Tenure-track Professorship (W1) „Autonomous Particle Accelerators“ Full-time

Professorship In Accelerator Physics

We are looking for a personality (f/m/d) who will expand KIT's role in research, teaching, and innovation in establishing novel methods in the design, operation, and research of particle accelerators. This applies both to future accelerators, which can only be made possible through the development of new concepts, and to the efficient autonomous operation of existing accelerators.

The professorship works on topics such as innovative (including AI-based) methods for operating accelerators in a nonequilibrium state, the development of accelerator designs with reduced size, improved stability, and higher cost and energy efficiency of existing and novel systems, such as compact storage rings. Challenges include the diagnosis and real-time control of instabilities in accelerators across the entire scale, from heat to collective effects in electron bunches. The implementation and demonstration of research results at the test facilities of the Accelerator Technology Platform (ATP) at KIT and, if applicable, at cooperation partners is expected.

The successful candidate will establish and independently lead a working group on autonomous particle accelerators at the Institute for Beam Physics and Technology (IBPT). They will participate in the program-oriented funding of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers, particularly in the “Matter and Technologies” program. Research topics and tasks in the program include new accelerator technologies, methods of electron beam control and diagnosis.

The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues of the ATP, particularly in the fields of physics, electrical engineering, and computer science. They will raise third-party funding from national and international sources and actively support the transfer of scientific/technological results into applications. In teaching, appropriate participation in courses, special lectures, and export lectures is expected.

The candidate has acquired a junior research group in a competitive funding program (e.g., DFG Emmy Noether Junior Research Group, Helmholtz Junior Research Group, ERC Starting Grant, junior research group from ministries) no later than three years prior to this call for applications.

You will execute large-scale research tasks with a teaching obligation of 6 hours per week per semester, if you have been evaluated positively. In other cases, your teaching obligation will be 4 hours per week per semester.

We Offer

• Excellent Research Conditions & State-of-the-art Infrastructure: Benefit from a unique environment that combines university and large-scale research, and gain access to state-of-the-art equipment and interdisciplinary projects. This environment enables you to conduct both basic and applied research at the highest level.
• International Networking: You will work in a global network that encompasses international collaborations and English-language scientific communication. KIT promotes exchange with leading research institutions and industry partners worldwide.
• Transparent Career Paths & Personal Development: Clear development prospects, individual coaching, and a well-developed leadership development program support you in steering your academic career in a targeted manner.
• Family-friendly Offers: The KIT Dual Career Service supports you and your partner in integrating into the workforce, while flexible working time models and company childcare facilities make it easier to balance work and family life.
• Onboarding & Integration: A customized onboarding program will accompany you from your first day at work, enabling you to quickly get started in research, teaching, and the KIT networks and get off to the best possible start.

Salary

Salary is determined by the statutory provisions of the state of Baden-Württemberg and corresponds to the basic salary of pay grade W1 (civil service pay scale). In addition, allowances may be awarded. Where applicable, a family allowance is paid in accordance with civil service regulations.

Contract Duration

Employment is limited to six years as a civil servant for a fixed term or as a salaried employee. Before the expiry of the third year of work, an interim evaluation will take place. The evaluation procedure and evaluation criteria are outlined in the Quality Assurance Concept for Junior Professorships and Tenure-track Professorships at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Specific interim and final evaluation criteria will include visible contributions to the field of research, such as publications and specialist lectures, internal and external research collaborations, evaluations demonstrating successful teaching, supervision of young scientists, and contributions to third-party funding. In case of a positive final evaluation, you will be offered a full professorship (W3).

Contact Person In Line-management

For subject-matter inquiries, please contact Professor Anke-Susanne Müller, email: anke-susanne.mueller@kit.edu

Application

Please mail your application with the relevant documents (curriculum vitae, list of publications, diplomas/certificates, teaching evaluations, description of previous and planned research and teaching activities, research and teaching concept, description of your own contributions in the abovementioned areas, acquired third-party funds, statement on scientific honesty), preferably as a single PDF file, to Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Division V – Physics and Mathematics, Head of Division Professor Marc Weber, E-Mail: dekanat@physik.kit.edu

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We prefer to balance the number of employees (f/m/d). Therefore we kindly ask female applicants to apply for this job. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal. Application up to: 2026-31-05 Job posting number: 1344/2025 KIT processes your personal data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.