Vacancy Notice 176/2026
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU) is an internationally oriented and regionally networked university with a strong research profile.
The Faculty of Process and Systems Engineering, Chair of Mechanical Process Engineering seeks to fill the following vacancy:
Junior Group Leader (m/f/d) in Computational Multiphase Flow
Salary scale: 13 TV-L
Date commencing: As soon as possible
Fixed term: 3 years*
Contract status: 100 %
At the Chair of Mechanical Process Engineering (www.mvt.ovgu.de), we are a group of enthusiastic researchers with extensive research activities in the numerical modelling of multiphase flows. Our work addresses the fundamental physical mechanisms governing dispersed and interfacial multiphase flows, as well as their application to engineering systems. Current research topics include particle-laden and droplet-laden turbulent flows, particle–turbulence and droplet–turbulence interactions, the dynamics of non-spherical particles, interfacial flows, and compressible and incompressible multiphase-flow applications. Approximately eight PhD researchers and three postdoctoral researchers currently work in this area at the Chair.
The objective of the advertised position is to attract a junior group leader who will take a leading role in our computational multiphase-flow research. The successful candidate will contribute to and help coordinate ongoing research projects, while also establishing their own research direction within the Chair. The position offers excellent opportunities to develop an independent academic profile and to pursue a Habilitation. It therefore combines scientific leadership in existing activities with the opportunity to initiate new research topics and contribute to the further development of our numerical methods and simulation tools.
Our in-house simulation framework includes state-of-the-art methods for immersed boundaries, Lagrangian particle and droplet tracking, non-spherical particle dynamics, particle and droplet interactions, gas–liquid interfaces, large-eddy simulation, and fully coupled solvers for compressible and incompressible flows. You will also have the opportunity to establish your own teaching portfolio in areas such as numerical methods, multiphase flows, or particle technology.
*The position is full time for a period of 3 years with the opportunity to extend by a further 3 years.
Job description:
- Develop, implement, and analyse analytical and numerical models for multiphase flows
- Establish an independent research profile in computational multiphase-flow modelling
- Lead and coordinate the further development of our in-house simulation tools in C and MPI
- Develop research ideas and prepare proposals for externally funded research projects
- Supervise PhD researchers, postdoctoral researchers, and students working in computational multiphase flows
- Contribute to teaching in multiphase flows, numerical methods, particle technology, or related subjects
- Contribute to the scientific development and coordination of the computational multiphase-flow group
- Opportunity for further scientific qualification, including the possibility to pursue a Habilitation
Requirements profile:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent and a PhD in mechanical engineering, process engineering, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or a related discipline
- A strong background in the physical and numerical modelling of fluid-mechanical or multiphase-flow problems
- Demonstrated research experience in computational multiphase flows, such as particle-laden, droplet-laden, or interfacial flows
- Strong scientific-programming skills in C, C++, or Fortran, including experience with MPI and high-performance computing
- Experience in developing numerical methods or simulation software; expertise in techniques such as immersed-boundary methods, Lagrangian tracking, interface-capturing methods, or particle-interaction models is desirable
- A strong publication record commensurate with your career stage, together with the ability to develop independent research ideas and contribute to research proposals
- Excellent written and spoken English, as well as a good command of German or a commitment to acquiring sufficient German proficiency for teaching and administrative duties within two years
For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Berend van Wachem by email, berend.vanwachem@ovgu.de
You will benefit from our structures and offerings in the fields of sustainability, diversity, family support and staff development. Our location in the center of a thriving, lively and family-friendly state capital guarantees a high quality of life and a wide range of leisure activities. For more information, please visit www.ovgu.de/en/karriere.
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is a signatory of the German Diversity Charter. We welcome your application, regardless of gender, cultural and social background, age or sexual orientation. Applications from severely disabled people or people with an equivalent impairment will be given priority in the case of equal suitability, ability and professional expertise. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg strongly promotes gender equality in all professional areas.
Please note the information for storage of personal data: https://www.ovgu.de/unimagdeburg/en/data_protection-p-66790.html
Please send your complete application (motivation letter, curriculum vitae, graduation certificates, references) by October 7, 2026 using the online application portal.