W3 Professorship in “Experimental Plant Use and Green Space Management” at University of Kassel – Germany

Summary

The University of Kassel seeks a W3 professor to lead experimental research and teaching in plant use, vegetation engineering, and green‑space management within landscape architecture. The role combines innovative research on planting schemes, vegetation techniques, and maintenance methods for Central European urban open spaces with teaching responsibilities in bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Candidates must hold a doctoral degree (very good grade) and preferably a habilitation, possess several years of relevant experience, a strong publication record, and a proven ability to secure third‑party funding. Teaching in both German and English is required. Applications are to be submitted with a detailed set of documents to the contact provided.

Key Facts

Department	Institute of Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning
Position Type	W3 Professorship
Discipline	Landscape Architecture
Research Area	Experimental Plant Use and Green Space Management
Degree Required	Doctoral degree with at least very good grade
Experience	Several years' experience within the scope of the professorship
Language	German, English
Required Documents	letter of motivation, CV, employment references or letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, list of publications, list of research projects and third-party funding secured, list of courses taught to date, teaching evaluations or certificates of teaching qualification
Employer Contact	Prof. Dr. Britta Jänicke, +49 561 804-7205, britta.jaenicke(at)uni-kassel.de

About the Project

The professorship focuses on experimental approaches to plant use, vegetation engineering, and maintenance concepts for urban open spaces. Research will develop innovative planting schemes, assess vegetation techniques, and evaluate maintenance methods in a Central European context, addressing biodiversity loss, ecosystem services, resource efficiency, and climate‑change challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on innovative planting schemes, vegetation techniques, and maintenance methods in Central Europe
• Teach plant selection, vegetation techniques, and green‑space management in bachelor’s and master’s programmes through lectures, seminars, and projects
• Cover topics such as sponge‑city trees, green roofs, climate‑adapted species, and novel substrates
• Maintain historic green spaces and enhance ecosystem functions of urban open spaces
• Cooperate with other specialist areas and disciplines within the faculty
• Participate in academic self‑governance

Required Skills

• Several years' experience in the relevant field
• Expertise in experimental research methods related to plant use, vegetation techniques, or green‑space management
• Demonstrable track record of publications on innovative plant use or vegetation techniques
• Experience securing and managing third‑party funding
• Teaching experience in plant use, vegetation techniques, or green‑space management
• Ability to teach in both German and English

Who Should Apply

Applicants should have a doctoral degree with a very good grade, several years of experience in experimental plant use or vegetation techniques, a strong publication record, experience obtaining third‑party funding, and teaching experience in landscape architecture or related fields. Fluency in German and English for instruction is essential.

About the Employer

The University of Kassel is a modern and growing university with around 21,000 students. Its expertise spans natural, applied, cultural, and social sciences, and it hosts the Faculty of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Planning, including the Institute of Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

In which languages must teaching be delivered?

Both German and English.

What documents must be submitted with the application?

A letter of motivation, CV, employment references or letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, list of publications, list of research projects and third‑party funding secured, list of courses taught to date, and teaching evaluations or certificates of teaching qualification.

Who can be contacted for further information?

Prof. Dr. Britta Jänicke, phone +49 561 804-7205, email britta.jaenicke(at)uni-kassel.de.