Professor (W2) "Thermochemical Process Technology" (m/f/d) - Reference number: 62-2024 - MM-031 - and Head of Department in the field of low-carbon reducing agents (m/f/d)

The DLR is the Federal Republic of Germany’s research center for aerospace. It conducts research and development in aviation, space, energy, and transportation, as well as in the cross-cutting areas of civil security, defense research, and digitalization. Climate, mobility, and technology are undergoing global transformation. The DLR draws on the expertise of its institutes and facilities to collectively achieve the DLR’s program goals and develop solutions to these challenges. The DLR Institute for Low-Carbon Industrial Processes conducts research on the decarbonization of industrial processes at its locations in Cottbus and Zittau.

Our focus for research and technology transfer in the field of low-carbon industrial processes is on:

• Reducing process-related CO₂ emissions and pollutants,
• Carbon-free energy sources and sustainable reducing agents,
• Process design and optimization based on mathematical models and AI methods,
• “multi-fidelity” simulations, coupling of models with varying levels of detail, and
• evaluation of process concepts.

As a major research institution, the DLR also places great emphasis on the development and construction of pilot plants for experimental validation and on collaborations with internal and external partners, such as industry.

Within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at HSZG, the professorship will teach the field of thermochemical process engineering, covering the areas of thermal and chemical process engineering, heterogeneous thermochemical processes, and hydrogen as a reducing agent in industrial processes. We also aim to foster broader interdisciplinary collaboration with the other professorships in the faculty and at the university.

We are seeking a leader with a proven academic track record in the field of thermochemical process engineering 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 profile of research and teaching. In terms of teaching, the position involves participation in the degree programs offered by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

The requirements for appointment are set forth in Section 59(1)(1–3) and (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 knowledge 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. A prerequisite for employment at the DLR is eligibility for a security clearance under the Security Clearance Act (SÜG) as well as willingness to undergo a security clearance process pursuant to § 8 et seq. of the SÜG.