The University of Kassel is a dynamic university with approximately 22,000 students. It has an exceptionally broad profile with competence fields in nature, technology, culture, and society. With the Kassel Institute for Sustainability, founded in 2020, the university is placing an even greater emphasis on teaching and research in sustainability within the context of the 17 SDGs. Additionally, the University of Kassel is cooperating with the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE, which is also based in Kassel.
Within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the Institute of Thermal Energy Technology is searching to fill the following position by April 01, 2027
W3 professorship for “Thermal Energy Systems”(m/f/d)
| Application deadline: |
27.05.2025 |
| Date of hire: | 01.04.2027 |
| Vacancy number: |
38225 |
We are looking for a person who is strong in research, well established in teaching and whose previous activities in the field of thermal energy systems can be demonstrated through relevant research activities and publications with international visibility in pertinent academic journals as well as at conferences.
The research must focus on energy transformation, specifically, the provision of heating and cooling for large-scale consumers, such as industrial complexes and processes, as well as cities and neighborhoods. The focus is expected to be on the use of renewable energies in the context of decarbonizing energy systems, efficiency potentials such as waste heat utilization and increasing electrification as well as the associated feedback effects on thermal and electrical grids and storage systems. The research must follow a systemic approach, considering the entire energy system from energy provision technologies, heating and cooling networks, storage and conversion technologies, to consumers and their behavior, while taking into account the ecological and economic interactions. This includes not only the design, planning, and system integration but also the optimized operation and monitoring of the systems.
Additionally, topics of interest include integrated thermal management planning and the interaction of various stakeholders in large municipal and industrial heat network associations, with the supply of different central and decentralized renewable energies and the optimized use of waste heat. The focus of the theoretical methods should be on digital planning and monitoring tools such as modeling, numerical simulation, optimization methods, or, if applicable, the use of artificial intelligence methods.
For the experimental work, a variety of testing facilities are already available in the areas of air conditioning, solar thermal energy, thermal storage, and measurement technology. Expanding research and experimental techniques, for example, in the fields of heat pumps and cooling supply including storage, to test and demonstrate innovative planning approaches and operating modes, is desirable. Cooperation with the Kassel Institute for Sustainability is intended for sustainability aspects. Collaboration with stakeholders from industry and municipalities is just as desirable as participation in publicly funded joint projects with additional research groups, also at other universities. Candidates should be willing to pursue a cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE.
In teaching, the professorship will represent the subject in the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in the faculties of mechanical and industrial engineering. The responsibilities include coordinating the Master's program "Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency." Contents of the compulsory module ‘Solar Technology’ as well as other subjects in the field of innovative heat supply systems are to be covered. Furthermore, participation in the ‘Energy’ specialization courses offered in the Bachelor's degree program ‘Sustainable Materials and Process Engineering’, which starts in 2025, is expected. The willingness to teach courses in German is a prerequisite. Teaching in English is desirable.
Applicants are expected to have demonstrated their expertise through a dissertation marked as “good” at the least and relevant scientific publications. Based on their expertise, they should be capable of conducting interdisciplinary research in collaboration with colleagues in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, and other related engineering disciplines. The ability to perform independent scientific work is required and qualifications are to be proven through habilitation or equivalent scientific achievements according to §68 HessHG. The acquisition of research funds (third party funding) is expected, and relevant experience must be demonstrated. The hiring requirements and performance standards according to §§ 67, 68 HessHG apply.
Please send your application with the following documents (CV, references, certificates, list of publications, three selected publications, a list of previous courses taught, externally funded projects and a research and teaching concept consisting of one page each) and state the reference number in the subject line, using the online form. We have compiled further information for you in our FAQ. All documents will be destroyed after completion of the selection procedure in compliance with data protection regulations.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jens Hesselbach, Tel.: +49 561 804 3460.
In the event of any differences between the German and English versions of this call for application, the German wording is legally binding.
For more job offers visit stellen.uni-kassel.de
Please send your application with the usual informative documents, stating the reference number the subject line, via the online form. We have complied further information for you in our FAQ. The protection of your personal information is very important to us, so we will handle your personal information with care. By your application, you allow us the storage and use in the sense of the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act. You can object to this at any time. Your personal data will be deleted.
Information according to Art. 13 DSGVO for the application process at the University of Kassel can be found at:
https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/datenschutz/
Information and FAQ about applying for a job offer:
The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance.