Junior Research Group Leader (m/f/d) – Innovative Process Engineering of Materials for Nuclear Fusion

Your Workplace

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Department of Materials Science

The Department of Materials Science was founded in 1966 as part of the Faculty of Engineering and consists of nine chairs with 18 full-time professors and approximately 190 research staff. This gives the department an outstanding position, both nationally and internationally, in terms of its disciplinary breadth.

The department covers the full spectrum of materials and materials science research. Unique to the department is the fact that it has dedicated chairs for all major material classes, and that both scientifically oriented research and the engineering aspects of materials science are represented.

Benefits: We Have a Lot To Offer

Regular promotion to the next level and increase in salary pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement for the public service of the German Länder (TV-L) or remuneration pursuant to the Bavarian Public Servants Remuneration Act (BayBesG) plus an additional annual bonus
30 days annual leave at five working days per week with additional free days on December 24 and 31
Occupational pension scheme and asset accumulation savings scheme
Excellent support during the academic qualification phase
Structured doctoral degree programs
Systematic career development in collaboration with the Graduate Center
Thorough onboarding process with a dedicated team
Joint team activities
Subsidized food and drinks in our student restaurants
Place of work within comfortable walking distance of public transport
Family-friendly environment with childcare options, also during school holidays
Flexible working hours
A wide range of training courses and opportunities for professional development
Active health management

Your Tasks

Establishment and leadership of a junior research group

• Development of a new research field

• Acquisition of third-party funding

• Supervision of doctoral candidates, Master’s and Bachelor’s theses

• Participation in teaching

• Participation in academic self-governance

Networking and Knowledge Transfer

• Cooperation and networking, especially with scientific, engineering, and technical research groups in the field

• Participation in the Bavarian Fusion Cluster and the planned Fusion Campus

Your Profile

• Excellent doctorate and proven expertise in the field of materials science and materials engineering

• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration

• Experience in project work and ideally initial experience in acquiring third-party funding

• Motivation to mentor and support early-career researchers

Additional Information

At the Department of Materials Science at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, a position for a Junior Research Group Leader (m/f/d) – “Innovative Process Engineering of Materials for Nuclear Fusion” is to be filled as soon as possible for a period of six years.

The junior research group is part of the Bavarian State Government’s Master Plan for Nuclear Fusion and the recommendations of the Expert Commission on Nuclear Fusion dated February 11, 2025.

The goal of the junior research group is to investigate new materials and/or material composites for use in nuclear fusion reactors based on innovative process technologies. The focus of material development should be on addressing extreme requirements regarding heat flux, radiation, and/or corrosion. The junior research group will be anchored in the Department of Materials Science at FAU and closely integrated into the Bavarian and international fusion research networks.

You are expected to contribute to the implementation of the Master Plan in research and teaching and to actively participate in the newly established Bavarian Fusion Cluster (BFC). To support you in establishing your own junior research group, we will provide – in addition to your own position (depending on qualification, experience, and job profile up to pay group 15 TV-L) – targeted support in the form of investment funds for building a modern research infrastructure, as well as a position for a research associate for up to six years.

The application process

Apply online
Automatic confirmation of receipt sent by e-mail
Place of employment views applications
Invitation to first interview
Optional invitation to second interview in person at FAU
Is there a match?
Employment documents prepared
Consultation with Staff Council
Commencement of employment – welcome to FAU

Notice

For all job postings, the following applies: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität promotes equal professional opportunities for women. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.

Severely disabled persons as defined by the German Severely Disabled Persons Act will be given preferential consideration if they have the same professional qualifications and personal aptitude and if the advertised position is suitable for severely disabled persons. Details can be found in the respective job posting under “Remarks.”

At the applicant’s request, the Equal Opportunities Officer may be included in the job interview without any disadvantage to the applicant.

All advertised positions are generally suitable for part-time work unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

Release date: 14.12.2025, Poster View

Apply now

**Application deadline:**19.01.2026

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Junior Research Group Leader*in (m/f/d) Innovative Process Engineering of Materials for Nuclear Fusion

Junior Research Group Leader*in (m/f/d) Innovative Process Engineering of Materials for Nuclear Fusion