Technische Universität Braunschweig is one of Germany’s leading institutes of technology and offers an inspiring work environment with a wide range of research and teaching opportunities in state-of-the-art facilities. The 3,800 members of our academic, technical and administrative staff – including more than 400 international scientifc staff – work together to ensure that our university successfully fulfils its mission of providing excellent teaching for our approximately 16,000 students and 100 trainees.

We focus our research on mobility, metrology, engineering for health, and the future city. Our core disciplines include a comprehensive engineering division and a strong natural sciences division, closely linked with business sciences, social sciences, educational sciences, and the humanities.

Our university is located at the heart of one of Europe’s most research-intensive regions. We cooperate closely with the more than 20 internationally renowned research institutions in our vicinity and our network extends to our partner universities in Germany and all over the world, with whom we maintain strong relationships.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, based in Germany, is the world’s leading applied research organization. By prioritizing key technologies for the future and commercializing its findings in business and industry, it plays a major role in the innovation process. As a trailblazer and trendsetter in innovative developments and research excellence, it is helping shape our society and our future.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut, WKI, is the institute of wood research within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, offering an innovative work environment in the area of sustainable material development. With locations in Braunschweig, Hannover and Wolfsburg, the institute develops bio-based materials, solutions for lightweight construction and engineering, and methods of improving indoor air quality. The results of its research are applied broadly throughout industry and are instrumental in establishing a bio-based circular economy.

Technische Universität Braunschweig and Fraunhofer WKI collaborate in teaching and research across these various fields. The aim of linking a university professorship with the position of director of the Fraunhofer institute and of jointly utilizing resources is to further strengthen and expand on these disciplines in Braunschweig.

Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Environmental Scienes, Institute of Building Materials, Concrete Construction and Fire Safety

We offer as part of a joint appointment a

University Professorship (W3) in Organic and Wood-based Materials
at the Institute of Building Materials, Concrete Construction and Fire Safety within the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences
combined with the

Management of the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI

The appointment is for the earliest possible date.

Your responsibilities

This professorship addresses the urgent challenges facing the construction industry, particularly in light of climate change and the need to significantly reduce both resource utilization and emissions. It focuses on the areas of organic construction materials and wood-based materials, applied construction physics and chemical properties, and forward-looking topics such as sustainability and resource-efficient construction methods. Your scientific work will encompass the entire application chain, from development of advanced high-performance materials and construction materials made from synthetic polymers or wood and other renewable raw materials to production and utilization methods with industrial relevance and prototypes of systems for applications in the building sector.

In your new role, you will act as an expert representative for the themes and topics of focus in research as well as in research and technology management as you work with research funders and partners and will build on the strategic links between TU Braunschweig and Fraunhofer WKI. Within the institute management at Fraunhofer, you will shape the scientific and economic success and the future viability of Fraunhofer WKI. You will be responsible for leading the institute, which comprises approximately 165 employees, in keeping with the principles of the Fraunhofer model. In addition to defining the areas of focus for research work, you will be responsible for project acquisition, knowledge transfer to industry and the HR-related and organizational structure of these divisions. You will be the point of contact for key stakeholders from the funding policy segment, industry and the research sector.

Of particular added interest for the collaboration between these two entities is the strategic and operational involvement in TU Braunschweig’s core research area “Future City,” along with participation in interdisciplinary consortium programs such as the Open Hybrid LabFactory (OHLF).

Important aspects of this key position include its function cutting across different disciplines and its connections to the Center for Light and Environmentally-Friendly Structures ZELUBA.

Our expectations

We are looking for candidates with in-depth expertise in organic and inorganic construction materials and wood-based materials, including automation and functional integration in prefabrication in wood systems construction and waste wood recycling.

The successful candidate will have longstanding experience leading large interdisciplinary research groups and experience with strategic planning, acquisition and implementation of large-volume research and development projects. You are also familiar with the needs of industry and able to develop appropriate options for private enterprise based on research findings. You are familiar with modern leadership tools such as empowerment and delegation and have a finely honed sense of equality and diversity. International work experience and/or experience working as part of international projects are a plus.

The ideal candidate will have excellent scientific and research qualifications, a habilitation (post-doctoral qualification) or equivalent qualifications, relevant research experience, preferably in or with industry, and entrepreneurial expertise.

Assumption of a management function at the Fraunhofer WKI in personal union with the management of the Department for Organic Building Materials and Wood-based Materials at the Technische Universität Braunschweig
Documented research and teaching experience in several of the above-mentioned areas
Relevant publications in international journals
Willingness to conduct applied scientific research and to advance the field of research
Active participation in the research focus “Future City” at the TU Braunschweig
Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary joint programmes, i. a.: Open Hybrid LabFactory (OHLF), Application Center for Wood Fiber Research (HOFZET)
Documented experience with and willingness to acquire third-party funding
Very good knowledge of the English language and willingness to hold courses in English
Willingness to participate in the self-administration of the university
Willingness to participate in the internationalisation of the university and in research

Requirements, § 25 NHG

Completed university degree
Documented educational-didactic qualification
Specific qualification for advanced individual academic work, which is usually documented by an outstanding doctoral thesis and
Habilitation or habilitation-adequate qualifications

Notes

The future post holder will be appointed to the TU Braunschweig according to the so-called Berlin Model.

The Technische Universität Braunschweig and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft make personnel decisions on the basis of suitability, ability and professional performance. We strive to increase the proportion of women and therefore strongly encourage women to apply. Women are given priority if their qualifications are equivalent. Severely disabled persons or persons with equal status have priority over legally non-privileged applicants with the same aptitude, qualifications and professional performance.

Applications from international scientists are welcome.

It is a permanent full-time position. A part-time appointment may be possible on request.

Applicants who are 50 years or older at the time the appointment commences and who have not acquired permanent civil servant status (Beamtenverhältnis auf Lebenszeit) will be employed with employee status (Angestelltenverhältnis).

We are looking forward to your application!

Applicants (m/f/o) are requested to attach the usual documents:

Covering letter
Academic background (curriculum vitae)
Academic certificates and diplomas (degrees)
List of publications incl. copies of 3 selected publications
List of third-party funds and description of own participation
List of courses, including results of course evaluation
Research and teaching concept
If applicable, add proof of parental/care leave.
If applicable, add proof of disability status.

Also include brief overview of personal information.

The covering letter should be addressed to the President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Prof Dr Holger Hanselka, and to the Dean of the Faculty, Prof Dr Klaus Thiele.

By submitting your application, you consent to your data being stored for the purpose of the recruitment process. You will receive information on the collection of personal data in the application process of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft via e-mail after your application.

Please submit the application including all documents only digitally via the online portal (button underneath) of the TU Braunschweig.

Deadline for application

The application deadline is 2025-02-15

Contact

Questions about the professorship will be answered by

TU Braunschweig:

Prof. Dr. Mike Sieder
T + 49 531 391 7800
m.sieder@tu-braunschweig.de

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft:

Dr. Birgit Geier,

birgit.geier@zv.fraunhofer.de

If you have any questions regarding personnel law matters, please contact

Anne Fritz,
T + 49 531 391 4350
berufungen@tu-braunschweig.de

For questions regarding online applications, please contact

Nicole Brückner,
T + 49 531 391 4337
berufungen@tu-braunschweig.de