At Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL), Austria, a joint position of
a University Professor (m/f/d) for the subject area of Materials Physics
pursuant to § 98 of the Austrian University Act (UG) 2002
and the Director of the Erich Schmid Institute of Materials Science (ESI)
at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW),
is to be filled as a permanent position under private law by tentatively 01.10.2027.
The Montanuniversität Leoben and the Austrian Academy of Sciences are seeking to make a joint appointment. It is planned that the professor of Materials Physics will also be appointed director of the ÖAW’s Erich Schmid Institute of Materials Science.
The ESI and the Chair of Materials Physics focus on materials research in the broader sense. The work of both institutions focuses on interdisciplinary approaches in materials science. Other key topics include the physics of new materials and materials analysis using physical methods.
We are seeking a researcher of international standing with a proven track record in a modern and future oriented field of materials physics. Furthermore, we would welcome research expertise that helps to further strengthen the overall position of the Department of Materials Science and the ESI in addressing major societal challenges. This could include, for example, topics such as bio-inspired materials; materials for medical technology; materials chemistry, for example for electrochemical energy storage and/or catalysis; materials synthesis (including new sustainable synthesis methods); materials for nuclear applications; materials for space applications or extreme environmental conditions; switchable materials and sensory/actuator materials; or materials for quantum technologies.
The Montanuniversität expects these activities to be integrated into joint research projects with other chairs, particularly in the areas mentioned above. A practical focus in research activities is essential, and securing external third-party funding for research projects is mandatory. The advertised professorship involves heading the Chair of Materials Physics and the Erich Schmid Institute. The existing research areas in both organisational units have to be continued and developed in a synergistic manner. Operational and organisational duties therefore cover both the administrative departments of the Montanuniversität Leoben as well as the Austrian Academy of Sciences and are carried out in German or English, depending on the setting.
In addition to this core area of research, the entire field of materials physics and materials characterisation has to be represented. Currently a particular focus is on students of the “Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnologie” bachelor’s programme and the two master’s programmes “Materials Science” and “Advanced Materials Science and Engineering”. The Chair of Materials Physics and the Department of Materials Science are involved in international education and research programmes worldwide. Consequently, the languages of teaching for students at bachelor’s, master’s and PhD level are both English and German at the department.
Of great importance is a willingness to collaborate within the Department of Materials Science and with other chairs in the university, as well as with local non-university research organisations (MCL, PCCL, ÖGI), as well as with researchers from the Clusters of Excellence.
The appointment requirements are a PhD in a relevant subject area and a Habilitation or an equivalent academic qualification.
The candidate is expected to have teaching and research experience, as well as the pedagogical skills required to deliver excellent teaching. He/she has demonstrated, in the course of their professional career, the ability to apply their engineering knowledge to industry problems. Leadership skills and, in particular, the ability to work in a team, as well as a willingness to take on organisational and administrative responsibilities within the university, are required.
The classification and remuneration are based on the collective agreement of the universities in the application group A1. In this classification the gross monthly salary for full-time employment is € 6713,30 (14 x per year). In addition, the successful candidate is to be appointed by the ÖAW as Director of the ESI. The appointment as Director is for a fixed term of five years and may be extended if the specified objectives are met. The actual remuneration and the precise terms of employment are subject to the appointment negotiations.
Montanuniversität Leoben is committed to increasing the proportion of women and expressly encourages qualified women to apply. In the case of equal qualification among applicants, women shall be given preference.
The Austrian Academy of Sciences pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
Applications must include the following documents in English:
- A motivation letter
- A comprehensive curriculum vitae (indicating the ORCID number and language skills)
- A complete list of publications including citation statistics
- The five most important publications with significant contributions from the applicant. The motivation for this selection should be provided as well
- Presentation of previous research and teaching activities
- Overview of previous management roles and team leadership experience
- A list of projects and their volume raised by the applicant
- A concept regarding future research activities at the Montanuniversität Leoben and at ESI
- A concept regarding future teaching activities at the Montanuniversität Leoben
- Outline of the planned networking at Montanuniversität Leoben and at ESI
Applicants are requested to submit their documents electronically by 06.09.2026 to the Rector of the Montanuniversität Leoben, Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.mont. Dr.-Ing.E.h. Dr.h.c. Peter Moser, Franz-Josef- Straße 18, 8700 Leoben, Austria. To this end, the files should be compressed into a zip-archive with the filename „MUL-Last name_First name.zip“ and uploaded using the following link: https://oc.unileoben.ac.at/index.php/s/wDgToZSaCQcJTyd
Additional information can be obtained from the Head of the Appointment Committee, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christoph Rameshan, A-8700 Leoben, Österreich, Tel.: +43-3842-402-4800, e-mail: [email protected], URL: http://www.unileoben.ac.at
