Tenure-track Professorship (W1) “Embodied Robotics" Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
As “University of the Helmholtz Association”, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) creates and shares knowledge for society and the environment. Its goal is to make significant contributions to global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. Around 10,000 employees at KIT work together on a broad disciplinary basis in research, teaching, and innovation. KIT prepares its more than 25,000 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science through research-oriented university education. KIT’s innovation activities bridge the gap between knowledge and application for societal benefit, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural resources. KIT is one of Germany’s Universities of Excellence.
In Division III – Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, the Institute of Measurement and Control Systems (MRT) is seeking to fill, at the earliest possible date, a
Tenure-track Professorship (W1)
“Embodied Robotics”
at the KIT Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Job Description
We seek an outstanding individual in the field of robotics who is dedicated to advancing and representing the discipline in both research and teaching. The position particularly emphasizes the study of the interplay between the physical embodiment of robotic systems and the artificial intelligence implemented in software. We expect innovative and visionary research activities conducted on your own initiative, which may be situated in one or more of the following areas, for example
- Robotics Engineering
- Sensorimotor Intelligence
- Soft Robotics and Morphological Systems
- Autonomous and Learning Robots
- Foundation and World Models in Robotics
- Digital Twins and Data-Driven Simulations
- Multi-Robot Systems or Human–Robot Interaction
- Application-oriented Robotics, e.g., safe autonomous systems, mobility, automation, medicine, or care.
You will work in an interdisciplinary manner with research groups from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science at KIT, as well as with the new Research School for Applied AI connAIx . You will acquire competitive third-party funding from industry and funding agencies and transfer your research results into application.
The tenure-track professorship (W1) “Embodied Robotics” is embedded in the KIT Department of Mechanical Engineering. You will execute university tasks and as part of the tenure track, contribute 4 teaching hours per week during the first three years, and 6 hours after a positive mid-term evaluation, in both German and English language, using contemporary teaching and examination formats. One of the required languages may be acquired during the qualification phase. You will also shape the planned Master’s program “Robotics and Embodied AI” and thereby help advance the topics of digitalization and information technology in mechanical engineering. Participation in academic self-administration is expected.
Personal Qualification
You have completed your studies and doctorate with outstanding results. Ideally, you have gained initial experience in industrial or academic research following your doctorate and possess competencies in university teaching.
You have achieved internationally visible scientific results. Initial experience in acquiring third-party funding or conducting industry-related research is advantageous. In addition to scientific excellence, you demonstrate teamwork skills, strong communication abilities, and a willingness to assume responsibility.
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 (KIT).
Contract Duration
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. Subject-specific criteria for mid-term and final evaluation include independence and originality of research, scientific visibility, publication record in renowned journals and top conferences, acquisition of third-party funding, transfer of research results into applications, excellent teaching, successful supervision of theses (B.Sc./M.Sc.) and doctoral researchers, and active participation in committee work.
In case of a positive final evaluation, you will be offered a full university professorship (W3).
KIT provides a mentoring program and structured career development support.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026.
Please submit a strong application with the usual documents (curriculum vitae, publication list, diplomas/certificates, teaching evaluations if available, description of previous research and teaching activities, a research and teaching concept of max. 3 pages, overview of third-party funding experience, industry experience if applicable). Send your application by 30 April 2026 using the vacancy number 1071/2026 to: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Division III – Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, Head of Division Prof. Dr. Marcel Utz, KIT Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany. Preferably submit as a single PDF file via e-mail to: berufungen@bl3.kit.edu.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. Arne Rönnau, e-mail: roennau(at)kit.edu.
KIT aims for balanced employment and particularly welcomes applications from female early-career researchers. Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified.
KIT offers part-time employment, leaves of absence, a dual career service, and coaching to support the work-life balance.
Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified.
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You can find further information on the internet: www.kit.edu
KIT – The University in the Helmholtz Association
Get in touch
berufungen@bl3.kit.edu
Reference number
1071/2026
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