Hamburg University of Technology (TU Hamburg): Research, teaching and technology transfer at the Hamburg University of Technology are based on the idea of technology for humanity. The Hamburg University of Technology is a family-friendly and sustainable university with high performance and quality standards, striving for excellence in all of its research fields. Interdisciplinarity, innovation, regionality and internationality are guiding principles in our work.

Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM): BAM is a scientific and technical federal higher authority based in Berlin. As a departmental research institution of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, we conduct research, testing, and consulting to protect people, the environment, and material assets. Our activities in materials science, materials engineering, and chemistry focus on the technical safety of products and processes.

Joint University Professsorship (W2) for “Sustainable polymer matrix composites at TU Hamburg”, combined with the Head of the “Polymeric Composite Materials” Division (m/f/d) at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing

No. P2601


Hamburg University of Technology (TU Hamburg) and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) jointly advertise a professorship (m/f/d) combined with the leadership of the “Polymeric Composite Materials” division within BAM’s “Materials Engineering” department. This is a permanent professorship under the Berlin model, affiliated with the School of Mechanical Engineering. For the duration of the employment or service relationship, the title of W2 Professorship will be granted.

Research Profile: The candidate must have a track record of internationally outstanding research work in the field of polymer matrix composites (PMCs). The research corresponding to the vacant position will focus on the experimental assessment of damage mechanisms, materials aging, and property improvements of PMCs to promote materials innovation and the recyclability of sustainable PMCs. Of particular interest are processing-structure-property relationships of reused materials systems, the separation between fibers and matrix components, property optimization, and aging-driven interfacial degradation. The aim of the research program is to devise materials innovations that support the transition from single-use high-performance PMCs to an ideally circular materials usage.

Requirements:

  • An above-average university degree (preferably in materials or polymer sciences or comparable fields of study), outstanding doctorate, and scientific achievements in research and teaching
  • Expertise in PMCs, particularly in structure–property optimization of recyclable PMCs, their mechanical properties, structural aging, recycling of PMCs, and life-cycle analyses
  • Experience in scientific collaboration, network building, coordination of joint research 2 projects, and participation in international cooperation 
  • Extensive experience in science management as well as in acquiring and coordinating externally funded projects
  • Willingness to collaborate scientifically with other schools at TU Hamburg and across departments at BAM
  • Experience in leading and motivating a qualified team, qualifying for the future leadership of the Department 5.3 "Polymer Composite Materials"
  • Leadership personality with experience in the personnel and technical management of scientific-technical work areas
  • Excellent English skills and good German skills are desired
  • Experience in academic self-governance at a university, in committee work within a federal agency, regulatory processes, and policy consulting is advantageous


        Application: Application documents (cover letter, CV, copies of certificates and diplomas, publication list, third-party funding record, overview of teaching and research activities) must be submitted online by 30.04.2026. Please click on the “Online Application” link. Applicants from the public sector are asked to grant permission to access their personnel files. Foreign degrees must be submitted with proof of equivalence.

        For information about BAM and subject-related questions, please contact: Prof. Dr. Ulrich Panne, President of BAM (Phone: +49 30 8104-1000, Email: Ulrich.Panne@bam.de) and Prof. Dr. Robert Maaß (Phone: +49 30 8104-1500, Email: Robert.Maaß@bam.de). For questions about the professorship at TU Hamburg, please contact: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Irina Smirnova, Vice President for Research (Email: berufungen@tuhh.de).

        TU Hamburg and BAM are committed to professional equality between women and men. We therefore expressly welcome applications from women, as they are underrepresented among professors at TU Hamburg. They will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified. Applications from persons with disabilities who have equivalent qualifications are also expressly welcomed and will be given preferential consideration. Since 2013, TU Hamburg and since 2015, BAM have been certified as family- and life-phase-conscious employers through the “audit berufundfamilie” program and actively support the compatibility of career and family.

        Please note that the specification of professors' responsibilities is subject to review at regular in-tervals in accordance with Section 12(VII) of the Hamburg Higher Education Act (Hamburger Hochschulgesetz, HmbHG). The hiring requirements according to Section 15 HmbHG in combina-tion with Section 14(IV) HmbHG apply.


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