J. Starflinger is Full Professor at the Institute of Nuclear Technology and Energy Systems (IKE) of University of Stuttgart. His scientific activities focusses on 1) safety assessment of innovative nuclear reactors, 2) new passive cooling concepts and 3) research on sCO₂ power cycles.

He is involved in several German and International (mostly EU-funded) research projects.

He served as Vice-President and later President of the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN).