Professor of Laser-Based Processes for Semiconductor and Photonics Systems (m/f/d)

Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, with over 6,000 students, is one of the largest and most successful universities of applied sciences in Saxony. With its campus situated in the heart of the university town of Mittweida, it has retained a close-knit atmosphere that makes working, researching, studying and living here an attractive experience. High-tech, creativity, cosmopolitanism and the commitment of the entire university community come together here in a close-knit environment. Practical teaching and research in engineering, natural sciences, computer science, business and media studies, and Social Work characterise the university’s broad profile. Staff and students benefit from certified family-friendly policies, a culture of inclusion in practice, and a wide range of sports and health-related activities.

To strengthen our team at the Laser Institute at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, the following professorship is to be filled in the Faculty of Engineering Sciences with effect from 1 March 2028:

Professorship in ‘Laser-based Processes
for Semiconductor and Photonics Systems (m/f/d)’

Reference number: 54-2026
Salary grade: W2

Your role

The successful candidate will represent the field of ‘Laser-based processes for semiconductor and photonics systems’, with a focus on functional thin films in teaching and research, and will bring sound methodological expertise to this role.

The Laser Institute at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences boasts an excellent infrastructure with cleanroom, UHV, UKP/laser and PLD facilities.

Within the HSMW’s research focus on laser technologies, specialisation in at least one of the following areas is desirable or expected:

• functional thin films and multilayer stacks (e.g. oxide/nitride heterostructures, switch/memory and reliability concepts) with a focus on AI-related hardware (e.g. neuromorphic computing, non-volatile memory/switches, memristor-based systems)
• semiconductor technologies and material- and process-related components for application-oriented partner ecosystems (particularly within the Silicon Saxony environment)
• New functional (quantum) materials and their laser-based fabrication, modification or process integration (e.g. interface/defect engineering, surface functionalisation)
• Thin-film/surface functionalisation for photonic and micro/nanoelectronic components (e.g. layer stacks for photonic chips, structured interfaces)
• Thin-film/surface functionalisation for medical applications 

A clear link to the existing research and teaching areas of the Laser Institute at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences in the fields of Laser Technology / Physical Engineering, laser-based additive manufacturing and/or Biophotonics is desirable.

The professorship involves teaching core modules, including in the following areas:

• Fundamentals of physics
• Solid-state and surface physics
• Physical coating technologies
• Theoretical physics (quantum physics, statistical physics)
• Physical analytics and laser physics

In these subject areas, the professorship involves delivering lectures, seminars and practical sessions. A sound theoretical knowledge and relevant practical experience are required for this role.

The duties also include:

• Supervising research practicals, Bachelor’s and Master’s theses
• interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments
• Participation in the university’s academic self-governance

A willingness to develop new forms of teaching and learning, as well as to participate in distance-learning courses and to help establish or further develop appropriate formats, is desirable.

In addition to teaching, the professorship involves active participation in research and the acquisition of third-party funding, particularly in the field of laser-based processes with a focus on functional thin films, with a clear emphasis on applications, prototyping and industrial collaboration.

We welcome applications from qualified candidates who meet the following requirements:

• Fulfilment of the appointment requirements in accordance with Section 59 of the Saxon Higher Education Act, as currently in force
• A completed PhD in a relevant field
• Very good command of German and English
• Willingness to deliver courses in English

Ideally, you will also have the following additional qualifications:

• Academic achievements in the form of publications, patents and externally funded research grants
• Willingness to play an active role in shaping and further developing the field of appointment in line with the development strategy of the Free State of Saxony and Mittweida University of Applied Sciences
• Willingness to contribute to innovative study programmes and extra occupational study options
• Willingness to engage in international, national and regional cooperation with institutions from business,
  industry and research

Please note: Even if you do not yet fully meet every single point listed, we would be delighted to receive your application provided that you fulfil the statutory recruitment requirements and have a compelling profile for the field of appointment.

As an employer, our university offers:

• an excellent environment for applied research with links to regional and international
  companies and research institutions, 
• a wide range of opportunities for academic and teaching development 
• support in balancing family and career (dual-career service, family-friendly working conditions, etc.)
• relative proximity to the cities of Chemnitz, Dresden and Leipzig, whilst the university’s location charms with its small-town atmosphere and easy access to nature.

Mittweida University of Applied Sciences is committed to a balanced staff structure. Applications from people of all genders are therefore encouraged. Furthermore, Mittweida University of Applied Sciences aims to increase the proportion of women in teaching and research and therefore expressly invites qualified female candidates to apply. Applications from people with severe disabilities and those of equivalent status are welcome and will be given preferential consideration where qualifications are equal; relevant supporting documentation must be included with the application.

For applicants from outside the area, a willingness to relocate to the university town or the surrounding region is welcomed.

Please send your application, preferably as a single PDF file (containing a tabular CV and an outline of your academic career, a one-page teaching concept and a one-page research concept, a list of academic works or publications, evidence of teaching experience in a higher education context (e.g. teaching evaluations) and copies of certificates of academic qualifications) by 1 October 2026 at the latest by email to: karriere@hs-mittweida.de (Subject line: ‘Application, reference number, name’)
or by post to:

Mittweida University of Applied Sciences | University of Applied Sciences
Human
Resources Department PO Box 1457 | 09644 Mittweida