The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.
The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine.
Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.
The Department of Engineering (Do E) is a dynamic, interdisciplinary group engaged in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, driving forward innovative research and solutions. It also has an internationally leading profile in computational science and engineering. We develop cutting-edge technologies, promoting the sustainable and economical use of resources, and meeting the technological demands of Luxembourg, the Greater Region, and beyond. Nearly all research projects are supported by a network of national and international partnerships, several with public or industrial stakeholders. At the University, the Department cooperates across faculties and with the interdisciplinary centres.

Your role

Materials engineering is viewed as crucial for sustainable technologies, as it contributes on one side, to the optimisation of materials performance and functionality, therefore there is a need for less and better materials; on the other side, to the development of more eco-friendly materials. In particular, industry needs advanced materials and manufacturing technologies that can further enhance the circularity in critical raw materials that will help to improve the competitiveness of products with a lower demand for virgin materials, and further contribute to European efforts to diversify the EU’s supply of critical raw materials.
Hard materials are an important field in materials engineering. They are largely used in manufacturing of tools for a wide range of applications, including automotive, aerospace, chemicals, engineering, industrial and consumer goods. At present, there is a tremendous industrial need in materials for major engineering applications in situations where tribology and high-end quality are important. This can be exemplified by machining, rock drilling and metal cutting. Especially, cutting tools are an important asset for the EU as it is essential to transfer material science innovations into society and by producing high-end products out of difficult to machine materials like composites, or Titanium which are often used in aeronautics.
In this context, CERATIZIT and the University of Luxembourg have decided to create a Chair in Hard and Advanced materials, based on the long track record of collaboration between both institutions.
The Chair will contribute to the mission of the University of Luxembourg, based on three pillars:

• Research & Development: It will develop leading research in marketable advanced materials and manufacturing technologies. This will include hard metals and powder metallurgy
• Education: The team will support the engineering study programmes, from bachelor to doctoral level, also with new courses in the area of the Chair and with an orientation towards the needs of national industries. In this way, we expect to better tackle the needs in engineering of the labour market
• Outreach: The team will be active in outreach activities for the general public and, specially for high-school students. The main objective will be to increase interest in key challenges in engineering, such as sustainable manufacturing, advanced materials and energy and material efficiency, and therefore attract more students to study engineering

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to all these aspects, aiming towards a larger goal of creating a center of excellence in advanced materials in Luxembourg. For this the candidate will work in close collaboration with CERATIZIT, further strengthening the existing ties, but will also establish partnerships with the LIST.

Your profile

The candidate will establish a globally recognized research programme showcasing expertise in:

• Hard materials
• Sustainable production
• Innovative production materials
• Optimisation of materials properties

The candidate must exhibit exceptional scholarly achievements in research; thus, sound evidence of research excellence appropriate to the candidate's rank will be essential in selection.
The candidate should have experience in teaching and possess an enthusiasm for engineering education because the responsibility will include designing and delivering both undergraduate and graduate courses related to manufacturing. The ability to develop and teach courses in manufacturing at the university level is crucial.
The candidate's role also requires to help make education more inclusive and diverse by:

• Promoting inclusion and encouraging underrepresented groups to participate
• Increasing diversity in education
• Incorporating multicultural perspectives into teaching and research
• Creating teaching methods that provide various learning styles

Qualifications, experience, aptitude:

• Ph.D. in materials chemistry or a related engineering discipline to fulfil formal educational requirements
• Professional leadership experience in industry is considered as an asset
• A strong international track record in research
• A sound research background in Hard and Advanced Materials
• Experience in acquiring and managing research projects
• Experience in teaching at the university and supervision of researchers
• Previous involvement in outreach activities, in particular for high-school students
• Good presentation, communication, organisational and management skills
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaborations
• Proficient in English and either French or German (the University encourages its staff to learn the other language and provides access to language courses)

We offer

• The opportunity to be the CERATIZIT Chair, with generous supporting conditions
• An exceptional research environment and skilled support staff
• State-of-the-art laboratories for material and structural testing
• Easy contacts with industry, ministries and other sector stakeholders
• Established networks with all universities in the neighbouring regions
• An attractive remuneration package
• A Faculty dedicated and experienced Grants Office

Socially and diverse environment:

• A pleasant, multinational and diverse living and working environment
• Support for career development and mentoring
• Social activities to promote staff well-being and work-life balance
• Inclusive and family- friendly policies, including the Marie Speyer Excellence grants for women, flextime, home-office possibilities, family friendly leave options & partial support for childcare costs for conferences

How to apply

Applications in English should include:

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation letter
• Research statement
• Teaching statement highlighting areas of interest in education and willingness to contribute to departmental operations
• Full list of publications
• The names of at least four experts who can provide reference letters on request

We ensure a full consideration for applications received by 6 September 2024. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.
All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.
General information:

• Contract Type: Academic - Permanent
• Starting Date: As soon as possible
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Job Reference: UOL06729

For further questions, please contact the Dean of the Faculty under pascal.bouvry@uni.lu