Professorship (W1) Professorship (W1) with W3 tenure track Optochemical Biology

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at TU Dortmund University is offering the following position (starting at the earliest possible date):

Professorship (W1) with W3 tenure track Optochemical Biology

Our profile
Comprising 17 departments in the natural and engineering sciences as well as the humanities and social sciences, TU Dortmund University is a dynamic university with a strong profile in research, teaching, promotion of young scientists and transfer. The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology has a strong and longstanding research profile at the interface between chemistry and biology and is a central part of a closely connected network of local research institutions characterized by an open and cooperative scientific culture. This network includes the Dortmund Life Science Center (DOLCE), the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, the Department of Statistics, the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology, the BioMedical Center, as well as the Leibniz Institutes for Analytical Sciences (ISAS) and for Occupational Research (IfADo). The University Alliance Ruhr and several major biomedical research initiatives – such as the research center "One Health Ruhr - from Molecule to System" – further integrate the department into the regional scientific landscape. The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology is also seeking to fill the position of a tenure track professorship for “Protein Design”. Profile of the professorship
You will conduct research and teaching in the field of chemical biology, bioorganic chemistry or synthetic biology. Ideally, you are engaged in the design and synthesis of light-responsive molecular functionalities, enabling spatio-temporal control of biological processes. Approaches may involve the synthetic incorporation of artificial photoswitches or bio-derived light-addressable moieties into proteins, oligonucleotides, other biologically active compounds, or engineered photoswitchable proteins. Exemplary research areas cover the development and biointegra-tion of novel photoswitches with improved properties, light-control of cellular functions and photopharmacological applications. You show commitment to participate in research networks and cooperations within and outside TU Dortmund University, especially in CRC initiatives of the department. You are willing to acquire third-party funds, are committed to promoting early career researchers and participate appropriately in the teaching activities of the department. The appointment is initially for a period of three years as a temporary civil servant. In the course of the third year, this status will be reviewed and may be extended for a further three years depending on performance. At the end of this six-year assistant professorship at the latest, the tenure track will lead to continued employment as a tenured W3 professor, provided that the necessary aptitude, competence and academic performance have been demonstrated and that the legal requirements pertaining to Section 38 of the North Rhine-Westphalia Higher Education Act ( Gesetz über die Hochschulen des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen, HG NRW ) are met. The teaching load of the assistant professorship is four hours per week in each of the first three years. In the case of a positive review, it will increase to five hours per week in each of the last three years. Your qualifications
You will have obtained a doctorate with above-average success and already demonstrate initial experience in the dissemination of your research in the field of the professorship through international publications in recognized peer-reviewed journals. Experience in obtaining competitively awarded external funding is welcome. Additionally, you will have the potential for teaching excellence and are willing to teach in English and in the medium term in German. Social and leadership skills and the willingness to participate in academic self-administration will complete your profile. Moreover, the recruitment requirements in Section 36 and 37 HG NRW apply.

Attractive environment
We offer an excellent academic environment and attractive cooperation opportunities with renowned international, national, and regional partners. The metropolitan Ruhr Area with the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr) guarantees short distances to a diversity of partners from science and industry. With our Dual Career Service, we support your partner in finding professional opportunities in the region, if desired. We will be happy to provide information about housing and living in Dortmund and help you find childcare options. If you are coming to us from abroad, our Welcome Service will support you upon your arrival in Germany.

Diversity welcome
A central goal of TU Dortmund University is to promote diversity and equal opportunities. We strive to significantly increase the percentage of women in research and teaching and therefore welcome applications from female academics. We give preference to severely disabled applicants if their qualifications meet the requirements. We support the compatibility of family and career and promote gender equality in academia and research.

Your application
lf you are interested in the position, please submit your application (including CV, publication list, research strategy (max. 1 page A4), overview of teaching and research experience and acquired thirdparty funding, if applicable, and degree certificates) by 08.07.2026 via our application portal.

Details on the application process and the preparation of application documents can be found here:

Questions will be answered by the Dean of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology,
Professor Dr. Stefan Kast,
Tel: +49 231/755-3730 or [email protected]

Further information about the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology can be found at