Tenure-track professorship (W1) “Circular Structural Materials"
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – The University in the Helmholtz Association
In close partnership with society, KIT develops solutions for urgent challenges – from climate change, energy transition and sustainable use of natural resources to artificial intelligence, sovereignty and an aging population. As The University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT unites scientific excellence from insight to application-driven research under one roof – and is thus in a unique position to drive this transformation. As a University of Excellence, KIT offers its more than 10,000 employees and 22,800 students outstanding opportunities to shape a sustainable and resilient future.
KIT – Science for Impact.
The Division III – Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, is inviting applications as soon as possible for a
Tenure-track professorship (W1) “Circular Structural Materials”
We are looking for an early-career researcher in materials science and engineering who represents the field of engineering materials in research and teaching. To this end, you will investigate the structure-property relationships that arise in metallic structural materials, for example by the enrichment of accompanying alloying elements in the reuse of materials. The core of your research work will include the development of methods for microstructure design by modified chemical composition and altered kinetics in material processing. Your future research program will aim to substitute critical alloying elements in structural materials based on physical metallurgy. Furthermore, you will investigate suitable technologies for the robust adjustment of mechanical material properties.
The tenure-track professorship (W1) “Circular Structural Materials” will be appointed to the KIT Department of Mechanical Engineering. Within the tenure-track professorship, you will execute university tasks and participate in undergraduate teaching in German and English language with 4 hours per week and semester in the first three years, and 6 hours per week and semester after a positive interim evaluation, whereby one of the languages can be acquired during the first three years.
We are looking for a candidate with an internationally recognized scientific qualification and reputation, an outstanding doctorate, internationally recognized scientific achievements, and corresponding teaching skills. You have already gained team experience and demonstrated a willingness to take on responsibility. We expect you to contribute to the Helmholtz programs “Information” and “Energy,” as well as to collaborate with colleagues in the KIT Department of Mechanical Engineering, in particular in the Institute for Applied Materials, for the development of new circular materials. Initial experience in acquiring third-party funding or experience with or in industrial research is an advantage. Participation in academic self-administration is required.
You combine a cooperative working style with strong communication skills. In addition to your willingness to take on leadership tasks, you actively shape research at KIT and your own professional development.
Employment is subject to Art. 14, par. (2) of the KIT Act in conjunction with Art. 51 LHG Baden-Württemberg (Act of Baden-Württemberg on Universities and Colleges) as well as to the Quality Assurance Concept for Junior Professorships and Tenure-track Professorships at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
Employment is limited to six years as a civil servant for a fixed term or as a salaried employee. Before the expiry of the third year of work, an interim evaluation will take place. The evaluation procedure and evaluation criteria are outlined in the Quality Assurance Concept for Junior Professorships and Tenure-track Professorships at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology .
Specific interim and final evaluation criteria will include independence, originality of research, scientific visibility, publications in renowned journals, acquisition of third-party funding, transfer of research findings to application, excellent teaching evaluations, successful supervision of graduation theses (B.Sc./M.Sc.) and doctoral researchers, participation in the work of academic bodies.
In case of a positive final evaluation, you will be offered a full university professorship (W3).
KIT offers an accompanying program and mentoring for your career development.
Please send your detailed application with the usual documents (CV, list of publications, diplomas/certificates, teaching evaluations if applicable, description of previous research and teaching activities, a research and teaching concept of max. 3 pages, overview of experience in acquiring third-party funding, experience in industry if applicable) by March 16, 2026 using the vacancy number 1030/2026 to the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Division 3 – Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Head of Division Professor Dr. Marcel Utz, KIT Department for Mechanical Engineering, Kaiserstr. 12, 7613 Karlsruhe , preferably in the form of a single PDF file by email to: berufungen@bl3.kit.edu.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Martin Dienwiebel, phone +49 721 204-32777, email: martin.dienwiebel@kit.edu.
KIT wishes to achieve a balanced staff composition (f/m/nb) and therefore strongly encourages female early-stage researchers to apply.
Recognized severely disabled persons having the same qualification will be preferred.
KIT supports a plannable scientific career development. Moreover, as a family-friendly university, KIT offers part-time employment, leaves of absence, a dual career service, and coaching to support the work-life balance.
Your personal data will be processed by KIT in accordance with this privacy policy.
You can find further information on the internet: www.kit.edu
KIT – The University in the Helmholtz Association
Get in touch
erufungen@bl3.kit.edu
Reference number
1030/2026
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