W3 Professorship for Microbiology combined with the position of Scientific Director of the Leibniz Institute DSMZ (f/m/d)

We offer a

W3 Professorship for Microbiology combined with the position of Scientific Director of the Leibniz Institute DSMZ (f/m/d).

The appointment will be made within the framework of a joint appointment with the Technische Universität Braunschweig, according to the Jülich Model, with a reduced teaching load and is to be filled at the earliest possible date.

Responsibilities

The Professorship for Microbiology is combined with the position of Scientific Director of the Leibniz Institute DSMZ–German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH (www.dsmz.de ). In this capacity, you will assume overall scientific responsibility for one of the world’s largest bioresource centers, comprising more than 90,000 biological resources and approximately 230 staff members. The position includes the strategic, scientific, and structural development of the DSMZ within a highly dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment. The successful candidate is expected to have an excellent and internationally visible research profile in the field of microbiology, dealing with one or more research areas such as microbial biodiversity, microbiome research, and infection biology using bioinformatic and AI-based methods. The expected focus of your scientific work will be collection-based microbiology, emphasizing the utilization and advancement of DSMZ bioresources to support your own research projects. You will lead an independent research group whose work is closely aligned with the strategic research priorities of both the DSMZ and Technische Universität Braunschweig. The position involves active integration into local, national, and international research networks, with close collaboration expected with the university’s research centers "Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS)", "Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ)", and "Laboratory for Emerging Nanotechnology (LENA)", as well as with non-university partners such as the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), the Julius Kühn Institute (JKI), the Thünen Institute (TI), and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Wernigerode. The candidate (f/m/d) is expected to contribute to the acquisition of third-party funding to support research projects and strengthen the scientific infrastructure.

The successful candidate (f/m/d) is expected to be committed to the university’s strategic goals and to actively shape its holistic development. In addition to the classic service areas of a university (research, teaching and studies, transfer, governance and administration), this applies in particular to digitalisation, internationalisation, equality and diversity, as well as knowledge exchange.

Our expectations

The appointment is intended for an outstanding scientist with an internationally recognized reputation in microbiology. Required qualifications include outstanding scientific achievements, international networking, and several years of relevant leadership experience in research institutions and third-party-funded projects. International research and teaching experience, excellent command of the German and English language, as well as the ability and willingness to teach courses in English are a prerequisite. Individual career decisions and career breaks due to parental/family care leave affecting research output will be taken into account by the appointment committee.

Requirements, § 25 NHG

• A degree in a relevant field
• Pedagogical aptitude
• Special qualification for in-depth independent scientific work, as a rule proven by an above-average doctorate
• Additional academic achievements, usually within the framework of a junior professorship, a post-doctoral degree (Habilitation) or through achievements equivalent to a Habilitation

Notes

Technische Universität Braunschweig and the DSMZ make personnel decisions on the basis auf suitability, ability and professional performance.

Our aim is to increase the share of women in academic positions. Therefore, we particularly welcome applications from women and will give preference to female candidates with equivalent qualifications. People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply and, if equally qualified, will be given preference in the appointment process.

Both DSMZ and Technische Universität Braunschweig are certified as family-friendly institutions. We are committed to facilitating a healthy and productive work-life balance and offer a dual career service as well as support for newly appointed staff. Our Family Office provides advice on all issues relating to family, childcare, and caring for relatives. Our “Prof.-Programm” offers exclusive status related exchange and consulting formats, in particular to newly appointed professors.

Professional and Personnel Development promotes the professional development of all employees through a wide range of courses and activities.

The university and the DSMZ actively endorses equal opportunities and diversity and promotes diverse perspectives as essential in contributing to the institution`s success in research, teaching, transfer and administration.

We particularly invite applications from international candidates (f/ m/d). German language skills are not a prerequisite. However, the successful candidate is expected to acquire sufficient language skills to perform teaching and administrative duties in German within two years of appointment.

Even though this is a permanent full-time position, a part-time appointment may be possible upon request.

Applicants who are 50 years or older at the time the appointment commences and who have not acquired permanent civil servant status (Beamtenverhältnis auf Lebenszeit) will be employed with employee status (Angestelltenverhältnis).

We are looking forward to your application!

Applicants (f/m/d) are requested to attach the usual documents:

• Cover letter
• Academic background (curriculum vitae)
• Academic certificates and diplomas (degrees)
• List of publications incl. copies of 3 select publications
• List of externally funded projects and description of own role in these projects
• List of courses taught, including results of course evaluation
• Research and teaching statement
• If necessary, add proof of parental leave or disability.

Please submit the application, including all documents, digitally via the online portal  of Technische Universität Braunschweig.

Deadline for application

The application deadline is 2026-05-31.

Contact

Questions about the professorship will be answered by

Prof. Dr. Yvonne Mast, T + 49 531 261 60358, yvonne.mast(at)dsmz.de

Prof. Dr. Dieter Jahn, T + 49 531 391 55101, d.jahn(at)tu-braunschweig.de

If you have any questions regarding personnel law matters and online apllication process, please contact

Nicole Brückner, T + 49 531 391 14143, nicole.brueckner(at)tu-braunschweig.de