About TU Darmstadt

TU Darmstadt stands for excellent and relevant science. We are playing a decisive role in shaping far-reaching processes of global change—from energy transition to artificial intelligence—through outstanding scientific knowledge and innovative academic programmes. We group our cutting-edge research into three fields: Energy and Environment, Information and Intelligence, Matter and Materials. We are a university with strong ties to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region and a very strong international focus. We are committed to European values and European integration.

About our department

With its wide variety of topics and methods, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at TU Darmstadt makes relevant contributions to the design of socio-technical systems. We use our talents and skills to promote sustainable development.

Equal treatment and respect are important to us. We are internationally connected and want to offer every researcher the best opportunities for development, regardless of their background. We strive to attract the best minds for our research. We therefore see diversity and different areas of experience as an opportunity.

Your tasks

The Full Professorship (W3) „Vehicle Propulsion Systems“ aims to develop the best possible propulsion system for vehicles taking into account the respective energy system and the target application. It covers fundamental and application-oriented research and teaching. The focus is on the overall system from energy storage to the driven wheel. The focus of the professorship supports the department's strategy of strengthening “Sustainable Engineering” as well as the “Optimal Holistic Effectiveness” approach of the xchange-Circle M&T. 

We are looking for a person who will research vehicle propulsion systems and components for vehicles using modern, data-driven development methods and further develop them for future use in a de-fossilized energy system, starting from April 2026 or a later date. Research activities could, for example, focus on

• Design and analysis including life cycle assessment of sustainable vehicle propulsion systems from the energy source to the driven wheel or
• Technology research on key components such as CO2-neutral, electrified internal combustion engines, long-life traction batteries or dynamic battery-fuelcell hybrid systems or
• Method development, e.g. for predictive strategies or usage profile-based powertrain design using digital twins or
• powertrain control, e.g. machine learning-based, approvable/certifiable control approaches.

An attractive, modern, experimental infrastructure is available for this professorship. A strong willingness to cooperate in national and international projects with academia and industry, as well as in interdisciplinary teams across the departments of the university (especially Electrical Engineering and Information Technology or Civil Engineering) is expected. It is required to actively acquire third-party funding. The professor should participate appropriately in the teaching tasks of the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, as well as interdisciplinary degree programs and further develop these.

Your profile

We are looking for a scientifically distinguished person with several years of industrial and management experience in research and development of propulsion systems, such as combustion engines or transmissions. A degree in engineering or natural sciences, followed by a qualified doctorate, didactic and pedagogical aptitude, and a willingness to participate in academic self-administration are required. We require a habilitation or equivalent achievements.

As part of the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region, Technical University of Darmstadt and its surroundings are characterized by living internationality. The core element of this is a cosmopolitan climate with functional multilingualism at our university. Therefore, very good English and, at the latest after three years, good German language skills are expected.

The position includes a remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications, following the German "W-Besoldung", and is subject to negotiations between the applicant and the university directorate. Further requirements for employment are based on § 67 and § 68 HessHG (Hessisches Hochschulgesetz).

We offer

Technical University of Darmstadt offers varied and challenging assignments, freedom to work independently, the latest technologies, good collaboration between colleagues in partnership, needs-based training opportunities and customised personnel development.

• Development and organisation – comprehensive in-house training offers, including the opportunity for continuing education and development;
• Sustainable and mobile – eligibility to free public transport in the state of Hesse with the LandesTicket Hessen (Hesse StateTicket), in addition to opportunities to working mobile at times;
• Fit and healthy – free of charge preventive medical check-ups and a wide-ranging subsidised sports programme
• Work-life balance – flexible working time models, plus BGM (Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement – University Health Management);
• Family-friendliness and career – Technical University of Darmstadt is certified as a family-friendly university and offers a dual career program

General information, data privacy

TU Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female employees and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications, applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference.

By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed for the purpose of filling the vacancy. You can find our privacy policy on our webpage.

Contact

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. Steven Peters on +49 6151 16 24200.

Your contact person:

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Steven Peters

steven.peters@tu-darmstadt.de

+49 6151 16 24200

Published on

2/11/2025

Application deadline

3/31/2025

Technische Universität Darmstadt

Karolinenplatz 5

64289 Darmstadt