Leader of the Young Investigator Group (m/f/d)

The Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) is seeking to fill the following position in Cottbus at the next possible date: 

Leader of the Young Investigator Group (m/f/d)

temporary for 3 years, full-time, E 14 TV-L

Reference number: 227/24

The Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) Cottbus-Senftenberg is a research-intensive university whose research profile includes both basic and application-oriented focus areas. Furthermore, as an essential contribution to promoting excellence and internationally experienced young researchers, BTU will establish a new junior research group in the Graduate Research School (GRS).

The BTU invites excellent scientists with a doctorate to apply as a junior research group leader for the »Young Investigator Group« (YIG) of GRS. As group leader of the YIG, you will have the opportunity to develop a research focus independently in one of the profile lines of our university:

• Global Change and Transformation Processes 
• Energy Reform and Decarbonisation 
• Health and Life Sciences 
• Artificial Intelligence and Sensorics 

Further information on the BTU profile lines: www.b-tu.de/forschung/forschungsprofil 

What we offer you: 

The BTU offers you excellent conditions for your scientific qualification and research. As leader of the Young Investigator Group, you will be able to expand and strengthen your own profile as an outstanding researcher for a scientific career. The Young Investigator Group is your stepping stone to your professorship and is intended to create the basis for your scientific network. The campus of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg recently became one of the most dynamic hubs for research in Germany. The interdisciplinary orientation of our scientific profile and the close cooperation with various research institutes (e.g. Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, DLR, Leibniz Association, Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Helmholtz Association) and federal institutes will offer you an outstanding opportunity. Furthermore, Cottbus is an inviting and liveable city with attractive and affordable housing options. It provides a very high recreational value in the surrounding area with its unique landscape, e.g. the Spree Forest and numerous lakes. 

The salary corresponds to pay scale E 14 of the collective labour agreement of the German federal states (TV-L). 

As the leader of the Young Investigator Group (YIG), you will: 

• independently implement an internationally visible research topic at BTU and successfully develop its depth and breadth with the junior research group; in doing so, you take on the scientific project management, supervise the research group and assume responsibility for budget and administrative tasks (e.g. for grants from research funding organisations);
• advance your research focus and gain an international reputation; this includes the preparation, acquisition and implementation of third-party funded research projects (especially DFG, EU, BMBF) and participation in collaborative projects; 
• assume responsibility for the scientific qualification and supervision of the doctoral students, and together with GRS, plan their professional and transferable-skills training; 
• publish the research results in high-ranking international journals and present them at relevant scientific conferences;
• cooperate with other scientists at BTU and strategic partners such as research institutes and federal institutes;
• build a nationwide and international network in your research field.

The position includes undertaking teaching under the framework of mandatory teaching duties of 6 hours per week, and the supervision of student research papers and theses is part of your duties. 

About you: 

The prerequisite is an outstanding university degree that meets the requirements of the pay scale for the collective labour agreement of the German federal states TV-L (accredited Master's degree/university diploma/equivalent) in a subject relevant to the job as well as an outstanding doctorate in the field of the research focus. We would accept applications only if you obtained your doctorate within the last 3 years. 

You have several years of experience in acquiring and managing projects in basic or application-oriented research. In addition, you have a track record of publications in high-ranking journals and international research experience. Your profile is complemented by a high proficiency in written and spoken English. 

On a personal level, you have demonstrated a distinct ability for scholarly work and conducting research. Your independent, goal-oriented and forward-looking way of working helps you to complete the above tasks successfully. You are creative, possess the ability to assert yourself with innovative ideas, and have an extraordinary commitment to science and versatile interests. Moreover, you have a great interest in interdisciplinary networking. 

At the same time, you are resilient, flexible and have excellent communication skills.

For further information about the vacant position, please contact Mr. Robert Rode (email: researchschool@b-tu.de, phone: +49 (0)355 69-3479).

We look forward to meeting you. 

The BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is committed to equal opportunities and diversity and strives for a balanced gender ratio in all employee groups in all employee groups. Persons with a severe disability and persons of equivalent status are given priority in the case of equal suitability. 

The BTU aims to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and strongly encourages qualified female applicants to apply.

Application documents:

• Cover letter to the Vice President for Research and Transfer with information on the originality and relevance of the chosen topic (max. 1 page);
• CV incl. contact information of referees (max. 4 pages);
• Project description (max. 6 pages, excl. list of references):
  1) Basic idea and concepts of your project, classification in one of the BTU profile lines;
  2) State of research and own preliminary work; 
  3) Methods and work programme; 
  4) Expected added value for your own and related research areas; 
  5) Social relevance of your project; 
  6) Schedule for planned publications; 
  7) Third-party funds acquisition plan; 
• Copy of your doctoral degree; 
• Copies of your academic transcripts and degrees (Bachelor, Master, Diploma); 
• Publication list and copies of your five most high-profile publications.

The submission of application photos is not required.

Please note the more detailed information on the selection procedure on the BTU website (in German only).

Please send your application documents in a PDF document, stating the reference number, exclusively by email by 10.01.2025 to the Vice President for Research and Transfer at Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, email: vp-forschung-transfer@b-tu.de.