W3-Professorship in ”Plant Breeding“
The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg is looking to appoint an outstanding individual to a
W3-Professorship in ”Plant Breeding“
within the Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences. The position will commence preferably by 1 October 2028.
We are seeking an individual with outstanding research achievements who can represent the field of agricultural crop breeding in both research and teaching. The position requires an orientation that combines quantitative genetics with modern molecular genetic approaches and new breeding technologies (genome editing, speed breeding, genomic selection, etc.). Active use of the University’s experimental stations is an integral component of the profile. The Core Facility for Genome Editing and Plant Transformation at the MLU Biocenter should likewise be integrated into research. The main focus of research will be directed toward improving key trait complexes such as yield, quality, pathogen resistance, and tolerance to abiotic stress in crop plants
Close collaboration with the Precision Phenotyping unit and neighboring professors in the plant sciences is expected. A substantial contribution to existing and future research networks (e.g., DiP – https://www.dip-sachsen-anhalt.de and SFB1664 – https://snp2prot.uni-halle.de) is required, and the establishment is expressly welcomed of new initiatives for collaborative research.
Applicants must demonstrate experience in acquiring and managing third-party funded projects (particularly from DFG and BMBF) and must be internationally recognized through relevant publications in peer-reviewed journals. Close interactions with non-university research institutions are central to this professorship, in particular the two Leibniz Institutes for Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (Gatersleben) and Plant Biochemistry (Halle) as well as the Julius Kühn Institute in Quedlinburg.
In teaching, the professor will represent the subject of Plant Breeding in the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Agricultural Sciences and Crop Science. The teaching portfolio should cover the entire breadth of the discipline, including the genetic foundations of plant–environment–management interactions. The ability to teach in German (within three years of appointment at the latest) and English is expected. The faculty places great emphasis on committed and innovative teaching. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to delivering attractive teaching through innovative ideas and to have experience in the development and design of degree programs. The professor will be an integral part of MLU’s profile areas – Transformation and Sustainability.
Applicants need to fulfill the pre-conditions of appointment as stipulated in section 35 of the Saxony-Anhalt State Law of Universities. Particular emphasis is placed on a habilitation in the relevant field, or an equivalent level of scientific achievement and recognition, as well as the appropriate level of experience or qualification in teaching, which should be proven by the professional career and relevant publications. Willingness to participate in university self-administration is a prerequisite.
Further duties and responsibilities are stipulated in section 34 of the Saxony-Anhalt State Law of Universities.
The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg is committed to diversity and aims to create an inclusive environment where staff and students feel valued and inspired. In particular, we aim to increase the proportion of women appointed as permanent staff; therefore, equally qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg strives to provide an environment compatible with work-life-balance and has been certified as a family-friendly university since 2009.
Applications are accepted only electronically via the Appointment Portal of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg at:
https://berufungsportal.uni-halle.de/
before 09.10.2026. With the application the following information must be submitted: a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae should be uploaded including the candidate’s scientific career and qualifications, academic certificates, a list of publications and successful third-party funding as well as a teaching record including evaluations. Please include future research interests together with a research concept, including opportunities for cooperation (max. 2 pages) as well as a teaching concept (maximum 2 pages).
For further subject-related information, please contact Prof. Dr. Marcel Quint (Tel.: +49 345 55 22739, e-mail: marcel.quint@landw.uni-halle.de).
Please note: Applications to his email address will not be considered.
If there are any questions about the appointment portal, please contact the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences III and Chair of the Appointments Committee, Prof. Dr. Matthias Müller-Hannemann (e-mail: dekanat@natfak3.uni-halle.de).
The call for applications is subject to possible budgetary restrictions. Please note that the University is unfortunately unable to reimburse costs associated with the application.
