The professorship is dedicated to craft-based and industrial timber construction as well as to technologies relevant to timber engineering. It encompasses university-level education and training for civil engineers and specialists with a focus on timber construction, the implementation of innovative, solution-oriented research and development in the fields of timber construction and wood technology. Another focus is on knowledge transfer activities in the areas of structural engineering, building construction, existing structure analysis, and the maintenance or restoration of existing load-bearing structures – including historic buildings – as well as in materials research, product development, and production processes, including quality management.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate recognised expertise along the entire value chain of wood, as well as a deep understanding of the performance of primarily timber-based load-bearing structures over their entire life cycle. The ideal candidate is a person with strong potential and experience in the following areas:
(i) innovative timber structures, for example with regard to efficient material use and/or circularity;
(ii) strategies for recycling, reuse, and reconstruction, particularly with respect to concepts for the assembly and disassembly of timber structures; and/or
(iii) assessment of uncertainties in materials, products, and construction processes, for example through the application of mechanical-probabilistic models, risk assessments, and reliability analysis.

The institute offers extensive opportunities for experimental research and development as well as for the realisation of research-based teaching – supported, among other things, by its own laboratory, the Lignum Test Center (LTC), and through participation in the Laboratory for Structural Engineering (LKI) at the Building Technology Center (BTZ) of TU Graz. In addition, there is a close collaboration with holz.bau forschungs gmbh, which is also located at the BTZ. A close cooperation with holz.bau forschungs gmbh is explicitly expected.

Employment Requirements

• A university education corresponding to the position, completed with a doctoral degree (PhD).
• Outstanding academic qualifications in research and teaching in the relevant field, preferably demonstrated by a habilitation (venia docendi) or by post doctoral scholarly achievements.
• Didactic skills for the effective delivery of teaching at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, demonstrated through appropriate teaching qualifications, teaching experience, or a habilitation.
• Qualification for a leadership position (strategy, personnel, and process development), preferably demonstrated through professional experience, for example by leading a research group, a technical office, or a comparable institution.

Desired Qualification

• Experience in acquiring and managing third-party funded projects in both proposal-based and contract research.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and a strong willingness to cooperate within and outside the university.
• Competence in the areas of gender and diversity, as well as sensitivity to the specific needs of people with disabilities.
• Visible integration into the international research community and a convincing research concept (quality and research potential).
• Didactic and pedagogical skills appropriate for a professorship, along with a high-quality teaching concept, including the ability to teach in both German and English (or the willingness to acquire the missing language skills within two years at a minimum B2 level).
• Sufficient leadership experience and the ability to successfully manage a research team.

We Offer

• University sports program and workplace health promotion
• TU Graz Welcome Service with advice for relocation, child care, schools, ...
• Interesting area of responsibility
• Safe and stable working environment
• Company pension funds
• Collegial and friendly working atmosphere
• International teaching opportunities and training
• Seal of quality for in-house advancement of women

Application Documents

Applicants are asked to send their detailed documents in English or German. The following information is required:

• A CV describing the past research and teaching activities as well as the type and scope of leadership and management experience (including copies of diplomas and relevant certificates)
• A list of publications highlighting the 5 most important publications
• Attaching the 5 most important publications in full-text or their web-adresses
• Your research statement (5 pages max.) describing future activities in Graz
• Your teaching statement including teaching statement and teaching profile (2 pages max. if not part of your CV) and past teaching evaluations (if possible) or teaching certificates (if available)
• A concept (2 pages max.) for the strategic orientation and development of your future team.
• Names and contact information of two people for references

Relocation of the future professor to the greater Graz area (main residence) is required.

Adequate written and spoken German and English language skills are expected.

Graz University of Technology aims to increase the proportion of women, in particular in management and academic staff, and therefore qualified female applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply. In case of under-representation, preference will be given to women if applicants are equally qualified.

Graz University of Technology actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities. Applicants are not to be discriminated in personnel selection procedures on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion and ideology, age, sexual orientation (anti-discrimination).

People with disabilities, and who have the relevant qualification, are expressly invited to apply.

Hearings

27.04. und 28.04.2026

dekanat.bau@tugraz.at

About us

Graz University of Technology is the most traditional technical and scientific research and educational institution in Austria. In its five areas of strength, the Fields of Expertise, it delivers top international performance and relies on intensive cooperation with other research and educational institutions, commercial enterprises and industry worldwide. In the competition to pool the best qualifications and resources, it is committed to excellence in its areas of strength and is looking for top talent with an innovative spirit and vision. We therefore cordially invite you to join our community of researchers and teachers. Join us in shaping the future on the international/national research stage. Work with us on socially challenging topics. Let's shape solutions together for the future of our society and economy and for the success of future scientists, specialists and managers.

In this video, we give you an insight into the working environment at TU Graz: HERE

TU Graz - Science . Passion . Technology We are shaping the future!