Full Professorship (W3) in Cognitive Robotic Systems and Production Automation and, in Joint Appointment, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF (m/f/d)

Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg

39106 Magdeburg

Bewerbungsfrist: 2026-10-16

Overview

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg invites applications for the position of a Full Professorship (W3) in Cognitive Robotic Systems and Production Automation and, in Joint Appointment, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF (m/f/d).
The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft is Europe's leading organization for applied research. It drives innovation at the interface of science, industry, and society.
This joint appointment offers opportunities to conduct application oriented research with academic freedom while contributing to both OVGU and Fraunhofer IFF.

Overall strategic, scientific, and financial responsibility for Fraunhofer IFF.
Strengthening and further developing the scientific expertise at OVGU, particularly with the Institute of Engineering of Products and Systems.
Developing and implementing a forward looking strategy for Fraunhofer IFF aligned with technological trends, industrial needs, and Fraunhofer objectives.
Entrepreneurial management of Fraunhofer IFF, including budgets, personnel, and research infrastructure, and long-term financial sustainability.
Building, leading, and developing a high performing leadership team and fostering an innovative culture.
Defining and prioritizing the institute's research roadmap in robotics, automation, digitalization, and AI.
Establishing and maintaining relationships with industrial partners, governmental bodies, and funding agencies.
Promoting early career researchers and contributing to academic teaching at the university.

Doctoral degree with distinction and habilitation or equivalent qualifications for a full professorship.
Internationally recognized publication record in peer reviewed journals and conferences.
Experience in planning, acquisition, and management of competitively funded research projects, including industry funded projects.
Experience in leading large interdisciplinary research groups and collaboration with industry.

Substantial expertise in robotic and automation systems for manufacturing and production environments.
Represent and develop two of the following areas: cyber physical system models and digital twins; collaborative robotic systems; human–machine/human–robot interaction; ML/AI methods across product life cycle.
Advantageous: sensor data fusion; IT/OT security; planning for capacity-optimized, resource-efficient automation systems.

Five+ years of leadership or senior management experience in research, industry, or similar organizations.
Leadership across organizational structures; managing large research portfolios and third party funding.
Change management, organizational development, and strategic management of complex organizations.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and networking skills.
Awareness of gender equality and diversity; entrepreneurial mindset; international network.
Experience teaching university courses; willingness to contribute to academic self governance.
Excellent command of English; German at least CEFR C1 or willingness to acquire proficiency.

Leadership position with extensive strategic and managerial responsibility.
Excellent research infrastructure, motivated teams, and strong industrial network.
Teaching in robotics, automated production systems, and Industry X.0 (4 SWS).
Family-friendly policies and flexible working arrangements; reconciliation of professional and family life.
Equal opportunities for women and men; preferential consideration for severely disabled applicants if qualified.

Contact for further information: Prof. Dr. Ing. Andre Katterfeld (OVGU) or Dr. Patrick Hoyer (Fraunhofer).
Submit application with CV, career description, publications, courses taught, teaching achievements, future research/teaching plans, and certificates by October 16, 2026.
Submit electronically as a single PDF to OVGU and simultaneously to Fraunhofer President with provided emails.

Prof. Dr. Ing. Andre Katterfeld, OVGU, Email: fmb.dekan@ovgu.de
Dr. Patrick Hoyer, Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, Email: patrick.hoyer@zv.fraunhofer.de