Overview
Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg – a leading research university in Germany. Commencement of duties: 01.04.2027. Application deadline: 17.02.2026. The German Climate Computing Center (Deutsches Klimarechenzentrum, DKRZ) is a central service provider for climate and earth system research in Germany. It offers high‑performance computers, data storage, and a research infrastructure for simulation‑based climate science. Professor (W3) of High Performance Computing and Managing Director of DKRZ. The position is based at the DKRZ and belongs to the Department for Informatics within the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences. It covers research in high performance computing and strategic scientific development of the DKRZ, with a focus on climate and Earth systems research. The appointee will also teach two hours per week per semester at the University of Hamburg. The DKRZ intends to strengthen its scientific development by appointing a Technical Director as co‑managing director alongside the professor.
Responsibilities
* Conduct research in high performance computing, with emphasis on climate and Earth systems applications.
* Lead the strategic scientific development of the DKRZ, including stakeholder‑aligned collaborations at regional, national, and international levels.
* Manage the technical, scientific, economic, and infrastructural operations of the DKRZ.
* Support climate change research through a competence and data center dedicated to climate services.
* Engage with the climate and Earth system modelling user community to understand, disseminate, and contribute to methodological innovations.
* Drive innovation in machine learning and other computational techniques for large‑scale simulation‑based research and observational data.
* Develop data engineering capabilities, including data lifecycle management, streams, and high‑performance data facilities.
* Coordinate multi‑center research cloud and high‑performance computing initiatives.
Qualifications and Expectations
* Outstanding scientific credentials in high‑performance computing, machine learning or AI.
* Doctorate in computer science or related field; completed studies with a Ph.D. are required.
* Significant experience in scientific leadership, including oversight of specialized method and infrastructure facilities.
* Clear ability to lead technical personnel and develop scientific infrastructure aligned with stakeholder requirements.
* Motivation to engage with domain‑specific challenges of the climate and Earth system modelling community.
* Proficiency in German at C1 level; university support available if needed.
* Demonstrated capability to contribute to methodological and technical innovation in high‑performance computing.
* Experience with large‑scale simulation‑based research and observational data.
* Strong conceptual and technical skills in data engineering and high‑performance data facilities.
Benefits
* Work‑life balance opportunities and support for partners and children (dual career).
* Onboarding services and continuing education opportunities.
* Competitive salary pursuant to the W pay grades in Hamburg.
* Tenure and civil servant status, providing job security and retirement benefits.
* Health management and benefits, including EGYM Wellpass.
Application and Appointment Procedure
Upload all supporting documents as a single PDF:
* Cover letter
* Curriculum vitae
* Publication list
* Proof of teaching experience (e.g., list of courses)
* Proof of experience and success with externally funded projects
* Certificates and supporting documents
* Three representative publications
* Description of teaching and research plans
* Evaluations, if available
* Additional documentation such as talks, posters, and important roles in organizations, where available
* Ideas for further development of the DKRZ
Technical problems? Contact bewerbungen@uni-hamburg.de. Short‑listed candidates will be evaluated by an assessment center. Further information on the academic search procedure is available at www.uni-hamburg.de/appointment-procedure. The appointment requirements and professorial duties are determined by the relevant regulations (Sections 15, 18 and 12 subsection 7 Hamburg higher education act). Read more about privacy during the selection procedure.
Contact
* Prof. Dr. Mathias Fischer – mathias.fischer@uni-hamburg.de – +49 40 2395-20112
* Prof. Dr. Johanna Baehr – johanna.baehr@uni-hamburg.de – +49 40 2395-22605 (team assistant)
Location
Bundesstraße 45 a, 20146 Hamburg Google Maps
Reference number
2451/W3
Equal Opportunity Statement
University of Hamburg strives to integrate gender equality, diversity, and work‑study‑life balance into teaching and management. Women, people with a disability, and those from diverse ethnic backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status receive preference over equally qualified non‑disabled applicants.
University of Hamburg has been certified as a family‑friendly university.
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