The Faculty of Physics and Earth System Sciences seeks to fill the above professorship from 1 April 2027.
Academic context
The core research areas of the Felix Bloch Institute for Solid State Physics range from solid-state-based spin and quantum phenomena to semiconductor physics, magnetism, superconductivity, mesoscopic materials, and the atomic structure of complex solids. In addition to addressing fundamental scientific questions, the institute also focuses on applications in quantum technologies, electronics, and energy conversion. These diverse research topics are part of the University of Leipzig’s Potential Area “Quantum Technologies and Spin Dynamics” and foster interdisciplinary collaborations and joint research projects with other university and non-university research institutions in Leipzig and the Central German region.
Future Duties – W2 Professorship with Tenure Track
We are seeking a committed individual who has an independent and internationally visible research profile in the field of quantum technologies, with a focus on quantum computing, and will further develop this profile at Leipzig University. The research should particularly address scalable quantum platforms based on neutral atoms, quantum information processing, quantum simulation, as well as the control and manipulation of complex quantum systems. The professorship is expected to actively contribute to the research activities of the faculty and to strengthen the Potential Area “Quantum Technologies and Spin Dynamics”.
The undergraduate teaching in experimental physics within Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs must be covered. This includes teaching duties amounting to 8 LVS, as well as supervision of seminars and of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral theses. This also includes the associated module and degree examinations in accordance with the applicable examination regulations.
The fulfilment of the following responsibilities is expected in the areas of research, teaching, transfer, academic and external engagement, and professional development:
Research: Establishment of an independent and internationally visible research group, acquisition of competitive third-party funding, publication of outstanding research results in internationally renowned peer-reviewed journals, as well as the establishment and maintenance of national and international research collaborations. Close collaboration with other institutes of the Faculty of Physics and Earth System Sciences, with other faculties of Leipzig University, and with non-university research institutions is also expected. Active participation in the university’s excellence and Potential Areas is required.
Teaching: Independent delivery of courses in experimental physics and quantum technologies, further development of the teaching portfolio in the areas of quantum physics and quantum information, and dedicated supervision of early-career researchers.
Transfer: Promotion of knowledge and technology transfer through collaborations with non-university research institutions as well as partners from industry and business, and contribution to the development of innovative applications in the field of quantum technologies.
Academic and Extramural Engagement: Participation in academic self-governance, in particular through service on committees and boards at the faculty and university level, as well as engagement in scientific societies and research networks.
Professional Development: Continuous enhancement of leadership, management, and communication skills, as well as participation in higher education didactics and interdisciplinary qualification programs.
The duties listed here form the basis for the evaluation agreement to be concluded by mutual consent following the offer of appointment.
Requirements
Successful consideration for the second application stage of competitive junior research group funding under the BMFTR Quantum Futur programme is a prerequisite. The establishment of the professorship is subject to the final approval of funding under the ‘Quantum Futur’ Early-Career Researcher Competition scheme run by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). The appointment is therefore subject to a positive funding decision and the provision of the relevant third-party funding by the BMFTR. We are seeking a candidate with a PhD in physics or a related discipline of outstanding quality, awarded with distinction (at least magna cum laude). In addition, the appointment requirements pursuant to Section 59 SächsHSG must be met, in particular the additional academic achievements within the meaning of Section 59(1) no. 4(a) SächsHSG. These additional academic achievements must be demonstrated by a positively evaluated junior professorship, a habilitation, or equivalent academic work. Demonstrable research achievements in the field of quantum technologies, in particular quantum computing, quantum optics, quantum information processing, or related areas, are expected, as evidenced by excellent publications in internationally renowned peer-reviewed journals.
The candidate has a proven track record of relevant scientific work in experimental fundamental and/or applied research. Experience with modern experimental methods in quantum physics, particularly in atomic, optical, or related quantum systems, is required. Experience in establishing scientific collaborations is considered an advantage.
Experience in university-level teaching in experimental physics, quantum physics, or related subject areas is desirable. Pedagogical aptitude and knowledge of higher education didactics, willingness to cooperate, and the ability to work with both experimental and theoretical researchers are required. Excellent written and spoken English skills are desirable for contributing to English-language degree programmes.
Future Duties – Permanent Professorship (W3)
After successful tenure evaluation, appointment to a permanent W3-Professorship will take place. Within the scope of this professorship, the long-term representation of the field of quantum computing with a focus on neutral atoms in both research and teaching is expected. The professorship is intended to develop an internationally visible research program, initiate and coordinate large collaborative research projects, and contribute to the strategic development of the Potential Area “Quantum Technologies and Spin Dynamics”.
Responsibilities include the acquisition and leadership of competitive third-party funded projects, the promotion of early-career researchers, the further development of the teaching portfolio in experimental physics and quantum technologies, as well as the maintenance of national and international research collaborations. In addition, close collaboration with other institutes of the faculty, other faculties of Leipzig University, and non-university research institutions at the national and international level is expected. The duties also include participation in academic self-governance.
About the W2 Professorship with tenure track
The professorship is initially limited up to six years. No later than in the fifth year of employment, a tenure evaluation will be conducted under the Regulations on the Constitution, Procedure and Evaluation of Tenure Track Professorships at Leipzig University (TTO). The evaluation procedure is based on a binding evaluation agreement concluded by mutual consent at the start of employment, which sets out the development goals and expectations with regard to the professor’s individual performance. After successful tenure evaluation, appointment to a permanent W3 professorship pursuant to Section 60 (3) of the Saxon Higher Education Act (SächsHSG) will take place without readvertising the vacancy.
The job holder’s rights and obligations are regulated by the SächsHSG and the Saxon Service Regulations for Higher Education Institutions (HSDAVO). Applicants must meet the requirements of § 59 SächsHSG.
Research, teaching, transfer, infrastructure and administration require a diversity of perspectives. The university is therefore committed to diversity and equal opportunities. We welcome your application, regardless of gender, nationality, religion, cultural and social background, age or sexual orientation. The university aims to increase the proportion of women in academia and therefore expressly encourages qualified women to apply.
Severely disabled persons – or persons deemed legally equal to them under Book IX of the German Social Code – are encouraged to apply and will be given preference in the case of equal suitability. If you have any questions about accessibility or need assistance with this application process, please contact Leipzig University’s disability officers at: schwerbehindertenvertretung@uni-leipzig.de.
Please apply exclusively via Leipzig University’s recruitment portal.
Leipzig University
Dean of the Faculty of Physics and Earth System Sciences
Professor Dr. Johannes Quaas
Linnéstraße 5
04103 Leipzig
Germany
