W3 professorship in General and Theoretical Sociology

Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena

07743 Jena

Bewerbungsfrist: 2026-12-10

Overview

Friedrich Schiller University Jena invites applications for a W3 professorship in General and Theoretical Sociology (early succession) by October 1, 2028, within the Cluster of Excellence “Imaginamics: Practices and Dynamics of Social Imagining.”
The position seeks an innovative, internationally recognised scholar with a strong research and publication record and a distinguished teaching profile, focusing on sociological theory.
The appointment aims to continue the Institute of Sociology’s profile and to develop it in collaboration with the Cluster of Excellence and other initiatives; interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged.

Teaching duties include contributions to the BA and MA degree programmes in Sociology, teacher education, and the interdisciplinary degree programme “Social Theory.”
Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and contribute academic expertise to dialogue with society.
Advance and teach empirical sociological research; willingness to contribute to the Cluster of Excellence “Imaginamics.”
Participate in academic self-governance and work within institute structures; provide academic leadership; contribute to team work.
Achieve proficiency in German for teaching and for participation in German-speaking committees within three years if not already possessed.

A completed degree, a doctorate in a relevant subject, a Habilitation or equivalent academic achievements, and proven teaching aptitude.
Appointment as a professor shall be for life as a civil servant, provided that legal requirements are met.
Strong record in research and publication; teaching excellence; readiness to engage with classical and contemporary sociological theory and with interdisciplinary approaches.
Willingness to contribute to the Cluster of Excellence “Imaginamics” and opportunities for collaboration with additional institutes and focus areas.

Please submit your application in German or English, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of certificates and diplomas, a publications list, documentation of teaching activities and evaluations, a list of invited talks and third-party funding activities, and a research statement (3–5 pages) outlining the research agenda for general and theoretical sociology.
Applications should be submitted until 10 December 2026 via the application portal of Friedrich Schiller University at www.berufungsportal.uni-jena.de; addressed to: Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Dean Prof. Dr. Frank Daumann, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany.

For questions about the position and the procedure, please contact Prof. Dr. Stefan Schmalz (email provided in posting).
Further information for applicants and data privacy information are available via the university’s pages and data privacy notices.