University of Kassel Professorship in Experimental Plant Use and Green Space Management, Germany
The University of Kassel is inviting applications for a W3 Professorship in Experimental Plant Use and Green Space Management at the Faculty of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Planning. The position is based at the Institute of Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning and is scheduled to begin on 1 October 2028.
This is a senior academic opportunity for an experienced researcher and educator with expertise in experimental approaches to plant use, vegetation engineering, landscape architecture, and green space management.The position combines research, university teaching, academic collaboration, and participation in the University’s academic self-governance.
University of Kassel Professorship at a Glance
| Position | W3 Professorship in Experimental Plant Use and Green Space Management |
|---|---|
| University | University of Kassel |
| Faculty | Faculty of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Planning |
| Institute | Institute of Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning |
| Position Type | W3 Professorship |
| Start Date | 1 October 2028 |
| Application Deadline | 17 November 2026 |
| Vacancy Number | 39497 |
| Location | Kassel, Germany |
| Teaching Languages | German and English |
| Academic Fields | Landscape Architecture, Plant Use, Vegetation Techniques, Green Space Management |
About the University of Kassel
The University of Kassel is a modern and growing university with approximately 21,000 students. Its academic profile covers a broad range of disciplines across the natural sciences, applied sciences, cultural sciences, and social sciences. The university’s interdisciplinary environment provides opportunities for collaboration across different academic fields, particularly in areas where environmental challenges, urban development, architecture, planning, and landscape research intersect.
About the W3 Professorship
The Faculty of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Planning is seeking an academic personality who can advance experimental approaches to plant use, vegetation engineering, and the development of maintenance concepts for open spaces.
The successful candidate will contribute to both research and teaching. A major focus of the professorship is the investigation of plant systems as integral components of urban landscapes. This includes examining how vegetation can contribute to addressing contemporary challenges such as biodiversity loss, ecosystem services, resource efficiency, functional land use, and landscape design.
These issues will be considered within the broader context of climate change and the transformation of urban environments. The position therefore combines practical landscape applications with research-oriented approaches to planting, vegetation systems, and the long-term management of green spaces.
Research Focus
Research associated with the professorship is expected to focus on innovative and exemplary planting schemes, vegetation techniques, and maintenance methods within a Central European context. An important element of the research is the functional assessment of these approaches. The successful professor will be expected to investigate how different vegetation systems and management strategies can respond to competing environmental, ecological, functional, and design requirements.
Particular attention may be given to questions surrounding:
- Experimental plant use in landscape architecture
- Vegetation engineering
- Innovative planting schemes
- Sustainable vegetation techniques
- Green space management
- Urban biodiversity
- Ecosystem services
- Resource-efficient landscape management
- Climate-adapted vegetation
- Urban open spaces
- Maintenance strategies
- Plant systems in changing climatic conditions
- Functional and ecological performance of planting systems
The professorship is particularly suited to researchers who have developed a strong academic profile through experimental research methods and who can connect scientific investigation with landscape design and practical implementation.
Teaching Responsibilities
The professor will contribute to teaching within the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning. Teaching may also extend to degree programmes in related areas, including urban planning and architecture.
The teaching portfolio will cover plant selection and use, vegetation techniques, and green space management. Courses are expected to combine theoretical knowledge, practical applications, and research-based learning.
Teaching formats may include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Design and research projects
- Practical teaching
- Research-based project work
The professorship will also address emerging issues that are increasingly important in landscape architecture and urban planning. These include trees within sponge city concepts, green roofs, climate-adapted plant species, and the effects of novel substrates. Further teaching and research areas include the maintenance of historic green spaces and open spaces. The position will also address the preservation and enhancement of the different ecosystem functions of urban open spaces.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The successful candidate will work closely with other specialist areas within the Institute of Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning. Collaboration is also expected with other disciplines within the Faculty of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Planning.
Further interdisciplinary cooperation with other departments of the University of Kassel is part of the role. This makes the position particularly relevant for academics whose research crosses disciplinary boundaries between landscape architecture, environmental science, urban planning, vegetation science, ecological design, and related fields. The professor will also be expected to participate actively in academic self-governance.
Eligibility and Academic Requirements
Applicants should have several years of professional and academic experience relevant to the scope of the professorship. A doctoral degree with a grade of at least “very good” is expected. Applicants should also hold a habilitation or demonstrate additional academic achievements in the relevant subject area. In addition, the University expects a specialization in experimental research methods.
Relevant expertise should relate to areas such as:
- Plant use
- Vegetation techniques
- Green space management
- Landscape architecture
- Urban open spaces
- Experimental approaches to planting and vegetation
- Central European landscape contexts
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong academic record that aligns with the research and teaching objectives of the professorship.
Required Professional and Research Experience
Candidates are expected to have several years of experience within the scope of the professorship. Relevant expertise in experimental research methods is particularly important. The research experience should relate to plant use, vegetation techniques, or green space management in a Central European context.
Applicants should also demonstrate a publication record in areas such as:
- Innovative plant use
- Vegetation techniques
- Green space management
- Urban open spaces
- Landscape architecture
- Experimental planting systems
Experience with third-party funding is also required.
Candidates should have experience in securing and managing external research funding and should be able to demonstrate their contribution to funded research projects.
Teaching Experience
Teaching experience is another important requirement for the position. Applicants should demonstrate teaching suitability in areas including plant use, vegetation techniques, and green space management. The successful candidate must also be willing to teach in both German and English. This language requirement is particularly important for applicants coming from international academic backgrounds who are considering a faculty position in Germany.
Documents Required for the Application
Applicants should prepare a complete set of supporting documents before submitting their application. The University of Kassel requests the following materials:
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum vitae
- Employment references or letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts
- List of publications
- List of research projects
- List of third-party funding secured
- List of courses taught to date
- Teaching evaluations or certificates of teaching qualification
Applicants should ensure that their documents clearly demonstrate their research profile, teaching experience, academic qualifications, publication record, and experience with third-party funding. A well-organized application can make it easier for the selection committee to assess how the candidate’s academic profile corresponds to the requirements of the professorship.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the University of Kassel W3 Professorship is: 17 November 2026
Applicants should submit their materials before the stated deadline and should allow sufficient time to prepare supporting documentation.
Expected Start Date
The appointment is scheduled to begin on:
1 October 2028
The position is therefore intended for an academic appointment beginning in the 2028/29 academic year.
Vacancy Number
Applicants should refer to the following vacancy number in connection with the application:
Vacancy Number: 39497
Including the correct reference number is important when submitting an application.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the Online application. Applicants should provide the usual informative documents and state the vacancy reference number 39497 in the relevant subject or application field. For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Britta Jänicke, Tel.: +49 561 804-7205, britta.jaenicke@uni-kassel.de.
Online Application: https://stellen.uni-kassel.de/en/jobposting/b94be08af9ec17384c66055f05536bf785be73e10/apply
Application FAQ:
https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/universitaet/stellenangebote/hinweise-und-faq-zur-bewerbung-auf-ein-stellenangebot
Contact for Further Information
For additional information about the position, applicants can contact:
Prof. Dr. Britta Jänicke
Telephone: +49 561 804-7205
Email: britta.jaenicke@uni-kassel.de
Applicants who have questions about the academic scope of the professorship may wish to contact the designated academic representative before submitting their application.
Legal and Application Information
The appointment criteria and performance requirements specified in Sections 67 and 68 of the Hessian Higher Education Act apply to the appointment. In the event of differences between the German and English versions of the vacancy announcement, the German version is legally binding. Applicants should therefore refer to the official German announcement where a legal or formal interpretation of the vacancy requirements is necessary.
Data Protection
The University of Kassel states that the protection of applicants’ personal information is an important consideration during the recruitment process. By submitting an application, applicants consent to the storage and use of their personal information in accordance with the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act.
Applicants may object to this processing at any time, and personal data will be deleted in accordance with the applicable requirements. Information concerning data protection during the application process is available from the University of Kassel.
Equal Opportunities and Family-Friendly Working Environment
The University of Kassel states that it is committed to the professional satisfaction of its employees and describes itself as a family-friendly university. The university aims to provide equal opportunities for professional development and to address existing disadvantages.
It also supports the Family Welcome Service and Dual Career Service for academically and scientifically appointed positions. Increasing the proportion of women in research and teaching is identified as one of the University’s strategic goals. For this reason, applications from women are particularly welcome. The University also states that seriously disabled applicants and applicants with equivalent status will receive preference where candidates have the same suitability, qualifications, and professional performance.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This W3 professorship may be relevant to established academics and researchers with a strong background in landscape architecture, vegetation research, plant use, green infrastructure, or green space management.
The position is particularly aligned with candidates who combine research experience with university teaching and who have developed an academic publication record in experimental approaches to vegetation and landscape design.
Applicants should also be prepared to work across disciplinary boundaries.
Experience with research funding, innovative planting systems, climate-adapted landscapes, urban ecological functions, or sustainable landscape management may be relevant to the research direction described in the vacancy.
Why This Position Is Academically Relevant
Urban landscapes are increasingly expected to perform multiple functions at the same time.
Vegetation can contribute to biodiversity, climate adaptation, stormwater management, thermal regulation, recreation, ecological connectivity, and the visual quality of public spaces.
At the same time, planting systems require long-term maintenance and must function within practical resource constraints.
The University of Kassel’s professorship addresses this intersection between planting design, vegetation performance, environmental challenges, and long-term green space management.
The position therefore brings together experimental research and practical landscape applications.
Its focus on Central European conditions also provides a defined regional context for research into climate-adapted vegetation, planting techniques, maintenance systems, and urban open-space performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the University of Kassel W3 Professorship about?
The position is a W3 Professorship in Experimental Plant Use and Green Space Management at the Institute of Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning within the Faculty of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Planning.
The professorship focuses on experimental approaches to plant use, vegetation engineering, planting systems, and green space management.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 17 November 2026.
Applicants should submit their complete application through the University’s online application system before the stated deadline.
When does the professorship start?
The scheduled date of appointment is 1 October 2028.
What is the vacancy number?
The vacancy number is 39497.
Applicants should use this reference number when submitting their application.
What academic qualification is required?
Applicants are expected to hold a doctoral degree with a grade of at least “very good”.
A habilitation or additional academic achievements in the relevant subject area are also expected.
The vacancy additionally specifies a specialization in experimental research methods.
What research experience is required?
Candidates should have relevant expertise in experimental research methods related to plant use, vegetation techniques, or green space management in a Central European context.
A demonstrable publication record in innovative plant use, vegetation techniques, or green space management is also expected.
Is experience with research funding required?
Yes.
Applicants are expected to have experience in securing and managing third-party funding.
The application should include a list of research projects and third-party funding secured.
Is teaching experience required?
Yes.
Applicants should have teaching experience and demonstrate suitability for teaching in plant use, vegetation techniques, and green space management.
Do applicants need to speak German?
The position requires a willingness to teach in both German and English.
Applicants should therefore consider the language requirements carefully when assessing their suitability for the position.
Which degree programmes will the professor teach?
Teaching will primarily contribute to the Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning.
Teaching may also be provided within related programmes in urban planning and architecture.
What topics may be included in teaching?
Teaching can include plant selection and use, vegetation techniques, green space management, trees in sponge city concepts, green roofs, climate-adapted plant species, novel substrates, historic green spaces, and ecosystem functions of urban open spaces.
What documents are required?
The application should include a motivation letter, CV, employment references or recommendation letters, academic transcripts, publication list, research project and third-party funding list, teaching list, and teaching evaluations or teaching qualification certificates.
How can I apply for the University of Kassel professorship?
Applications should be submitted through the University’s official online application form:
https://stellen.uni-kassel.de/en/jobposting/b94be08af9ec17384c66055f05536bf785be73e10/apply
Where can I find the official application FAQ?
The University of Kassel provides application guidance and FAQs at:
Who can I contact about the position?
For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Britta Jänicke at +49 561 804-7205 or britta.jaenicke@uni-kassel.de.
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