Endowed Professorship (W3) for “Sports Science with a focus on Physical Activity and Health” (f/m/d)

The Faculty of Behavioural and Cultural Studies at Heidelberg University invites applications for a 

Endowed Professorship (W3) for “Sports Science with a focus on Physical Activity and Health” (f/m/d)

to be filled as soon as possible. 

The future tenured position holder is expected to represent the entire scope of “Physical Activity and Health”, encompassing both teaching and research. The topics should align with the institute’s priorities as well as with Field of Focus 4 of the university’s excellence strategy. Relevant focal areas may include individual‑ or population‑based approaches and interventions for physical activity-related health promotion, as well as theoretical and empirical perspectives that explain health‑enhancing physical activity behaviour. Research conducted in a variety of settings and with different target groups is expressly welcomed - ideally from a lifespan perspective and with a focus on prevention. There are many opportunities for disciplinary and interdisciplinary cooperation within the framework of this thematic focus at Heidelberg University, including the university’s medical school.

Teaching responsibilities include involvement in all bachelor's and master's degree programs at the Institute of Sports and Sports Sciences with regard to the topics of physical activity and health. In addition, a commitment to the Master's program "Sport and Exercise across the Lifespan" in the profile line “health” is also expected. 

According to § 47 (1) of the Higher Education Law of the state of Baden-Württemberg (LHG), requirements for application are a university degree, an outstanding dissertation and pedagogical aptitude which is usually proven by teaching experience. A habilitation, a successfully evaluated junior professorship or equivalent qualification is also required (§ 47 (2) LHG). An international orientation (e.g. proven by corresponding publications) and the acquisition of competitive third-party funding are desirable. 

The professorship is being established with the support of the Dietmar Hopp Foundation and will be permanently anchored at the university. Upon fulfillment of the general civil service and budgetary requirements, the appointment is usually made in the civil service for life from the start.

Please send your application by e-mail to the Dean of the Faculty of Behavioural and Cultural Studies at Heidelberg University ([email protected]) by June 30, 2026 including the following documents:

1. Application letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, teaching course outline, overview of current and completed research projects, academic degrees) all combined in one PDF file (saved as: Bewerbung-Surname.pdf).
2. Please complete the Short Profile form (https://backend.verkult.uni-heidelberg.de/de/dokumente/formular-kurzprofil-w3-stiftungsprofessur-fuer-sportwissenschaft-mit-dem-schwerpunkt-bewegung-und/download) and send it to us as a Word file (saved as: Kurzprofil-Nachname.docx). 

Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on job advertisements and the collection of personal data is available at www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/job-market.