TU-ID: 150 | 2024 | 25 | 235527
University Professor
Specialist field of Electrochemical Energy Conversion
TU Wien is Austria's largest institution of research and higher education in the fields of technology and natural sciences. With over 26,000 students and more than 4000 scientists, research, teaching, and learning dedicated to the advancement of science and technology have been conducted here for more than 200 years, guided by the motto "Technology for People". As a driver of innovation, TU Wien fosters close collaboration with business and industry and contributes to the prosperity of society.
At the Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics of TU Wien the position of a University Professor for the specialist field of “Electrochemical Energy Conversion” with permanent (full-time) contractual employment is to be filled as of December 1, 2024.
This is a professorship regulated by § 99 para. 4 of the 2002 Universities Act (UG).
This position is only intended for Associate Professors according to § 27 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Staff of the TU Wien.
The position as professor for Electrochemical Energy Conversion has been allocated in TU Wien’s development plan to the following TU Wien Focal Areas of Research: Energy and Environment, Materials and Matter.
The global transformation of today's energy industry towards a CO2-neutral, sustainable energy supply requires major changes in energy generation, energy storage and energy use. Electrochemical energy conversion and energy storage systems will play a central role in this transformation. Important topics are the electrolysis of H2O for hydrogen production, the electrochemical splitting of CO2 as an efficient step for the potential use of CO2 as a carbon source, and the further development of electrochemical storage systems. The Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics (E164) at TU Wien deals with topics of energy storage and conversion and the advertised §99(4) professorship is directly related to these research topics.
The aim of establishing the professorship for "Electrochemical Energy Conversion" is to further strengthen existing research on the properties of electrochemical energy storage systems and their materials, as well as to achieve a thematic expansion in the direction of scalable production of the same (material processing). Real usable electrodes as well as complete cells are to be produced and characterized in detail and subsequently, for a scientifically sound interpretation of the electrochemical results on these real systems, the results of basic mechanistic investigations on model cells and the knowledge gained from them are to be combined with the results of the electrochemical characterization of the real cells. This approach is intended to build a bridge from basic research to practical application.
The topics of energy conversion and energy storage also play a key role in the FWF Cluster of Excellence "Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage (MECS)", which was established in 2023, and in which the institute is strongly involved. The professorship will be aligned with these research topics and thus broaden the activities of this inter-university consortium towards applications. Extensive opportunities for cooperation are expected with other key research areas at the Institute and with research groups at other faculties of TU Wien.
Specifically, we expect from the successful candidate:
In addition to research, the duties of a university professor at TU Wien also include teaching (in German and English) in Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programs as well as involvement in the management of the Institute and the Faculty. In teaching, the following tasks are primarily to be fulfilled:
The Faculty of Technical Chemistry, one of the eight faculties of TU Wien, plays an active role in the national and international research sector and has an excellent reputation. The main research areas include Chemistry and Technology of Materials, Biochemical Technologies, Energy and Environment as well as Sustainability. Intensive cooperation is therefore expected within the research areas of the institute, the faculty, as well as with thematically related institutes of other faculties.
This is a professorship regulated by § 99 para. 4 of the 2002 Universities Act (UG).
This position is only intended for Associate Professors according to § 27 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Staff of the TU Wien.
The position as professor for Electrochemical Energy Conversion has been allocated in TU Wien’s development plan to the following TU Wien Focal Areas of Research: Energy and Environment, Materials and Matter.
The global transformation of today's energy industry towards a CO2-neutral, sustainable energy supply requires major changes in energy generation, energy storage and energy use. Electrochemical energy conversion and energy storage systems will play a central role in this transformation. Important topics are the electrolysis of H2O for hydrogen production, the electrochemical splitting of CO2 as an efficient step for the potential use of CO2 as a carbon source, and the further development of electrochemical storage systems. The Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics (E164) at TU Wien deals with topics of energy storage and conversion and the advertised §99(4) professorship is directly related to these research topics.
The aim of establishing the professorship for "Electrochemical Energy Conversion" is to further strengthen existing research on the properties of electrochemical energy storage systems and their materials, as well as to achieve a thematic expansion in the direction of scalable production of the same (material processing). Real usable electrodes as well as complete cells are to be produced and characterized in detail and subsequently, for a scientifically sound interpretation of the electrochemical results on these real systems, the results of basic mechanistic investigations on model cells and the knowledge gained from them are to be combined with the results of the electrochemical characterization of the real cells. This approach is intended to build a bridge from basic research to practical application.
The topics of energy conversion and energy storage also play a key role in the FWF Cluster of Excellence "Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage (MECS)", which was established in 2023, and in which the institute is strongly involved. The professorship will be aligned with these research topics and thus broaden the activities of this inter-university consortium towards applications. Extensive opportunities for cooperation are expected with other key research areas at the Institute and with research groups at other faculties of TU Wien.
Specifically, we expect from the successful candidate:
- Experience in the field of solid-state electrochemistry with a focus on the electrochemical characterization of materials for solid oxide cells.
- Experience with both synchrotron- and laboratory-based in-situ characterization of electrode materials for solid oxide cells.
- Experience in the development of solid-state electrochemical model systems based on micro-structured thin films and their use for the characterization of oxide electrode materials.
- Further development of these topics in the direction of material processing and knowledge-based optimization of application-oriented solid-state electrochemical cells.
- Successful proof of the transfer of basic scientific results into application-relevant real systems.
- Experience in the management of publicly funded research projects.
- Experience in cooperation with national and/or international scientific and industrial partners, proven by joint research projects.
- Experience in leading a research group.
- Acquisition of competitive, peer-reviewed projects, preferably as part of the Excellence Initiative of the Faculty of Technical Chemistry.
In addition to research, the duties of a university professor at TU Wien also include teaching (in German and English) in Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programs as well as involvement in the management of the Institute and the Faculty. In teaching, the following tasks are primarily to be fulfilled:
- Lectures in the subject areas "Physical Chemistry" and "Electrochemistry" in the Bachelor's degree programs "Technical Chemistry" and "Chemical Engineering".
- Lectures on electrochemical principles and their application in industrial electrochemical processes in the Master's degree program "Technical Chemistry".
- The basic knowledge imparted in the lectures is put into practice in laboratory exercises (Bachelor's and Master's level) and academic work at Master's and PhD level. Students are thus introduced to the modern research landscape in the field of electrochemical energy conversion.
The Faculty of Technical Chemistry, one of the eight faculties of TU Wien, plays an active role in the national and international research sector and has an excellent reputation. The main research areas include Chemistry and Technology of Materials, Biochemical Technologies, Energy and Environment as well as Sustainability. Intensive cooperation is therefore expected within the research areas of the institute, the faculty, as well as with thematically related institutes of other faculties.
Your profile:
- Completed doctoral or PhD studies in the relevant subject from a domestic or equivalent foreign university or research institution or achievement of an equivalent scientific/architectural qualification.
- The qualification for teaching (venia docendi) acquired at a domestic or equivalent foreign university or an academic qualification recognisable as being equivalent to the venia docendi.
- High scientific reputation in the abovementioned fields, proven by publications in internationally prestigious scientific journals, scientific lectures, editorial and expert work, organization of conferences, prices etc.
- Ability to form networks, proven by cooperation with foreign and domestic universities and research institutions.
- Experience abroad, proven, for example, by working as a post-doc or visiting scientist at a foreign university or research institution.
- Experience in the acquisition, execution and management of research projects.
- The ability and willingness to manage a research group.
- Pedagogic and didactic suitability for academic teaching in the relevant subject in German and/or English.
- Experience in the supervision of scientific work of students (Master’s and PhD thesis).
- The prospective position holder has social and gender competence and experience in the promotion of young researchers and the advancement of female students/colleagues/ employees.
- Willingness to move the centre of life to Vienna (On-site presence).
- In case there is no adequate knowledge of German, willingness to quickly learn German is presupposed for teaching in bachelor programmes and participation in management of the institute and the faculty as well as in university bodies
We offer:
- Excellent working conditions in an attractive research environment
- Attractive compensation and further benefits (see also: Fringe-Benefit Catalogue of TU Wien)
- Financial support of research activities in the first years (e.g. equipment endowment/ start-up funds)
- An employee-friendly environment in a city with an extraordinary high quality of life
TU Wien is committed to increasing the proportion of women in particular in leadership positions. Female applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to women when equally qualified, unless reasons specific to a male applicant tilt the balance in his favour.
People with special needs are equally encouraged to apply. In case of any questions, please contact the confidant for disabled persons at the university, Mr. Gerhard Neustätter.
People with special needs are equally encouraged to apply. In case of any questions, please contact the confidant for disabled persons at the university, Mr. Gerhard Neustätter.
Classification in the A1 category of the collective bargaining agreement for employees of universities and a full-time minimum salary of EUR 89.075,00 gross annual is provided for. Furthermore, on top of the employee benefit fund, a company pension scheme will be set up for employees, depending on the duration of their employment, with the result that personnel benefits will increase. A higher salary depending on qualifications and experience is subject of appointment negotiations as well as detailed information about benefits.
General information can be found at the following links:
Applications in English must include at least the following documents:
We look forward to receiving your complete application documents by July 18th, 2024.
General information can be found at the following links:
- Faculty Technical Chemistry
- Institute for Chemical Technologies and Analytics
- Information about professorships and appointment procedures: Appointment Service
Applications in English must include at least the following documents:
- A detailed curriculum vitae (complete with professional and academic background)
- A brief motivation letter
- A presentation of previous academic activities including a survey of research and development projects carried out and of funding/grants raised (volume, duration, funding body etc), editorial and expert work, organized conferences and prices etc. as well as a list of lecturing and teaching activities evidenced by a list of the university courses held so far, a list of supervised scientific works of students and a list of invited lectures
- A list of publications (including a link to a unique research identifier like ORCID) and copies of the five most important publications
- A research and teaching concept with considerations on the future positioning and further development of the field
- Relevant certificates and official letters should be uploaded under the category: +add more documents
We look forward to receiving your complete application documents by July 18th, 2024.
