As of February 1, 2026 or by arrangement, the Institute of Public Law at the Faculty of Law of the University of Bern will offer the newly created Professorship for Climate Law.
The professor will establish an innovative nationally and internationally recognized research program in the field of Climate Law and contribute to societal solutions in adapting to and mitigating climate change. Basic research at international level is balanced with interdisciplinary applied research. The professor collaborates with stakeholders from the public and private sectors towards policy-relevant and actionable solutions. The research group is a member of the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research (https://www.oeschger.unibe.ch) and takes advantage of this interdisciplinary environment to develop collaborative research. The professor establishes a teaching program in Climate Law for students of the Faculty of Law and the Graduate School of Climate Sciences (https://www.climatestudies.unibe.ch/index_eng.html).

Candidates hold a PhD degree in Law. They have an excellent academic record of high-profile research in the field of Climate Law and/or Environmental Law, as evidenced by international academic publications, and they have acquired extramural funding. Leadership in national or international bodies and experience in interdisciplinary projects are an advantage. After a reasonable time, a solid knowledge of German is expected.

Depending on qualification, the appointment will be at the level of assistant professor tenure track or associate professor (with habilitation or equivalent qualification).

The University of Bern aims to increase the proportion of women in academic positions and welcomes, in particular, applications of female candidates. The University of Bern has signed the DORA declaration.

For further information, please contact the President of the Appointment Committee, Prof. Dr. Christof Riedo (E-Mail schreiben) or the Director of the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, Prof. Dr. Martin Grosjean (E-Mail schreiben).

Applications with curriculum vitae, list of publications, a research plan (max. 3 pages), a plan regarding interdisciplinary collaboration (max. 2 pages), information on third-party funding obtained, an overview of previous teaching activities, as well as teaching evaluations must be submitted electronically to Ms. Monika Schneider, Institute of Public Law (E-Mail schreiben) by July 25, 2025. Trial lectures and interviews are scheduled for October 9, 2025.