Professor (W2/W3) System Software & Cloud Computing – TU Ilmenau

Technische Universität Ilmenau Seeks Expert in System Software and Cloud Computing

The Technische Universität Ilmenau, a leading German university for engineering and information technology, has announced an opening for a professorship focused on system software and cloud computing. This position, initially a W2 professorship with a tenure-track to W3, represents a significant opportunity for an internationally recognized researcher to shape the future of computing infrastructure and contribute to cutting-edge advancements in areas like artificial intelligence. The university is seeking a candidate with a strong background in developing scalable and distributed systems, with expertise in areas crucial to modern technological development. The application deadline is April 15, 2026.

Located in the state of Thuringia, Germany, the Technische Universität Ilmenau has a long-standing tradition of excellence in engineering and computer science. Founded in 1894, the university has evolved into a modern institution with a strong focus on research and innovation. The university’s website provides further details on its history, academic programs, and research initiatives. This new professorship will be housed within the Faculty of Informatics and Automation, specifically at the Institute for Practical Computer Science and Media Informatics, offering a collaborative environment for research and teaching.

Core Research Areas and Expertise

The ideal candidate for this professorship will demonstrate exceptional expertise in the development of system software for highly scalable and distributed systems. The university specifically highlights several key research areas as particularly desirable. These include system services for compute infrastructures, increasingly vital for supporting the demands of artificial intelligence applications. The rise of AI, particularly machine learning and deep learning, requires substantial computational resources, and efficient system services are critical for optimizing performance and scalability. According to a 2023 report by Statista, the global AI market is projected to reach $407 billion by 2027, highlighting the growing importance of this field. Statista’s AI market forecast provides detailed data on market size and growth.

Further areas of focus include software frameworks for cloud computing, a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructure. Cloud computing allows for on-demand access to computing resources, offering scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. The professorship as well seeks expertise in highly scalable processing of data-intensive processes, essential for handling the massive datasets generated by applications like scientific simulations, financial modeling, and social media analytics. Implementing resilient and secure software environments is another critical requirement, given the increasing threat of cyberattacks and the necessitate to protect sensitive data. Research into fault tolerance in distributed systems, resource management and task scheduling in cloud-edge continuums, and secure and efficient virtualization are also highly valued.

The position requires a blend of both fundamental research and practical application. Candidates should possess a proven track record of scholarly publications in international journals and conferences, as well as experience in securing external research funding. The ability to translate theoretical concepts into real-world solutions is highly desirable. The cloud computing market, for example, is expected to continue its rapid growth, with Gartner forecasting worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services to reach $678.8 billion in 2024, an increase of 20.7% from 2023. Gartner’s cloud spending forecast provides detailed insights into market trends.

Teaching Responsibilities and Academic Expectations

Beyond research, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute significantly to the university’s teaching programs. This includes delivering lectures and seminars in both Bachelor’s and Master’s level courses in areas such as operating systems, cloud computing, and transactional information systems. A willingness to contribute to foundational computer science education is also expected. The university emphasizes the importance of high-quality teaching and student engagement.

The professorship will initially be a W2 position, a fixed-term appointment of six years. Though, based on a positive tenure evaluation, the position will transition to a permanent W3 professorship without requiring a new application process. This tenure-track system provides a clear pathway for career advancement and recognizes the importance of long-term commitment to the university. The German academic system utilizes a tiered professorship structure, with W3 being the highest level, signifying a full professorship with significant research and teaching responsibilities.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Technische Universität Ilmenau is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its academic community. As a holder of the “Total E-Quality” certificate, the university actively seeks to increase the representation of women in research and teaching positions. Qualified female scientists are strongly encouraged to apply. The university provides active support for childcare arrangements and relocation assistance for family members. The university offers information about potential employers in the Ilmenau-Erfurt-Jena technology region to assist partners in finding suitable employment opportunities. This commitment to perform-life balance and family support is a key aspect of the university’s culture.

The university also prioritizes applications from individuals with disabilities, offering preferential consideration to qualified candidates. This commitment to equal opportunity reflects the university’s values of inclusivity and accessibility. The “Total E-Quality” certification, awarded by the European Commission, recognizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunity and diversity management.

Application Process and Requirements

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications, including a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, certificates, a publication list with three selected reprints, evidence of teaching experience, results of student evaluations, a summary of completed projects, and a research and teaching concept. Applications must be submitted online through the university’s online application portal by April 15, 2026. The application should be addressed to the Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Automation at the Technische Universität Ilmenau. The online application portal provides detailed instructions on the submission process.

Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both German and English, as teaching may be conducted in either language. A willingness to contribute to the ongoing development of curricula and study programs is also expected. Successful applicants will possess a completed doctorate, a habilitation (or equivalent scientific qualifications), and demonstrate pedagogical aptitude. The habilitation is a traditional German academic qualification, representing a higher level of scholarly achievement beyond the doctorate.

This professorship represents a unique opportunity to join a vibrant academic community and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the critical fields of system software and cloud computing. The Technische Universität Ilmenau offers a supportive environment for research and teaching, with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. The next step in the selection process will be the review of applications, followed by interviews with shortlisted candidates. The university anticipates making a final decision by late 2026, with the successful candidate assuming the position in the summer semester of 2027.

We encourage interested and qualified researchers to apply for this exciting opportunity. Share this article with your network and leave your thoughts in the comments below.