Professor (W2) "Sustainable Heat Supply" (m/f/d) - Reference number: 32-2024-M-NWV and Head of the Competence Center in the field of Energy Technology of Sector Coupling and Thermodynamic Converters (m/f/d)

The position involves representing the above-mentioned field of specialization in teaching and research, including lectures, seminars, exercises, internships, and projects, as well as in continuing education, with a particular focus on the following areas:

• Sustainable heating and cooling systems
  (sector-specific or sector-coupled)
• Utilization of environmental heat (solar thermal, geothermal, lake thermal)
• Renewable fuels in combined heat and power (CHP)

The Fraunhofer Society, headquartered in Germany, is the world’s leading organization for applied research. With its focus on key technologies relevant to the future and on the commercialization of research results in business and industry, it plays a central role in the innovation process.The Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Energy, with 250 employees in Lausitz and the Rhine-Ruhr region, conducts research on the development of climate-neutral energy systems and infrastructures.

The focus of research and technology transfer at the Zittau site is on the following areas:

• Development of systems for low-carbon, integrated electricity, heating, and cooling supply and hydrogen production,
• Implementation and modernization of the heating and cooling supply infrastructure of regional and supraregional utilities,
• Integrated planning and simulation of sustainable heat supply technology in next-generation heating and cooling networks, and
• Research and development of thermodynamic converters

The Fraunhofer Society also places great emphasis on the development and construction of test facilities for experimental validation and on collaborations with internal and external partners, such as industry and universities.

We are seeking a candidate with a proven scientific track record in the field of sustainable heat supply and several years of experience leading large teams, ideally in industry. Particular emphasis is placed on collaboration with industry, national and international networking, the successful acquisition of third-party funding, and technology transfer. The ability to conduct classes / courses and strong teaching skills round out the requirements profile for research and teaching. In terms of teaching, the successful candidate is expected to contribute to the degree programs offered by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

The requirements for appointment are set forth in Section 59(1), Nos. 1–3 and No. 4(c) of the Saxon Higher Education Act (SächsHSG). A prerequisite for appointment at the HSZG is, in particular, the demonstration of exceptional achievements in the application or development of scientific findings and methods during a period of professional practice—typically five years—of which at least three years must have been spent outside the higher education sector.