In the heart of Saxony, the TU Bergakademie Freiberg has a lot to offer outstanding young researchers (m/f/d). The Faculty of Chemistry and Physics of the Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg invites applications for the position of Tenure-Track-Professorship for Microbiology and Biohydrometallurgy (W1-Tenure-Track leading to a W3) which is to be filled at the earliest possible date. After tenure the candidate should be able to represent the subject areas of microbiology and microbial biochemistry in full.

In their research, a suitable candidate will employ microbiological, molecular-genetic, and biochemical methods to gain insight, or develop processes in a field related to the resource-, material-, or environmental profile of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg. Particularly desirable fields include microbial leaching of ores, microbially-induced corrosion, microbial treatment of mine drainage, microbial metal metabolism and metal tolerance, or related topics. Additionally, possible areas of research are: adhesion of microorganisms to surfaces, biofilm formation, bioflotation, microbial ecology of extreme environments, subsurface microbiology, geomicrobiology, microbial degradation of organic contaminants, or microbial synthesis of poorly accessible chemical compounds.

• It is expected that the appointed professor will seek the cooperation of research groups within the university, specifically chemistry, materials science, mineralogy and raw materials research, and/or engineering. Collaborations with the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resources Technology (HIF) and other research institutions in Saxony, Germany, and internationally are very welcome.
• The appointed professor will be responsible for teaching microbiology and biochemistry as a fundamental part of the University’s bachelor, master, and diploma programs in applied science, chemistry, geo-ecology, and environmental engineering. In addition, courses as part of the curriculum of other faculties should be provided, in particular biotechnology in mining.
• The ability and willingness to teach courses in both German and English is expected.

The professorship is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and is intended do offer new career opportunities for scientists at an early-stage of their career. Applicants are expected to have worked scientifically outside the TU Bergakademie Freiberg for at least two years.

Initially, the position will be a W1-professorship for three years which, after a successful evaluation, will be extended for another three years. In the second phase of the W1-professorship, a tenure-track evaluation will be conducted in order to determine whether requirements for a permanent W3-professorship have been met. The evaluation criteria will be negotiated and will be based on research, teaching, academic self-administration and knowledge transfer. Based on international standards and transparent performance agreements, TU Bergakademie Freiberg ensures a fair tenure track evaluation process. In the research, this includes publications in peer-reviewed journals, successful fundraising, establishing of sustainable scientific co-operations and promotion of young scientists.

The applicant must fulfill the general criteria for an appointment as a professor according to § 63 of the SächsHSFG, Higher education act of Saxony in its currently valid and applicable version. The regulations of the SächsHSFG apply, cf. §§ 59, § 59 Abs. 2, 69 Abs. 3 SächsHSFG. TU Bergakademie Freiberg offers a programme that is tailored towards the specific needs of professors. Professors will find network meetings, Mentoring programmes and also training packages and individual coaching particularly helpful. For further information go to: https://tu-freiberg.de/grafa .