The Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) bundles top-level research and transfer at an international level, thereby creating an interdisciplinary innovation network and an excellent science and technology location. Together with its renowned partners, the BTU forms the Lausitz Science Network - an alliance of research institutions that together want to further develop the strengths of the science location Cottbus-Senftenberg and increase its visibility. Through innovative research and new teaching and learning formats, the BTU is shaping the future: with scientific findings and practice-relevant solutions, it is helping to shape the major issues of the future and transformation processes. In four profile lines - "Energy Transition and Decarbonization," "Health and Life Sciences," "Global Change and Transformation Processes," and "Artificial Intelligence and Sensor Technology" - it combines its strengths in teaching and research across institutes and faculties.
At its locations in Cottbus and Senftenberg, the BTU guarantees its students a challenging education, individual support and the opportunity to learn from and with each other with curiosity and openness. The BTU stands for an inspiring atmosphere of learning and research in a dialogical, democratic cooperation of all: The diversity of our faculty and students enables innovation and progress.

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Energy Systems invites applications for a

PROFESSORSHIP (W3) Aerospace Propulsion Technology (Luftfahrtantriebe)

commencing 1st of October 2027.

The professorship is based at the Institute of Transport Technology, which focuses its research and teaching on questions relating to structural and fluid mechanics design, including optimization for applications in aerospace engineering and automotive engineering. The institute works in close cooperation with the BTU Institute for Electrical and Thermal Energy Systems. Both institutes are involved in the major projects “Energy Innovation Center EIZ” and “Center for Hybrid Electric Systems Cottbus – chesco.” Furthermore, there are close co-operations with the two Cottbus-based DLR Institutes for Electrified Aero Engines and Low-Carbon Industrial Processes. In addition, the BTU has been a member of the Rolls-Royce Group’s research network as a University Technology Center (UTC) for over 20 years. Within this framework, thermal and electrochemical energy converters are investigated in full detail.

Brandenburg University of Technology has developed into a leading research institution in the field of these energy converters. We are seeking a candidate with a proven scientific track record in one or more of the following topics in the field of aero-engines:

• Research and development of internal combustion engines and hybrid-electric propulsion systems for aviation, particularly jet engines.
• Modeling and experimental validation of thermodynamic, thermal, and mechanical processes and procedures in aero-engines.
• Modeling and experimental validation of cycle processes in hybrid systems.
• Design and certification procedures for aero-engines.

The professorship is expected to actively and strategically expand the existing research portfolio in the context of climate-neutral aviation, as well as to eventually assume the role of scientific director at chesco.

We are looking for:

A nationally and internationally recognized personality from industry or academia with experience in the field of aerospace propulsion systems, their components, and their system integration, as demonstrated by a doctoral degree and relevant publications in recognized journals (Q1). Industrial experience is desirable. The professorship is intended to represent the aforementioned fields in research and teaching in the Mechanical Engineering program, as well as in the international master’s program in Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Technology and, if applicable, in other programs at BTU. Teaching responsibilities in the Bachelor’s program include the fundamentals of propulsion systems and engine design; in the Master’s programs, engine-related lectures as well as thermal management systems for hybrid propulsion systems are expected to be taught in both German and English. We expect excellent proficiency in English and German. If sufficient language skills are not currently available, a willingness to learn the relevant language as soon as possible is required. In addition to research and teaching, we expect you to be actively involved in the management of the institute and the faculty, as well as in university and non-university committees. Participation in regional and national networks is also expected.

Profile

As a future professor, you can provide evidence of the following requirements in accordance with § 43 Para. 1 No. 1 to 4a Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG):

• a completed university degree in mechanical engineering, physics or a comparable degree,
• pedagogical aptitude,
• a special aptitude for academic work, as a rule through the outstanding quality of a doctorate, and
• a habilitation or additional academic achievements as an equivalent.

In addition, you have experience in securing external funding for both basic and applied research, as well as in managing externally funded projects; experience with DFG, EU, national aerospace research (LuFo), and, if applicable, PROFIT projects is particularly desirable.

Your teaching experience enables excellent teaching for the subject area to be filled here. You have the ability to teach at all curricular levels from bachelor's to doctorate, to supervise theses and to support young academics. Your knowledge and experience enable you to participate in academic self-administration and in raising the profile of the faculty.

We offer

• fair and transparent appointment negotiations,
• attractive working conditions in a city with high quality of life and in relative proximity to Berlin, Dresden, and Leipzig,
• a dynamically developing research location,
• support in relocation to the immediate vicinity of your place of employment,
• comprehensive advice in the dual-career service and in the area of family orientation, and
• an attractive salary with a negotiable appointment benefit.

Other duties result from the requirements set by § 44 BbgHG in conjunction with § 3 BbgHG.

Please refer to §§ 43 paragraph 1 – 4a and 45 BbgHG for prerequisites and conditions of employment.

BTU is committed to equal opportunities and diversity and strives for a balanced gender ratio in all employee groups and gives priority to persons with severe disabilities or persons with equivalent qualifications.

Information on appointment management including the legal basis can be found at

Please send your application with proof of qualifications, a tabular presentation of your professional career, a list of publications including the 5 most important ones, proof of pedagogical aptitude as well as a research and teaching concept for the advertised professorship by e-mail - mentioning the Reference-No: [79/26 - in a summarised PDF file of max. 7 MB until 2026-06-16 to:

E-Mail:

Dekan der Fakultät Maschinenbau, Elektro- und Energiesysteme
Postal Address: BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, Postfach 101344, 03013 Cottbus

When sending your application by unencrypted email, please be aware of the risks regarding the confidentiality and integrity of your application content and please also note the data protection information on BTU website.

For further information please contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Bernd Beirow, Tel. +49 (0) 355/69-4872, email: .

The BTU carries the seal of quality of The German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (Deutscher Hochschulverband, in short DHV). She is thus honored for her fair and transparent negotiations on the appointment of new professors.