Job advertisement for the position of Rector (f/m/d) of Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck
The position of rector at Leopold Franzens University Innsbruck is to be filled as of March 1, 2027, in accordance with the Federal Act on the Organization of Universities and Their Studies (Universitätsgesetz 2002 - UG, BGBl. I Nr. 120/2002 idgF). The term of office is four years. Reappointment is permitted twice.
The University of Innsbruck was founded in 1669. It comprises 16 faculties offering a wide range of subjects and different academic cultures, currently employs over 5,500 staff, and supports around 28,000 students from Austria and abroad.
The University of Innsbruck is of great importance for the scientific, cultural, and economic development of the region. The mission statement provides information about how the university sees itself. Its strategic orientations and goals are set out in the development plan. Reference is made to the Austrian University Development Plan (GUEP) and the applicable legal framework for universities. The university's proven strengths in teaching and research, as well as its application-oriented basic research, are to be consistently developed further.
Your profile
The position of rector can only be filled by a person with international academic experience, knowledge of the Austrian and European university system, and the ability to manage a university organizationally and economically. The rector should be strong in implementation and actively address the challenges expected for the University of Innsbruck, such as financing, digitization, and sustainability, as well as social and technological developments. He/she is a strong leader and cooperative personality who identifies, develops, and implements areas of innovation. He/she has a high degree of communication, dialogue, and integration skills and possesses conflict management skills. A thorough command of German and English is required (business fluent, at least B2 according to CEFR).
Experience and expertise
He/she has in particular experience and expertise
- in the management of universities or comparable scientific and research institutions;
- in leadership and management,
- in budget management and personnel development
- in dealing with equality and diversity.
In addition, a proven international scientific profile, a willingness to cooperate intensively with the relevant national and international partners of the University of Innsbruck, and a commitment to implementing the Third Mission are expected.
The procedure for selecting the rector follows the procedure laid down in the University Act 2002. The University of Innsbruck values equal opportunities and diversity and strives to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions. Women with equal qualifications will therefore be given priority. Applicants are prepared to present themselves and their ideas at a public hearing.
Please submit your application documents and a strategy paper (maximum 6,000 characters) with your specific ideas on the management of the University of Innsbruck and its positioning in international competition as well as in digitization of research and teaching. Please send all application documents, including evidence of the above requirements, experience, and skills, in a single PDF document.
Please send your applications by April 8, 2026, to the Chairman of the University Council email: bewerbung-rektor-in@uibk.ac.at
Dr. Reinhard Schretter
Chairman of the University Council of the Leopold-Franzens-University of Innsbruck