in applying and advancing high-resolution, regional modelling at the interface of ocean and climate is essential; skills in developing models as well as data analytics are desirable.

By leading ZMT’s new research area ‘TropEcS’ you will be able to work with a team to advance the existing ocean, atmosphere, biosphere, and socio-economic research capabilities at ZMT, and link them with an integrated earth system modelling framework. In total, the ZMT extension will come with three more senior scientist posts, six PostDocs and a range of doctoral positions. The extension is integrated into the ZMT interdisplinary Programme Areas providing you with the opportunity to draw on a range of expertise within the institution. In the process of setting up your group and establishing the research area, you will be supported by the ZMT scientific director.

As a full university professor on this position, you are expected to hold a university degree in physics or a related field, and to have completed a doctorate in a relevant field. You have a significant research profile with an outstanding academic performance (equivalent to a habilitation), demonstrated by a substantial publication track and a funding record. For the leadership position at ZMT, we expect demonstrated skills in project leadership, with commitment to inclusiveness, team-building, and communication, with scientists and at the science/policy interface. Experience of working and communicating in diverse stakeholder settings, aptitude and experience of media and other outreach mechanisms are desirable.

The envisaged joint appointment with the University of Bremen will enable collaboration with scientists from natural sciences and humanities within the University’s high-profile area Marine Polar and Climate Research, engaging with pressing sustainability questions both from foundational and applied research perspectives. The University and ZMT attach great importance to high-quality teaching. Therefore, we seek dedicated teachers with interest in research-based learning and an eagerness to experiment with innovative, integrative, and inclusive teaching approaches. Their pedagogical aptitude has to be demonstrated by experience in teaching and education or by participation in relevant further education and training programmes.

You will be expected to observe ZMT’s and the University’s policies, including open science, equal opportunities and sustainability policies. The appointee will accept an active role in academic self-governance. Furthermore, the willingness to participate in further training in higher education didactics is expected German language skills are not a prerequisite for application, however, the successful candidate should be willing to acquire proficiency in German within a reasonable period of time.

Your application
University of Bremen and ZMT are looking forward to recruit a scientist with high potential (assistant Prof with credentials or associate Prof, senior scientist, experienced Postdocs with track record (R3), Habilitation). The appointment will be made in accordance with §18, 20 BremHG, §116 BremBG and the cooperation agreement between the University and ZMT.

Committed to implementing their diversity strategies on all levels, the University of Bremen and ZMT aims to increase the diversity of its faculty and staff and the variety of perspectives on campus. Therefore, applications from individuals of all backgrounds and life experiences, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or identity, religion, or migration history are particularly welcome. We actively seek to increase the share of women in leadership positions and strongly encourage female scholars to apply. When assessing candidates’ academic performance, we will of course factor in their academic age, as well as any career breaks. In case of substantially equal professional and personal qualifications, candidates with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration.
The University of Bremen and ZMT are proud to be certified as family-friendly employers. The University’s Dual Career Welcome Service assists newly-appointed faculty and their families in relocating and transitioning to life and professional perspectives in Bremen. The U Bremen Research Alliance Welcome Center provides additional support for applicants and new appointees.

We look forward to the submission of your application, including a motivation letter, a perspective paper on the proposed modelling approach, a comprehensive CV, names of three referees, as well as certificates. We are excited to welcome a new team member who is passionate about making a meaningful impact, and encourage contacting Dr. Claudia Schüller (claudia.schueller@leibniz-zmt.de) to obtain a copy of the approved ‘TropEcS’ funding proposal and to set-up an informal talk beforehand.
Applications must be sent by 09.02.2025,referencing the reference number P139/24, electronically as a PDF file to p139-24@fb1.uni-bremen.de or by postal mail to

University of Bremen
Faculty of Physics / Electrical Engineering
Faculty Administration
Otto-Hahn-Allee 1
28359 Bremen, Germany

The interview process is expected to take place in Bremen during the second and third week of April 2025.

Further Information
Please do not hesitate to contact the scientific director of ZMT, the dean or the gender equality commissioner of the Faculty 01 with any questions regarding this position.
Detailed information about appointment procedures at the University of Bremen can be found on our website: https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/university/academic-career/appointment-process.
General information about professorships at German universities can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research: https://www.research-in-germany.org/en/your-goal/advanced-research/career-options-and-dual-careers/professorship.html.
Information about the Leibniz Association are available here: https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/
Contacts
Dr. Claudia Schüller
+49 (0)421 23800 – 198
claudia.schueller@leibniz-zmt.de

Details
Application deadline
09/02/2025