Tenure Track Faculty Position in the Field of Chemistry

The Max-Planck-Institut (MPI) für Kohlenforschung in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, (www.kofo.mpg.de) is a top research institute of the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft in the field of Chemistry with about 400 employees, approximately half of them scientists. Two Nobel-prizes have gone to the Institute in the past (1963 and 2021).

We are seeking to fill

a tenure track faculty position (m/f/d) in the field of Chemistry
on the level equivalent to assistant or associate professor

However, applications of candidates qualifying for a full professor position will also be considered.
Terms of appointment would be discussed individually.

The position is available from April 1^st 2026, but the starting date is flexible and will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Our offer

We offer an intellectually stimulating environment, an attractive start-up package, continuous funding for a competitive scientific program, access to a world-class institutional experimental infrastructure at no extra charge, and a top-level salary. The search is open to candidates active in any area of chemistry. A focus on catalysis and related fields would be ideal, but the excellence of the candidate is the most important requirement, irrespective of specialization.

Your qualification

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field, demonstrated excellence in academic research, and a strong interest in developing an original, world-class research program. At an MPI there are no formal teaching obligations, but teaching opportunities could be arranged with one of the neighboring universities. Working language of the institute is English; the institute provides language classes, though, to facilitate everyday life.

The MPI für Kohlenforschung is strongly committed to closing the gender gap in leadership positions. Therefore, the position is designed according to the Lise-Meitner-Excellence-program of the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (https://www.mpg.de/lise-meitner-excellence-program), which is specifically aimed at increasing the fraction of female scientists in leadership positions.

Application process

Candidates must submit an online application by email (encrypted, if desired, then please provide password separately) to tenure@kofo.mpg.de. The application package should consist of

• A curriculum vitae including five highlighted publications of the applicant’s choice
• A full list of publications
• Description of the planned research program
• Further, the names and contact information of three references should be provided.

Review of applications will start on November 1^st, 2025. Later applications may be considered at the discretion of the search committee.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Severely disabled applicants will be given priority if equally qualified. We ask for your understanding that submitted application documents will not be returned. The information on the collection of personal data in accordance with Art. 13 GDPR can be found on our homepage under data protection regulation here.