The University of Kassel is a modern and growing University with round about 21.000 students. The university’s wide range of expertise covers subjects in the natural, applied, cultural and social sciences.

The Faculty of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Planning is offering at the Institute of Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning from 1 October 2028 a position of a

“W3 professorship in ‘Experimental Plant Use and Green Space Management”

Application deadline:
17.11.2026

Date of hire: 01.10.2028

Vacancy number:
39497
We are looking for a personality, who will promote experimental approaches to plant use, vegetation engineering and the development of maintenance concepts for open spaces in landscape architecture, both in research and teaching. It will examine plant systems as integral components of urban landscapes, addressing the tensions between biodiversity loss, ecosystem services, resource efficiency, potential uses and design, against the backdrop of climate change. A doctoral degree with a grade of at least ‘very good’, as well as a habilitation or additional academic achievements in the forementioned subject area and a specialisation in experimental research methods are expected.

Responsibilities

Research in the above-mentioned areas focuses on the innovative and exemplary planting schemes, vegetation techniques and maintenance methods within a Central European context and assessed for functionality in order to address the aforementioned areas of tension.

As part of the curriculum for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in ‘Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning’, as well as in other degree programmes in the fields of urban planning and architecture, the professorships teaches not only plant selection and use but also vegetation techniques and green space management in a practical and research-based manner through lectures, seminars and projects. In addition, current topics such as trees in the context of ‘sponge city’ concepts, green roofs, climate-adapted plant species and the effects of novel substrates are taught. Further areas of focus include the maintenance of historic green spaces and open spaces, as well as the preservation and enhancement of the various ecosystem functions of urban open spaces.

The Chair works closely with other specialist areas within the Institute. Cooperation with other disciplines within the Faculty of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Planning, as well as with other departments, is also expected. Active participation in academic self-governance forms part of the duties of the post.

Requirements:

• Several years’ experience within the scope of the professorship
• Relevant expertise in experimental research methods relating to plant use, vegetation techniques or green space management in a Central European context
• A demonstrable track record of publications on innovative plant use, vegetation techniques or green space management in urban open spaces
• Experience in securing and managing third-party funding
• Teaching experience and suitability for teaching in the fields of plant use, vegetation techniques and green space management
• Willingness to deliver courses in both German and English

Please submit the following documents with your application: a letter of motivation, CV, employment references or letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, a list of publications, a list of research projects and third-party funding secured, a list of courses taught to date, as well as teaching evaluations or certificates of teaching qualification.

The appointment criteria and performance requirements set out in Sections 67 and 68 of the Hessian Higher Education Act apply.

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Britta Jänicke, Tel.: +49 561 804-7205, britta.jaenicke(at)uni-kassel.de

In the event of any differences between the German and English versions of this call for application, the German wording is legally binding.

For more job offers visit stellen.uni-kassel.de

Please send your application with the usual informative documents, stating the reference number the subject line, via the online form. We have complied further information for you in our . The protection of your personal information is very important to us, so we will handle your personal information with care. By your application, you allow us the storage and use in the sense of the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act. You can object to this at any time. Your personal data will be deleted.

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Information and FAQ about applying for a job offer:

The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance.