University Professor in Data Science in Mechanical Engineering

University Professor in Data Science in Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen

We are a young, innovative university located in the heart of the Ruhr metropolis. We pride ourselves on outstanding research and teaching, think in terms of opportunities rather than limitations, and develop ideas with a view to the future. Diversity is an integral part of our culture as we promote potential and are committed to upholding genuine equity in education.

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Duisburg-Essen is looking to fill the following position: University Professor in Data Science in Mechanical Engineering. The position is within the W2 salary band with a tenure track to W3 (as defined in the North Rhine-Westphalian regulations for the W salary range).

The application focus is on the development of data-based methods for automation technology, autonomous systems and mechatronics. The future research focus areas of this professorship will include:

• Aspect of the automation of vehicles, transportation systems and production facilities
• Modelling and control of complex mechanical systems
• Development of data-driven assistance systems, diagnostics and prognostics for monitoring technical systems

The successful candidate is expected to have independent academic expertise in several of the following research areas:

• Application of artificial intelligence methods for model-based description and technological optimisation of complex systems (e.g. vehicle and transportation technology, production systems)
• Data engineering, modelling and simulation, e.g. for control, monitoring and autonomous process management in mechanical engineering or process engineering
• Applied deep learning or reinforcement learning, e.g. in the perception technology of autonomous systems, damage diagnosis or predictive maintenance
• Leadership experience in research and/or development
• Experience in industrial research or in relevant cooperations with industry focusing on the technological implementation of research results

In research, the willingness to network and collaborate with others is expected in order to complement and expand the existing competencies in the Faculty of Engineering. This includes initiating, acquiring and conducting externally‑funded collaborative projects through joint applications with partners in the Faculty of Engineering and beyond. Cooperation with the other chairs of the Institute for Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems as well as with Technical Logistics and Mobility is of particular importance. The professorship also integrates ongoing research in robotics. The ability to conduct collaborative research on an international level is required.

This professorship is involved in several major research instrumentation units, such as the Test and Management Centre for Autonomous Inland Waterway Vessels (VeLABi) and the Test Centre for Innovative Port and Cargo‑handling Technologies (HaFoLa), with equipment including various simulators for vehicle driving and assistance systems.

The successful candidate will develop and teach classes in model and data‑based methods in autonomous systems, the fundamentals of autonomous vehicle systems, and the professorship’s research focus areas in the bachelor’s and master’s programmes offered by the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering in both German and English. Traditional and data‑based modelling methods are also to be taught. The future holder of the professorship is expected to play an integral role in expanding the programme offerings in autonomous systems. Willingness to didactically utilise and integrate virtual and AI‑based teaching and learning methods in a suitable manner is desirable.

Applicants should have published papers in leading peer‑reviewed venues and experience in conducting projects for which they have acquired external funding from competitive schemes, preferably projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) or equivalent. Candidates must outline their didactic approach, taking the profile of the University of Duisburg‑Essen into account.

Criteria for appointment are based on Section 36 of the North Rhine‑Westphalian Higher Education Act (Hochschulgesetz NRW; HG).

We emphasize diversity. The University of Duisburg‑Essen promotes the diversity of its members and strives to increase the proportion of women in its academic staff, strongly encouraging women with relevant qualifications to apply. If two candidates are equally qualified, women are given preference as stipulated in the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine‑Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz; LGG NRW). Applications from qualified candidates with disabilities or equivalent status as defined in Section 2 (3) of Book IX of the German Social Code (Sozialgesetzbuch; SGB IX) are encouraged.

Contact & Application Details:

• Applications should include a CV, a list of academic publications, copies of relevant certificates, a research profile description, a teaching and learning concept, information on teaching activities, involvement in academic self‑governance, and external funds obtained to date.
• Submit applications to Faculty of Engineering at by 13 August 2026.
• Further information on the position and its affiliations can be found at