W3 Professorship- Director at the DLR Institute of Aeroelasticity (f/m/x)

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Braunschweig and the German Aerospace Center e.V. (DLR) are looking in a joint appointment procedure (Jülich model) for a

who is appointed to the Technische Universität Braunschweig and at the same time granted leave of absence to take up the position of

with a reduced teaching load (two semester hours per week) as of 01.04.2026 in Göttingen.

According to the Jülich model, the professorship is associated with the management of the DLR Institute of Aeroelasticy at the Göttingen site. The joint appointment forms the nucleus for the topic of aeroelasticity within the cooperation between DLR and TU Braunschweig.

The DLR Institute of Aeroelasticity (www.dlr.de/ae) focusses on research and development in the fields of structural dynamics and aeroelastic system identification, unsteady aerodynamics, aeroelastic stability, dynamic loads, aeroelastic design and vibroacoustics. The employees work primarily at the Göttingen site on theoretical-numerical and experimental investigations for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, engines, gas and steam turbines and wind turbines or components of these systems. The institute is primarily involved in the aeronautics programme and, together with other DLR institutes from the research fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport and the cross-cutting topic of civil security and defence research, makes significant contributions to the research and control of elastic flow around structures. As an internationally recognised research facility for aeroelasticity and structural dynamics, the institute cooperates with national and international partners from science and industry.

The aim is to further expand the Institute's methodological expertise and technology transfer in the future. The professorship will be affiliated to the Institute of Aircraft Design and Lightweight Construction within the Department of Aerospace Engineering in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

We are therefore looking for a highly qualified, renowned personality with proven leadership experience who can comprehensively represent the field of aeroelasticity at DLR and TU Braunschweig in research and teaching (2 SWS), actively initiate interdisciplinary cooperation and is very well connected both nationally and internationally.

The position advertised addresses the following key areas, among others:

- methods of aeroelasticity in analysis and simulation
- unsteady aerodynamic and motion-induced forces
- nonlinear problems of aeroelasticity and structural dynamics
- interaction fluid-structure systems
- experimental and data-driven modelling in aeroelasticity

Essential qualification criteria:

- internationally renowned researcher in the field of aeroelasticity with relevant research experience with industry

- proven experience in the successful acquisition of third-party funded projects and in exchange of knowledge and technology transfer
- strong teamwork, management and leadership experience
- strong entrepreneurial thinking and experience
- readiness for interdisciplinary cooperation within DLR, TU Braunschweig and the Lower Saxony Research Centre for Aeronautics (NFL)

- national and international networking and commitment to increasing the international visibility of the TU Braunschweig and DLR
- commitment to diversity and equality
- very good knowledge of the English language and willingness to hold courses in English

We encourage candidates (f/m/d) to apply if you fit the profil and have the necessary experience.

The willingness to further expand the existing co-operation with industry as well as national and international universities and research institutions in conjunction with the DLR institutes is expected. Particular emphasis is placed on cooperation with industry, technology transfer and interdisciplinary cooperation within DLR with all programmes and between DLR and TU Braunschweig. Participation in the relevant research centres and joint collaborative projects at TU Braunschweig is also desired, including the Niedersächsische Forschungszentrum für Luftfahrt (NFL) and the Cluster of Excellence ‘Sustainable Energy Efficient Aviation (SE²A)’, as well as active participation in the core research area ‘Mobility’ at TU Braunschweig.

Individual career decisions and career breaks due to parental/family care leave affecting research output will be taken into account by the appointment committee.

- completed university studies
- pedagogical suitability proven by results of course evaluation
- special qualification for deepened independent scientific work, which is usually demonstrated by an above-average doctorate and
- habilitation or habilitation-adequate qualifications

The willingness to undergo a security check in accordance with the Security Check Act (§ 8 ff SÜG) is required for an application. A check in accordance with SÜG is a requirement for employment at DLR.

The Technical University of Braunschweig and DLR make personnel decisions based on suitability, qualification and professional performance. We strive to increase the proportion of women and therefore strongly encourage women to apply. Women with the same qualifications will be given preferential consideration. Severely disabled persons or persons with equal status have priority over applicants with equal qualifications, aptitude and professional performance who do not have preferential treatment under the law.

Applications from international scientists are welcome.

It is a permanent full-time position. A part-time appointment may be possible on request.

Applicants who are 50 years or older at the time the appointment commences and who have not acquired permanent civil servant status (Beamtenverhältnis auf Lebenszeit) will be employed with employee status (Angestelltenverhältnis).

Applicants (f/m/x) should enclose the usual documents with their cover letter addressed to the Chairwoman of the DLR Executive Board, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, as well as to the Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the TU Braunschweig, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Böl:

- academic background (curriculum vitae)
- academic certificates and diplomas (degrees)
- list of publications incl. copies of three selected publicationsl

- list of third-party funding, incl. project number and personal project function

- list of courses, including results of course evaluations
- research and teaching concept
- if applicable, add proof of nursing and parental/family care leave.
- if applicable, add proof of disability status

Please submit the application including all documents only digitally via the online portal of the TU Braunschweig.

The processing of your personal data by DLR is on the basis on a contract between TUBS and DLR according to Article 26 or 28 DSGVO.