The Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus–Senftenberg (BTU) combines cutting-edge research and transfer at an international level, thereby creating an interdisciplinary innovation network and an excellent science and technology location. Together with its renowned partners, the BTU forms the Lausitz Science Network – an alliance of research institutions that jointly aim to further develop the strengths of the Cottbus–Senftenberg science location and increase its visibility. Through innovative research and new teaching and learning formats, the BTU is shaping the future: It contributes scientific findings and practice-relevant solutions to shaping the major future topics and transformation processes. It pools its strengths in teaching and research across institutes and faculties in four profile areas – "Energy Transition and Decarbonization," "Health and Life Sciences," "Global Change and Transformation Processes," and "Artificial Intelligence and Sensor Technology."
At its locations in Cottbus and Senftenberg, BTU guarantees its students a challenging education, individual support, and the opportunity to learn from and with each other with curiosity and openness. BTU stands for an inspiring atmosphere of learning and research in a dialogic, democratic community: The diversity of our faculty and our students enables innovation and progress.
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Energy Systems is seeking to fill the position of
Professorship (W3) in AI-supported Automation Technology
starting April 1, 2026
Tasks
The applicant is expected to represent the core areas of teaching in automation technology with a future focus on AI-supported automation systems. The increasing importance of computer science in this field should also be taken into account in teaching.
Research should focus on the transition to autonomous systems for automation and robotics. Future research should complement and expand the existing focus areas in automation technology and robotics through artificial intelligence (AI) in conjunction with microsensor systems. In addition, interdisciplinary aspects of IT security and human-machine interaction should also be addressed.
We are looking for:
... a nationally and internationally recognized individual with experience in several of the following areas:
- use of AI in production and related areas,
- design, development, and implementation of AI-supported robot systems,
- sensor data fusion, especially of multimodal sensor data,
- automation in production and logistics technology,
- design, development, and implementation of automated systems,
- application-supported research and integration of cyber-physical production systems,
- data management for automated systems,
- machine learning in the automation technology environment,
- methods and technologies of IT security and human-machine interaction,
………………………. – proven by:
- activities and experience in research (experience in acquiring third-party funding and project management/content responsibility, high-ranking publications in peer-reviewed journals, proven, distinctive expertise in both basic and application-oriented research, promotion of young scientists),
- activities and experience in the area of teaching,
- activities and experience in the area of transfer.
The professorship is expected to represent the aforementioned areas in research and teaching in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, artificial intelligence, and other degree programs at BTU, as well as to perform teaching duties in the bachelor's and master's programs in German and English. If sufficient German language skills are not available, the willingness to learn German soon is required, which will ensure participation in the faculty's management, as well as in university and non-university committees, as well as teaching the bachelor's programs in German.
BTU has been cooperating with the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) for several years in the area of the professorship. Interested candidates have the opportunity to work at IPMS as a group or department head on a part-time basis.
Profile
As a future professor, you can demonstrate the following qualifications in accordance with § 43 (1) No. 1 to 4a of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG):
- a completed university degree (mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or comparable),
- pedagogical aptitude,
- special aptitude for scientific work, usually demonstrated by a doctorate (automation technology, robotics, control and regulation technology, sensor systems),
- a habilitation (postdoctoral qualification) or equivalent additional scientific achievements.
In addition, you have experience in acquiring third-party funding and in implementing third-party funded projects, with experience with DFG or EU projects being particularly desirable.
Your university teaching experience enables excellent teaching in the field to be filled here. You have the ability to teach at all curricular levels, from bachelor's to doctoral, supervise theses, and support young researchers. Your knowledge and experience will enable you to participate in academic self-government and in raising the profile of the faculty.
We offer
- fair and transparent appointment negotiations,
- attractive working conditions in a city with a high quality of life and attractive surroundings, relatively close to Berlin, Dresden, and Leipzig,
- a dynamically developing research location,
- support in relocation to the immediate vicinity of your place of work,
- comprehensive advice in the dual-career service and in the area of family orientation, and
- attractive remuneration with a negotiable appointment benefit.
Further responsibilities arise from § 44 of the BbgHG in conjunction with § 3 of the BbgHG.
The employment requirements and conditions are set out in §§ 43 (1 – 4a) and 45 of the BbgHG.
The BTU is committed to equal opportunities and diversity and strives for a balanced gender ratio in all employee groups. Where equally qualified, it gives priority to individuals with severe disabilities or persons with equivalent status.
Information on appointment management including the legal basis as well as the status of ongoing appointment procedures can be found at: https://www.b-tu.de/en/universitaet/karriere-engagement/career/professional-appointment-management
Please send your application, including proof of qualifications, a table of your professional history, a list of publications, and proof of teaching aptitude, by email as a single PDF file (max. 7 MB) until 01.09.2025 to:
Email: fakultaet3+bewerbungen@b-tu.de
Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Energy Systems
Postal address: BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, P.O. Box 101344, 03013 Cottbus.
When submitting your application by unencrypted email, please be aware of the risks regarding the confidentiality and integrity of your application content and please also note the privacy policy on the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg website.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Peggy Näser (Tel.: +49 (0) 3573 / 85418, Email: naeser@b-tu.de).
