Endowed-Professorship for Metrology and new measurement methods for quantitative cell analysis

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is one of the largest university hospitals in Europe, where physicians and researchers provide clinical care, research and teaching of the highest international standard. The Charité represents a single medical faculty that serves both the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the Freie Universität Berlin, and is esteemed worldwide for its excellence in teaching and training. The Charité extends over four campuses, and has close to 100 different departments and institutes, which make up a total of 17 different CharitéCenters.
 
The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) is the National Metrology Institute of Germany with scientific and technical service tasks. PTB measures with the highest accuracy and reliability – metrology as the core competence. PTB stands for progress and reliability in metrology for the benefit of society, trade and industry, and science. _
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Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Physikalisch-Technische-Bundesanstalt (PTB) invite applications for an
Endowed-Professorship for Metrology and new measurement methods for quantitative cell analysis
funded bei Dr. JOHANNES-HEIDENHAIN-STIFTUNG GmbH
joint appointment according to the Jülich model
Salary bracket: W2 under the BBesG ÜfBE – limited to 5 years
(Reference: Prof. 680/2026)
 
in the Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine at CharitéCenter (CC12) for Internal Medicine and Dermatology to commence as soon as possible with a limited employment status under private law in full-time.
 
The appointment follows the “Jülich Model” (leave of absence model). The position holder will be professor employed in accordance with § 102(5) of the Berlin Higher Education Act (BerlHG) with simultaneous leave of absence to the PTB which will conclude a private law employment contract with the candidate under the pay scale 15 TVöD Bund. The teaching obligation is governed by the Regulation on Teaching Obligations at Higher Education Institutions in Berlin (LVVO, 4 credit hours).
 
Upon expiry of the endowed professorship, the PTB offers the prospect of a tenured position (pay scale 15 TVöD Bund), subject to a positive external evaluation in the fourth year of the professorship. The performance criteria relevant to this evaluation will be defined jointly with PTB during the appointment process. If the personal requirements are met, civil servant status at PTB is also possible.
 
The professorship is linked to the management of the research area “Metrology and New Measurement Methods for Quantitative Cell Analytics” at PTB. The aim is to integrate the fields of pulmonary infectious medicine and quantitative cell analytics in both research and teaching. The focus lies on developing new reference measurement methods to assess infection risks posed by emerging viruses and bacteria using advanced technologies such as optical imaging, flow cytometry, and artificial intelligence (AI). The professorship acts as a bridge between Charité and PTB. Individual areas of emphasis are possible; however, the concept must clearly demonstrate how coverage of the relevant subject areas will be ensured.
 
Formal employment requirements according to § 100 BerlHG are:
·       successfully completed university degree in natural sciences, engineering, human medicine, or a comparable university degree
·       completed doctorate
·       In addition, a professorship or junior professorship or postdoctoral qualification (habilitation) or equivalent academic achievements are required.
 
In addition to the aforementioned employment requirements, the following requirements are associated with the professorship:
 
1)      In-depth specialist knowledge, international research experience and proven scientific expertise in the field of optical imaging techniques and/or flow cytometry in connection with the development of AI-supported analysis methods.
2)      Visible research focus in the field of cellular microbiology, cellular infection biology or pathogen host interaction of viral and/or bacterial pathogens with epidemic/pandemic potential or similar.
3)      Willingness and proven experience in developing, implementing, and validating new measurement techniques, methods, and services in collaboration with clinical and academic partners as well as within the framework of industrial partnerships.
4)      Ideally, knowledge in the field of metrology and round-robin tests.
5)      Original (independent) research portfolio in the field of quantitative cell analysis, evidenced by relevant publications and successful acquisition of third-party funding.  
6)      Excellent scientific reputation, demonstrated, for example, by committee work in national/international professional associations.
7)      Experience in supervising doctoral students and instructing technical or student staff.
8)      Extensive teaching experience and excellent teaching skills.
9)      Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
Applicants must demonstrate through their previous scientific work that they meet the requirements for the W2 professorship, actively contribute to scientific activities in the field of quantitative cell analysis, and complement existing research activities in these areas at Charité and PTB.
In addition to the official duties arising in particular from § 99 BerlHG applicants are also expected to meet the following requirements:  
 
1)      Representing the field of “Metrology and new measurement methods for quantitative cell analysis” in research and teaching, observing the standards of robust, reproducible, transparent, and responsible science, which also includes consideration of gender differences.
2)      Further development of metrological procedures, including the organization and implementation of round-robin tests, proficiency tests, etc.
3)      Active involvement in the PTB’s work and research program, as well as representation in national and international committees and networks.
4)      Initiating and managing research and development projects, especially those with third-party funding.
5)      Development of new services in flow cytometry and/or microscopy.
6)      Strategic development of the research group at PTB.
7)      Integration into relevant research foci and research networks at Charité, interdisciplinary research networks/graduate programs, and Charité’s forward-looking strategic initiatives (e.g., Charité 2030).
8)      Cooperation with the preclinical and clinical facilities of Charité and other institutions in Berlin and Brandenburg.
9)      Willingness to actively participate in shaping the degree programs offered at Charité, as well as ensuring sound postgraduate education and training and commitment to promoting young medical professionals and scientists.
10)   Willingness to actively promote personnel development based on Charité’s values—respect, passion, courage, curiosity, commitment, openness—including, in particular, the targeted support of women in their professional development and the creation of an interprofessional working environment that values all employees.
·       To perform the duties of the position, knowledge of German and English at C1 level (expert language skills in accordance with the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs or the Common European Framework of Reference) is expected.
 
Charité and PTB are committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within the staffing structures of science and healthcare. Their goal is to increase the proportion of women in academic positions, and women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. In cases of equal qualification, women will be given preferential consideration within the scope of legal provisions. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given priority if equally qualified. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications—regardless of gender, nationality, social background, religion, or age.
 
Written applications should be submitted together with your conceptual ideas, following the format and requirements outlined at https://career.charite.de/am/calls/application_notes.pdf, by Friday, February 27, 2026 at https://career.charite.de/?site=home&lang=eng.
 
Costs incurred in connection with the appointment’s procedure will neither be covered by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin nor by the PTB.
 
For questions regarding the content and formal requirements of the professorship and the application process, please contact berufungen@charite.de.