Automated robots and drones working in a smart agriculture farm with green crops and solar panels

Full Professor Job in Technologies for Sustainable Water and Energy Use in Agricultural Systems – University of Hohenheim, Germany

The University of Hohenheim, one of Germany’s leading universities in agricultural sciences, has opened applications for a tenured Full Professor (W3) in Technologies for Sustainable Water and Energy Use in Agricultural Systems. The position is based at the Institute of Agricultural Engineering within the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and is expected to be filled by 1 October 2027.

This is an outstanding opportunity for internationally recognized researchers with expertise in agricultural engineering, smart farming, water management, renewable energy systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to lead innovative research and educate the next generation of agricultural engineers.

The Full Professor (W3) in Technologies for Sustainable Water and Energy Use in Agricultural Systems at the University of Hohenheim is an exceptional career opportunity for experienced researchers in agricultural engineering and sustainable technology. With a tenured appointment, access to world-class research infrastructure, involvement in the TERRA and GreenRobust Excellence Clusters, and the opportunity to lead innovation in water, energy, AI, and precision agriculture, this position is ideal for scholars seeking to make a lasting impact on global food and farming systems. Interested candidates should prepare a comprehensive application and submit all required materials before the 15 September 2026 deadline.


Position Overview

DetailsInformation
PositionFull Professor (W3)
FieldTechnologies for Sustainable Water and Energy Use in Agricultural Systems
InstitutionUniversity of Hohenheim
FacultyAgricultural Sciences
InstituteInstitute of Agricultural Engineering
CountryGermany
Employment TypeTenured
Planned Start Date1 October 2027
Application Deadline15 September 2026

About the Position

The successful candidate will represent the field of sustainable water and energy technologies in agricultural systems through internationally recognized research and high-quality teaching.

The university seeks a scholar who can advance technological solutions that improve the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of modern agricultural production.

Research should contribute to developing innovative technologies that optimize energy and water use while supporting environmentally sustainable farming practices.


Research Focus

The appointed professor will be expected to build a globally competitive research programme addressing challenges in sustainable agriculture and agricultural engineering.

Key research areas may include:

  • Sustainable water management in agriculture
  • Renewable energy technologies for farming
  • Precision irrigation systems
  • Energy-efficient agricultural production
  • Smart farming technologies
  • Agricultural robotics
  • Artificial intelligence in agriculture
  • Data-driven decision support systems
  • Control-oriented optimization
  • Digital agriculture
  • Sustainable agricultural engineering

The university welcomes applicants who integrate robotics, AI, and advanced digital technologies into agricultural systems research.


Research Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

  • Lead internationally visible research projects.
  • Develop innovative agricultural technologies.
  • Design and optimize energy and water systems.
  • Conduct prototype development and field implementation.
  • Collaborate in interdisciplinary research teams.
  • Secure competitive national and international research funding.
  • Publish in leading international scientific journals.
  • Supervise doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.

Close collaboration with colleagues across the Institute of Agricultural Engineering and other university departments is expected.


Participation in Excellence Clusters

The appointed professor is encouraged to contribute to two internationally recognized research initiatives:

TERRA – Terrestrial Geo-Biosphere Interactions in a Changing World

This interdisciplinary Cluster of Excellence investigates terrestrial ecosystems and their responses to environmental change.

GreenRobust – Robustness of Plant Systems from Molecules to Ecosystems

GreenRobust focuses on understanding plant resilience across biological scales, from molecular processes to ecosystem dynamics.

Participation in these initiatives offers outstanding opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and access to world-class research networks.


Teaching Responsibilities

Teaching will include undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences.

The successful candidate will contribute to:

  • Bachelor’s degree courses.
  • Master’s degree programmes.
  • Curriculum development.
  • Sustainable agricultural systems education.
  • Agricultural engineering teaching.
  • Supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s theses.
  • Doctoral education.
  • Early-career researcher development.

International applicants who are not fluent in German are expected to acquire sufficient German language skills within a reasonable period after appointment.


Candidate Profile

The University of Hohenheim seeks applicants with:

  • Internationally recognized research excellence.
  • High-quality scientific publications.
  • Expertise in agricultural engineering.
  • Strong knowledge of sustainable water and energy systems.
  • Experience with model-based and data-driven system design.
  • Success in obtaining third-party research funding.
  • Strong teaching and supervision experience.
  • Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.

Experience in robotics, automation, AI, and digital agriculture will be highly valued.


Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should possess:

  • A habilitation or an equivalent academic qualification.
  • An outstanding record of research and teaching.
  • Experience gained through a Junior Professorship, Assistant Professorship, or an equivalent academic career path.

Applicants should also review the University’s official appointment principles, which are considered throughout the recruitment process.


Employment Conditions

This is a tenured W3 professorship, providing long-term academic employment.

For first-time appointments as a full professor, the University of Hohenheim may require a probationary period in accordance with German academic regulations.

The university has received certification from the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (DHV) for fair and transparent appointment procedures.


Commitment to Diversity

The University of Hohenheim is committed to promoting equality and diversity in higher education.

The university:

  • Encourages applications from women scientists.
  • Gives preference to applicants with disabilities where qualifications are equal.
  • Supports equal opportunities in research and teaching.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should submit the following documents:

  • Cover letter
  • Statement of future research interests
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Academic transcripts
  • Degree certificates
  • Publication list
  • List of third-party funded research projects
  • Teaching record
  • Teaching evaluation results
  • Three selected key publications

Providing complete documentation will facilitate the evaluation process.


Important Dates

EventDate
Application Deadline15 September 2026
Planned Appointment1 October 2027

Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.


How to Apply

Please apply online at https://berufungsportal.uni-hohenheim.de/ by September 15, 2026.. Candidates should carefully review the appointment guidelines and ensure all required documents are uploaded before submitting the application. For questions regarding the position, applicants may contact: Prof. Claudia Bieling Email: Claudia.Bieling@uni-hohenheim.de

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What position is available?

The University of Hohenheim is recruiting a tenured Full Professor (W3) in Technologies for Sustainable Water and Energy Use in Agricultural Systems.

What research areas are emphasized?

The position focuses on sustainable water management, renewable energy systems, smart farming, precision agriculture, agricultural robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies for agricultural production.

Is this a permanent academic position?

Yes. The advertised W3 professorship is tenured, although first-time appointments to a full professorship may include a probationary period under university regulations.

Are robotics and AI relevant to this position?

Yes. The university explicitly welcomes applicants who incorporate robotics and artificial intelligence into research on sustainable agricultural systems.

What teaching responsibilities are included?

The professor will teach Bachelor’s and Master’s courses, supervise student research projects, contribute to curriculum development, and support doctoral training and early-career researchers.

What qualifications are required?

Applicants should hold a habilitation or an equivalent academic qualification demonstrating excellence in research and teaching, along with a strong publication record and experience in securing external research funding.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit a cover letter, research statement, CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, publication list, funded-project list, teaching record, teaching evaluations, and three key publications.

When is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted online by 15 September 2026.

When is the expected start date?

The successful candidate is expected to assume the professorship on 1 October 2027.

Why is this opportunity significant?

This role combines a prestigious tenured W3 professorship with the opportunity to shape the future of sustainable agriculture through innovative engineering, AI, and participation in the internationally recognized TERRA and GreenRobust Excellence Clusters.


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