What is the TV-L salary scale for academic positions in Germany?

Most academic positions in Germany follow the TV-L (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder) salary scale. PhD students and postdocs are typically on E13, earning roughly €50,000–65,000 gross per year depending on experience level and state.

Do I need a Habilitation for a professorship in Germany?

Traditionally yes, but Germany has been introducing tenure-track (Juniorprofessur) positions that serve as an alternative to the Habilitation. Many universities now offer W1 tenure-track positions leading to W2/W3 professorships without requiring a Habilitation.

Is English sufficient for academic work in Germany?

In most STEM research groups, English is the everyday working language. However, teaching duties, administrative communication and some social science/humanities positions require German. Job postings typically specify the language requirement.

Chemistry & materials positions in Germany

University of Bonn

Scientific staff

Scientific Employee

Published on: 15.05.2026 The University of Bonn (Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn) is an international research university with a broad spectrum of disciplines. 200 years of history, around 31,500 students, more than 6,000 employees and an excellent reputation nationally and internationally: The University of Bonn is one of Germany's most significant universities and has been designated as an Excellence University. The AI Service Center WestAI is seeking a Scientific Employee as of July 1, 2026, for part-time work (50%) and currently for a limited period according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG until December 31, 2027. The AI Service Center WestAI is one of four AI Service Centers in Germany funded by the BMFTR. WestAI pools the expertise of leading research institutions from North Rhine-Westphalia and supports companies, in particular SMEs and start-ups, as well as the scientific community in the practical application of Artificial Intelligence. The focus is on consulting, prototype development, access to AI computing resources, models and test platforms, as well as the transfer of excellent AI research into application. After successfully establishing the center, WestAI is now in its second funding phase, with a stronger focus on operations, quality assurance, sustainability and integration into the national and European AI ecosystem. For the strategic further development of WestAI, we are seeking a scientifically qualified, committed leadership personality to take over the operational management of the center. Application deadline: 14.06.2026 Reference number: 2026/202 Working hours: Part-time Start of activity: Duration: limited Salary grade: TV-L EG 13 You are responsible for the operational management of the AI Service Center WestAI and ensure smooth operations within the consortium, represent the center externally, and actively drive the further development of structures and services. This includes in particular: The University of Bonn promotes an open, appreciative and discrimination-free university culture and is committed to...

🇩🇪 Bonnbefristet, EG 13, Kennziffer: 2026/310

No deadlineSource: University of Bonn

Fraunhofer UMSICHT · UMSICHT - Umwelt-, Sicherheits- und Energietechnik

Internship

Master's Thesis/Internship in the Field of Polymer Chemistry of Bio-based Raw Materials

We want an earth worth living on. Our applied research in Circular Economy, Carbon Management, Green Hydrogen and Local Energy Systems makes concrete contributions to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. As an institute of the Fraunhofer Society, we demonstrate how to not only overcome challenges, but to grow from them. We push boundaries, think further and shape the future with applied research. Diverse perspectives and ways of thinking strengthen creativity and innovation in our scientific...

🇩🇪 Oberhausen

No deadlineSource: Fraunhofer UMSICHT

Fraunhofer SIT · SIT - Secure Information Technology

Student / Thesis

Master's Thesis: Detection and Segmentation of Suggestive Clothing

Background/Motivation: Models that can recognise human skin, body parts, or scenes are often used to detect erotic and pornographic material. With the help of appropriate datasets [1], classification and object detection models can be trained. However, there are also images that are obviously erotic or pornographic, but cannot be recognised by conventional methods. This applies, for example, to people in skin-tight latex or leather clothing. Existing approaches in the field of "Human Parsing" can already segment people and their clothing well. Additionally, datasets like Fashionpedia [2]…

🇩🇪 Darmstadt

No deadlineSource: Fraunhofer SIT

Fraunhofer IWU · IWU - Werkzeugmaschinen und Umformtechnik

Student / Thesis

Student Research Assistant in Sensor Technology, Functional Materials and Lightweight Construction

The Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU offers a position for student part-time work, internship, study or thesis project at the Dresden location. What you will do Student job in research directly at Campus Dresden! Innovative sensor technology for lightweight construction, electromobility and energy transition interest you - Then we are looking for exactly you! What you bring Enthusiasm for practice-oriented research and development, interest in sensor technology and lightweight construction, initiative, independence and reliability, Currently enrolled in a...

🇩🇪 Dresden

No deadlineSource: Fraunhofer IWU

Fraunhofer IWM · IWM - Werkstoffmechanik

Internship

Unsolicited Application for a Mandatory Internship / Practical Semester

At Fraunhofer IWM, 330 employees conduct research on materials and components with the goal of better understanding, developing, processing, and utilizing them. In our projects, we bridge the gap between the properties of materials and the durability, safety, and functionality of technical systems. We demonstrate paths and solutions for greater energy efficiency and sustainability. Because materials are critical to success for climate neutrality, for the responsible use of the limited resources on our planet, and for the sustainable transformation of our...

🇩🇪 Freiburg im Breisgau

No deadlineSource: Fraunhofer IWM

Fraunhofer IWM · IWM - Werkstoffmechanik

Student / Thesis

Unsolicited Application for a Bachelor's / Master's Thesis

At Fraunhofer IWM, 330 employees conduct research on materials and components with the aim of better understanding, developing, processing, and utilizing them. In our projects, we bridge the gap between the properties of materials and the durability, safety, and function of technical systems. We demonstrate paths and solutions for greater energy efficiency and sustainability. Because materials are crucial for achieving climate neutrality, for the careful management of the limited resources on our planet, and for the sustainable transformation of our…

🇩🇪 Freiburg im Breisgau

No deadlineSource: Fraunhofer IWM

Fraunhofer IWM · IWM - Werkstoffmechanik

Student / Thesis

Unsolicited Application as Student Research Assistant

At Fraunhofer IWM, 330 employees conduct research on materials and components with the goal of better understanding, developing, processing, and utilizing them. In our projects, we bridge the gap between material properties and the durability, safety, and functionality of technical systems. We demonstrate paths and solutions for greater energy efficiency and sustainability. Because materials are critical to success for climate neutrality, for the careful use of the limited resources on our planet, and for the sustainable transformation of our...

🇩🇪 Freiburg im Breisgau

No deadlineSource: Fraunhofer IWM