Junior Professor of Experimental Physics (salary grade: W1) with tenure track to W3

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive, interdisciplinary focus areas in research and teaching. The Faculty of Mathematics, Physics & Computer Science at the University of Bayreuth is currently seeking to appoint a

to commence on or after 1 April 2027 as a fixed-term civil service position.

We are seeking an early-career scholar with an excellent record of initial research achievements and broad expertise in the field of soft matter physics. We are looking for an independent, pioneering and forward-looking research approach to the investigation of transport processes and/or emergent phenomena in non-living systems, e.g. in the field of complex fluids, active matter or life-like synthetic systems. Both the systems under investigation and the methods employed should usefully complement the existing research spectrum of the Physics Department and strengthen collaborations within and beyond the department. In terms of teaching, the subject of experimental physics is to be represented – eventually across its full breadth – in the bachelor's, master’s and teacher education programmes in physics, as well as in other programmes in the natural sciences and engineering. Candidates are expected to be willing to teach in English and, after two years at the latest, also in German, as well as to participate in academic self-governance.

In addition to the general legal requirements, prerequisites for this position are a university degree, proven excellence in teaching, and the ability to carry out scholarly research (generally demonstrated by the quality of the applicant’s doctoral research). Since the completion of the doctorate (date of the doctoral certificate) no more than four years should have passed. The requirements given in the university’s Bayreuth Track Regulations also apply.

The successful candidate will initially be appointed as a fixed-term civil servant for a period of three years and will be extended for an additional three years upon successful evaluation in the third year of employment. The teaching load is currently set at five hours of instruction in the first phase and seven hours of instruction in the second phase.

The performance agreement, which defines the criteria for the interim and tenure evaluation, is drawn up by the university and the applicant during the appointment negotiations. The agreement includes criteria in the categories of research and academic teaching, and may also include Third Mission and academic engagement. The appointment to the W3 professorship depends exclusively on the outcome of the tenure evaluation. After successful tenure evaluation, the candidate is appointed University Professor (W3) as a permanent civil servant. Further information on the Bayreuth Track process can be found via https://uni-bayreuth.de/en/appointments.

The University of Bayreuth views the diversity of its staff as an asset and is expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Female scholars and any persons who can help make the research and teaching profile of the university more diverse are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are highly welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the best practice club Family at University, and it offers “dual career support” for career-oriented partners of highly qualified employees. In addition, an extended audit conducted by the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) returned a favorable review for the University of Bayreuth’s commitment to internationalization. All qualifications being equal, applicants with disabilities will be given priority.

Applications (CV, outlining education and academic career, list of publications, list of courses taught, experience obtaining external funding, as well as copies of diplomas and certificates) are to be submitted electronically to the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics & Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Axel Enders, via https://uni-bayreuth.berufungsportal.de by 4 October 2026. 

Applicants are welcome to direct questions and requests for further information to the Dean at dekanat.mpi@uni-bayreuth.de. 

Following the conclusion of the appointment process, application documents will be permanently disposed of in accordance with data protection law