Job Description

Please submit your application online


by January 19, 2026 through the


RWTH appointment portal at:


www.berufungsportal.rwth-aachen.de




For inquiries specific to the academic


position, please reach out to Prof. Dr.-

Ing. Wolfgang Schröder at


dekan@fb4.rwth-aachen.de. If you en-

counter technical issues with the ap-

pointment portal, please get in touch


with our support team at


berufungsportal@rwth-aachen.de.




This position is available on a part-time


basis upon request. We welcome ap-

plications from all qualified candidates,


regardless of gender. RWTH Aachen


University is recognized as a family-

friendly institution and provides a dual


career program to support partner hir-

ing. Our Family Services Center, part


of the Equal Opportunities Office, is


available to offer guidance on family


matters, including childcare and care-

giving responsibilities.




At RWTH Aachen University, we are


dedicated to advancing women’s ca-

reers and strongly encourage women


to apply. When candidates have equal


qualifications, skills, and accomplish-

ments, preference may be given to


women, provided there are no overrid-

ing considerations in favor of another


candidate. We also welcome applica-

tions from qualified individuals with dis-

abilities and those with equivalent sta-

tus, and we look forward to applica-

tions from international candidates.




For information on the collection of


personal data under Articles 13 and 14


of the General Data Protection Regula-

tion (GDPR), please refer to: www.

rwth-aachen.de/gdpr-information.





RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany’s pre-eminent Universities of


Excellence and is renowned for its high-quality teaching and world-class


research. Assuming profound responsibility towards society, RWTH ad-

dresses bold scientific questions and translates its knowledge into mean-

ingful applications. RWTH strives for the convergence of knowledge,


methods, and findings and integrates in-depth disciplinary knowledge


within the interdisciplinary research consortia established in its eight pro-

file areas. The University’s dynamic, creative, and international environ-

ment encompasses efficient research networks and institutionalized col-

laborations. With its innovative RWTH Aachen Campus project, the Uni-

versity boasts one of the largest technology-oriented research environ-

ments in Europe.





Full Professor (W3)


in Laser Technology


Faculty of Mechanical Engineering





We are inviting applications for the position of full professor in the area of


laser technology, to be filled as soon as possible. This is a joint appoint-

ment with the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) in the Karls-

ruhe model. The professorship focuses comprehensively and trans- and


interdisciplinary on laser technology, with an emphasis on 'Laser Devel-

opment' and 'Applications of Laser Technology.' In teaching, the com-

plementary areas of engineering applications (e.g., joining, material re-

moval, surface modification) and the physics of lasers as well as light-

matter interaction are highlighted, with a close collaboration with the De-

partment of Physics being essential. Research priorities include engineer-

ing-based data, modeling, and AI-driven mastery of these processes, as


well as exploring new applications in the fields of quantum technologies,


laser secondary sources, and fusion technologies. The dual role with the


leadership of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology strengthens


the connection between research and industry to rapidly implement inno-

vative technologies in practice.




Join us in shaping the RWTH Campus Cluster 'Photonics' and the 'Re-

search Center for Digital Photonic Production,' promoting transdiscipli-

nary collaboration as well as innovative research and teaching formats


while supervising student theses.




In your role at the management level of Fraunhofer ILT, you will shape


both the scientific and economic success as well as the future viability of


the institute. You will be responsible for leading an institute with approxi-

mately 500 employees according to the principles of the Fraunhofer


model and within the framework of Fraunhofer's overall strategy. In addi-

tion to defining research themes, you will oversee project acquisition,


transfer results to industry, and manage personnel and organizational de-

velopment.




The requirements include a doctoral degree and additional research ex-

perience, such as a habilitation (post-doctoral lecturing qualification) or


equivalent achievements gained as a university researcher or professor or


in a research position outside academia. Teaching ability and dedication


are essential and the application should include proof of this. Fluent Ger-

man is not required to start the position but the successful candidate will


be expected to hold classes in German within the first 5 years.




The ideal candidate is expected to be a professionally distinguished indi-

vidual with an international network and a strong reputation in their field.


They should have extensive leadership experience in large, multidiscipli-

nary research groups and possess comprehensive knowledge in strate-

gic planning, program management, acquisition, and execution of na-

tional and international contract research across various research areas.


You bring an understanding of leading large organizational units and













































demonstrate a conscious approach to diversity and equal opportunities.


Additionally, they have experience in developing and managing different


business models for technology transfer. A willingness to learn the Ger-

man language is required.




Application documents should be submitted in English.