"University professor in the field Thermal Processing Technology pursuant to § 98 UG"

At the Technical University of Leoben, Austria, the position of a University Professor (f/m) for the subject area of Thermal Processing Technology pursuant to § 98 of the Austrian University Act (UG) 2002 is to be filled as of October 1, 2026 in the form of an unlimited employment contract under public law in accordance with the Salaried Employees Act, on a full-time employment basis at the Chair of Thermal Processing Technology in the Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering.

The Technical University of Leoben is an Engineering University with a special focus where scientists and students work on solutions for a sustainable future in the areas of “Smart Materials”, “Advanced Resources”, and “Sustainable Processes”, including their scientific foundations.

Thermal processing technology is a key technology in essential areas of research at the Technical University of Leoben. High-temperature processes play a crucial role, particularly in metallurgy, in the treatment of raw and residual materials, in recycling technology, and in the transformation of industry regarding its energy and raw material base.

The focus of future research activities of the professorship should therefore be on process engineering for industry-oriented high-temperature processes. The methodology shall include experimental investigations from laboratory to pilot-scale, supported and enhanced by physically informed process modelling. Specifically, the chair should focus on the challenges facing energy-intensive industries in their transformation to sustainable, climate-friendly, and circular production. These include, among others, the following core areas:

• Innovative high-temperature applications, such as industrial furnaces and burners, as well as pyrolysis and plasma processes
• Resource-efficient utilization of residual and waste materials using groundbreaking high-temperature processes and equipment
• Recovery of critical raw materials and the provision of alternative secondary raw materials from residues and by-products, focusing on energy efficiency, reduced pollutant emissions, and the recycling of material flows
• Thermodynamic and thermochemical characterization of substances and mixtures, for example explosion behaviour of dusts

The Chair of Thermal Processing Technology is involved in teaching a variety of bachelor's and master's programs, particularly in compulsory courses in the "Energy Engineering," "Metallurgy and Metal Recycling", "Environmental and Climate Protection Engineering" and “Safety and Disaster Management” programs. The languages of instruction for students at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels are German and English.

The Technical University of Leoben is seeking a personality of prestigious international scientific standing who should represent the entire discipline with a focus on the above-mentioned core areas in research, teaching and knowledge transfer. The supervision of scientific theses is expected. Intensive collaboration within the university, particularly within the Clusters of Excellence "Energy" and “Recycling” as well as with key national and international partners from academia and industry, is of great importance.

Employment requirements include a doctorate in a relevant field, as well as a habilitation in a subject relevant to the professorship with a focus on the core areas mentioned, or an equivalent academic qualification. Proficiency in English is required; written and spoken German is desirable. Applicants are required to have teaching and research experience, as well as the didactic skills necessary to deliver excellent teaching. Experience in acquiring and managing projects in both fundamental and industrial research is essential. Leadership skills, particularly the ability to work in a team and the willingness to take on administrative tasks within the university, are expected.

The classification and remuneration are based on the Collective Agreement for University Employees in the application group A1. In this classification, the gross monthly salary for full-time employment is € 6.604,30 (14x per year). Given appropriate qualifications, a higher salary may be negotiated.

As a research-intensive university with a strong international network and an excellent reputation in the fields of raw materials, materials, and process technologies, we offer an inspiring academic environment that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative research, and application-oriented teaching at a high level.

You can expect a dynamic working environment with short communication paths and close, interdisciplinary cooperation with dedicated colleagues from various departments. As a specialized university, Montanuniversität Leoben provides a high degree of flexibility, opportunities for personal and professional development, and strong academic and personal networking within the university community.

As a university professor at Montanuniversität Leoben, you can expect:

• A permanent position in accordance with §98 of the Austrian Universities Act at one of Austria’s leading technical and scientific universities
• Excellent research infrastructure with modern laboratories and facilities for thermal processes
• Wide-ranging opportunities to shape research, teaching, and externally funded projects
• Support in acquiring research funding (FFG, FWF, EU, etc.) and in transferring research results to industry
• Motivated students and close cooperation with key industrial partners
• Support for the professional integration of accompanying family members
• An attractive living environment in a vibrant university town with a high quality of life
• Family-friendly conditions, flexible working time models, and childcare facilities
• Career development opportunities and further education

The Technical University of Leoben is committed to increasing the proportion of women and strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Given the same qualification as the best-suited co-applicant, women shall be given preference.

Applications must include the following documents in English:

• A motivation letter
• A comprehensive curriculum vitae containing a list of major research and teaching achievements
• A complete list of publications including citation statistics
• The five most important SCI-publications with significant contributions of the applicant. The motivation for this selection should be provided as well.
• A list of projects raised by the applicant along with a brief description of selected projects.
• A concept regarding future research activities at the Technical University of Leoben
• A concept regarding future teaching activities at the Technical University of Leoben

The application must be sent electronically by 23.11.2025 to the Rector of the Technical University of Leoben, Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. mont. Dr.-Ing. E.h. Dr. h.c. Peter Moser, Franz-Josef-Straße 18, 8700 Leoben, Austria. Please upload your documents as a zip file with the file name “MUL-BKTPT-First Name-Last Name.zip” to the following link: https://oc.unileoben.ac.at/index.php/s/fuLUoSXYdG5TCQd

Additional information can be obtained from the Head of the Appointment Committee, Univ. Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. mont. Susanne Michelic, Franz-Josef-Straße 18, 8700 Leoben, Österreich, Tel.: +43/3842/402-2200, E-Mail: susanne.michelic@unileoben.ac.at.