Professorship (W2 with tenure track to W3, or W3) in Experimental Physics (Observational Astronomy) (f/m/d)

The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and largest universities in Germany. With its six Faculties covering a broad spectrum of disciplines and its internationally outstanding research profile areas, it enjoys an excellent reputation for its academic achievements and high standards of undergraduate and graduate education. The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences comprises six departments with about 180 professors and 9,000 students and is one of the largest faculties in the country.

The Institute for Astrophysics at the University of Cologne is an in- ternationally recognized institution in the development of infrared and sub-mm instrumentation enabling cutting-edge observational programs. This is complemented by research in theoretical astro- physics and laboratory spectroscopy.

YOUR TASKS

We invite applications for a Professorship in Experimental Physics to renew and strengthen our expertise in the area of observa- tional and experimental astronomy. The appointed professor will develop a research program leading to breakthrough results exploiting world-class facilities to which our institute contrib- utes, such as the VLT(I)/ELT/JWST, ALMA or CCAT. The success- ful candidate will build links to the existing groups in fields of research such as star and planet formation, the interstellar medium, AGNs and galaxy evolution. An active participation in instrumentation/technology programs for future ground/space- based facilities is a strong asset, and securing third-party funding is expected. The successful candidate will participate in teach- ing physics/astronomy at Bachelor and Master levels, and to the self-governance bodies of the University.

YOUR PROFILE

We are seeking a person with strong leadership potential (W2 tenure track W3) or with outstanding visible achievements (W3) in fields relevant to observational and experimental astronomy, and in line with the described tasks. An excellent research track record is requested and demonstrated ability to attract third-party funding is desired. The candidate is expected to demonstrate teaching experience in physics and astronomy at the academic level.

OUR OFFER

The University of Cologne provides a stimulating academic environ- ment with a wide range of career development opportunities as well as support services for dual career couples and family-friendly working conditions.

The position will be filled either at the associate professorship level (W2) with tenure track to full professorship (W3), or directly as a permanent W3 position, depending on the profile of the candidate. For W2 tenure-track appointments, the tenure decision for a perma- nent W3 professorship will be based on the results of a final evalua- tion within the 5th year after entering into office in accordance with the Regulations for Quality Assurance in Tenure Track Procedures at the University of Cologne. Formal requirements are detailed in Section 36 of the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Hochschulgesetz – HG NRW). As a rule, the teaching load compris- es nine semester hours per week (i.e., two hours per week is one 90-minute course per semester).

The University of Cologne is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Women are especially encouraged to apply and will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportu- nities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from people with disabilities / special needs or of equal status.

Please submit your application (without a photo) with standard documentation (CV, publication list, statement of research and teaching, record of external funding when applicable, certificates of qualification and appointments) via the University of Cologne’s Academic Job Portal (https://professorships.uni-koeln.de) by December 15, 2023. Your application must be addressed to the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. For inquiries, please contact Prof. Dr. Lucas Labadie (labadie@ph1. uni-koeln.de).