Within the Department of Chemistry at the Technical University of Darmstadt a
University Professorship (W3) in "Experimental Physical Chemistry of Condensed Matter"
Job code T484-2026
is to be filled at the earliest possible date.
About TU Darmstadt
TU Darmstadt stands for excellent and relevant science. We are playing a decisive role in shaping far-reaching processes of global change—from energy transition to artificial intelligence—through outstanding scientific knowledge and innovative academic programmes. We group our cutting-edge research into three fields: Energy and Environment, Information and Intelligence, Matter and Materials.
TU Darmstadt has strong ties to the Frankfurt-Rhine-Main metropolitan region and is well known for its cosmopolitanism and international outlook. As one of the three Rhine-Main Universities (RMU), TU Darmstadt cooperates closely with Goethe University Frankfurt and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. This includes academic research, study and teaching, the promotion of early-career researchers, and the transfer of knowledge and technology to the economy and society. TU Darmstadt actively promotes diversity and equality. We consider diversity to be the key to creative solutions and social progress.
As an institution, we place great importance on a dialogue-oriented and appreciative leadership culture, characterized by a strong capacity for innovation, the development of our employees, and a spirit of trust and cooperation.
About our department
The Department of Chemistry at TU Darmstadt offers scientific solutions to many of today's challenges and focuses on both basic and applied research. Research in the Department of Chemistry focuses on three main research areas:
We offer unique opportunities for interdisciplinary research as our expertise includes inorganic, organic, physical, theoretical, technical, macromolecular chemistry and biochemistry. These form the basis for our strong collaborative research. The chemical and biochemical industry in the Rhine-Main region also offers various points of contact and excellent opportunities for co-operation.
Your tasks
Within the Department of Chemistry at the Technical University of Darmstadt a University Professorship (W3) in "Experimental Physical Chemistry of Condensed Matter" is to be filled at the earliest possible date. We are looking for a research profile that advances the development of experimental methods for investigating condensed matter and applies them to current questions in physical chemistry, particularly in one or more of the following areas:
- Pioneering method development: Development of methods to investigate hard and/or soft matter (i.e., solids, polymers, colloids) regarding their structure and physicochemical properties (electronic, optical, magnetic, catalytic, electrochemical) across various time and length scales. Possible methods could include magnetic resonance, incorporating signal enhancement techniques, X-ray spectroscopy, or inelastic scattering methods, particularly in combination with one another or with other promising spectroscopic techniques.
- Cutting-edge mechanistic research: Derivation of structure-property relationships through the application of novel methods to functional materials (e.g., heterogeneous catalysts, polymers, or composite and energy materials). Of particular interest are investigations under in situ or operando conditions or under changing external stimuli.
- Modern methods for enhancing sustainability: Contributions to sustainable catalysis and/or polymer research—a strategic core area of our department. This could involve, for example, the characterization of catalytically active sites and/or the structure and dynamics within composite materials.
The research of the future appointee should be closely aligned with the department's research strategy, specifically the key research areas of Sustainable Catalysis and/or Polymer Science & Engineering and offers the opportunity to act as a bridge between the key areas. Building on the applicant's own research profile, a synergistic link to the work of the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1487 "Iron, upgraded!" and/or the new SFB 1767 "Paper – Tailored Properties for New Applications" is desired.
We offer the opportunity to actively participate in our strategic collaborations:
- TU Darmstadt: Excellent opportunities for collaboration, for example in the research fields of “Matter and Materials” and “Energy and Environment”.
- Rhine-Main Universities (RMU): Excellent opportunities for collaboration in research and teaching with partner universities within the Alliance of Excellence.
- UNITE! European University Alliance: Opportunities to develop international research projects and teaching offerings within our European university network.
In terms of teaching, physical chemistry is to be represented across its full breadth in all German language Bachelor's degree programs within the Department of Chemistry. Furthermore, specialized lectures in the Master's degree programs, covering topics such as experimental methods in condensed matter physics (e.g. NMR), are to be offered in English. Participation in the Department of Chemistry’s general teaching activities (e.g., mathematics for chemistry students, general chemistry) for both major and minor subjects is expected.
Your profile
We are seeking a highly distinguished and internationally recognized individual to fully represent the field of Experimental Physical Chemistry of Condensed Matter in its entirety in both research and teaching and whose aptitude for independent research has been proven by a doctorate and additionally either by a habilitation or by habilitation-equivalent achievements. In particular, pertinent publications in international journals, teaching experience in physical chemistry, successful acquisition of third-party funding, experience in leading a research group and willingness to engage in academic self-administration are relevant.
The prerequisites for employment are in accordance with the Sections 67 and 68 of the Hessisches Hochschulgesetz (Hessian Higher Education Act).
As part of the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region, Technical University of Darmstadt and its surroundings are characterized by living internationality. The core element of this is a cosmopolitan climate with functional multilingualism at our university. Therefore, very good English and, at the latest after three years, good German language skills are expected.
This job advertisement is open to people of all genders. TU Darmstadt aims to further increase the number of female professors, and we therefore strongly encourage interested female researchers to apply!
We offer
Flexible and family-friendly – TU Darmstadt enables a good balance between work and private life through flexible working hours and mobile working. Part-time employment is also generally possible.
Healthy and sustainable travelling – With the LandesTicket Hessen (Hesse StateTicket) you can reach your destination affordably, healthily, and in an eco-friendly way. We also offer discounted sports activities.
Supportive and connected – A wide range of professional development opportunities, development programs as well as specialized offerings, coaching, and networking events for executives support personal and professional growth.
Diverse and open – Diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusion are essential to us. We promote an accessible work environment and welcome applications from people with disabilities. In the event of equal qualifications, persons with special needs or with equivalent status will be given preference in the application process.
You can find more information about TU Darmstadt as an employer on our website.
Appointments are generally made as civil servants with a salary based on qualifications.
Data privacy
By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed for the purpose of filling the vacancy. You can find our privacy policy on our webpage.
Additional information
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the career portal of TU Darmstadt (https://www.career.tu-darmstadt.de/tu-darmstadt/jobs) and should be addressed to the Dean of the Department of Chemistry at TU Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 4, 64287 Darmstadt. The usual documents (CV, certificates, list of publications highlighting the 5 most important works,
research concept, experience in teaching, academic self-administration and third-party funding) should be included.
If you have any questions about this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Christian Hess (christian.hess@tu-darmstadt.de).
Application deadline: November 30, 2026
