Leipzig University and Optimax Energy Announce a Joint Endowed Professorship
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Leipzig and Optimax Energy GmbH in Leipzig have jointly announced an endowed professorship in Empirical Software Engineering. The faculty is looking for an internationally recognised researcher in this field. Potential research areas include the application of empirical research methods in software engineering, the development of quality standards for empirical research, and the study of the human factor in software development. The position at the Institute of Computer Science is set to be filled on 1 October 2027.
"With its focus on empirical aspects of software development, the professorship is intended to strengthen core computer science in both research and teaching. The professorship will be actively involved in the faculty's degree programmes," - Prof. Dr. Andreas Maletti, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
In particular, participation in foundational teaching within the Bachelor's programme in Computer Science is expected. "The cooperation with Optimax Energy GmbH offers excellent prospects for our graduates. It also fits very well with the University of Leipzig's profile development," the Dean adds. There is also the possibility of collaboration with the Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Dresden/Leipzig (ScaDS.AI), the competence centre for Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Big Data.
Optimax Energy GmbH was founded in Leipzig in 2013 and has grown into one of Europe's technologically leading energy trading companies. The company trades electricity fully automatically on several European power exchanges in more than 15 countries – using in-house developed IT systems that process large volumes of data in real time and make trading in volatile renewable energy possible in the first place.
"At a time when public funding for universities is becoming increasingly scarce, Optimax Energy is stepping up with the endowed professorship in Empirical Software Engineering: we are not just securing a professorship, but actively investing in the quality of computer science education and in the future of the next generation of researchers in Leipzig," says Albert Mantel, co-founder and CEO of Optimax Energy GmbH.
"Leipzig is not just a location for us – it is an ecosystem of talent and research that we want to actively help shape, and that is worth protecting and nurturing. The endowed professorship is our contribution to that." - Albert Mantel, CEO Optimax Energy
Applicants should have an international reputation and an outstanding research record demonstrated through publications and projects within the stated research areas, according to the job posting on the University of Leipzig's appointments portal: www.uni-leipzig.de/berufungen. Participation in the University of Leipzig's research priorities is expected.
Under the terms of the endowment agreement, Optimax Energy GmbH will fund a full W3 professorship for four years. The University of Leipzig will then take over the position on a permanent basis.
