We are one of the youngest universities in Germany and think in terms of opportunities rather than limitations. In the heart of the Ruhr metropolis, we develop ideas with a future at 12 faculties. We are strong in both research and teaching and consider diversity an integral part of our culture as we promote potential and are committed to upholding genuine equity in education.
At the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Duisburg-Essen, the following position is available from the winter semester 2027/2028 onward:
Junior Professor (W1 with tenure track to W2) in 'Small-angle Scattering'
W1 salary band as defined in the North Rhine-Westphalian salary regulations for the W salary range (Landesbesoldungsordnung; LBesO W)
We seek a researcher at an early stage of their career with research experience in a current field of experimental functional characterization of active sites using small-angle scattering (X-ray/neutron), whose expertise will meaningfully complement the existing research profile of the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Duisburg-Essen. We welcome applications from all research areas that meet this criterion. Potential links to existing research endeavours include primarily molecular life sciences (e.g., activity behavior of proteins), soft matter research (e.g., smart colloidal systems, self-assembling systems, supramolecular chemistry) and materials chemistry (e.g., active sites at liquid/solid interfaces, hybrid materials for applications in catalysis, biology or medicine). Candidates are expected to show how they will couple X-ray small-angle scattering to other methods in the ACTIVE SITES research building in the future (www.uni-due.de/activesites).
Responsibilities
Applicants must present an innovative research program aimed at securing competitive third-party funding, preferably from the German Research Foundation (DFG). The proposed research program should offer a clear perspective for collaboration with existing research groups within the Faculty of Chemistry and contribute to strengthening the research agenda of ACTIVE SITES. Furthermore, interdisciplinary collaboration with the University of Duisburg-Essen’s profile areas (Water Research, Nanosciences, Biomedical Sciences) is highly encouraged. In addition to scientific excellence, cross-functional competencies such as leadership, communication, and international cooperation are desired.
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to teaching in the field of Physical Chemistry and to offer relevant courses within the degree programmes of the Faculty of Chemistry, and to actively contribute to the faculty’s teaching export initiatives.
Qualifications
Publications in peer-reviewed journals are expected, as well as willingness to participate in academic self-governance and commitment to personal development, particularly in a leadership role. Desirable qualifications include experience in applying for or managing third-party funded projects.
The teaching commitment currently amounts to four teaching hours per week during the first phase and five teaching hours per week during the second phase of the junior professorship. Appointment will be made under a fixed-term civil service contract (Beamtenverhältnis auf Zeit) for a duration of three years, subject to meeting the legal requirements for civil service positions; a renewal for an additional three years is planned following a positive evaluation. Furthermore, the position is part of a tenure-track pathway leading to a W2 professorship (W2 salary group according to the Wissenschaftsbesoldungsordnung – W2 LBesO W).
The University of Duisburg-Essen places particular emphasis on the quality of teaching. Applicants are expected to submit didactic concepts for teaching, taking into account the university’s teaching-learning strategy (Lehr/Lern Strategie, https://www.uni-due.de/imperia/md/content/zhqe/lls_2032.pdf). Participation in the faculty’s outreach programmes is desirable.
Appointment requirements are governed by § 36 of the North Rhine-Westphalia Higher Education Act (Hochschulgesetz NRW).
Benefits
The University of Duisburg-Essen is committed to promoting diversity among its members (https://www.uni-due.de/diversity/). It aims to increase the proportion of women in academic positions and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Female candidates will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the North Rhine-Westphalia Equal Opportunities Act, provided they have equivalent qualifications. Applications from qualified candidates with disabilities or those treated equally under § 2 para. 3 of the German Social Code Book IX are also welcome.
Contact
Applications should include the usual documents (CV including information on academic and professional experience, a list of peer-reviewed publications, copies of relevant certificates, a description of the research profile and the potential for collaboration at the University of Duisburg- Essen, a teaching and learning concept taking into account the teaching-learning strategy of the University of Duisburg-Essen, information about teaching activities, involvement in academic self-governance and external funds obtained to date) and the completed application form. Please submit your application to the address below by 21 September 2026.
Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Duisburg-Essen,
Prof. Dr. Torsten Schmidt,
Universitätsstraße 5,
45141 Essen,
dekanat.chemie@uni-due.de
The application form and further information about the position and affiliations within the University of Duisburg-Essen and the Faculty of Chemistry can be found at https://www.uni-due.de/activesites/news and https://www.uni-due.de/chemistry/news/vacancies/.
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