Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in the field of Software Engineering for Dependable Automated Driving Systems with Autoware and AI-based End-to-End Approaches Full PhD

Working Language
German, English
Location
Clausthal-Zellerfeld
Application Deadline
22. Nov 2026
Starting Date
as soon as possible

Overview

Open Positions

1

Time Span

as soon as possible for 3 years

Application Deadline

22. Nov 2026

Financing

yes

Type of Position

Full PhD

Working Language

  • German
  • English

Required Degree

  • Diplom
  • Master

Areas of study

Computer Science, Information Systems and Management, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Practical Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Applied Computer Science, Mathematics

Description

Description

Clausthal University of Technology is a research-intensive university with a strong national and international network. The approximately 80 professors, 1,100 employees and 3,000 students enjoy short distances, personal contact and the fascinating landscape in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Harz Mountains. As the largest employer in the region, TU Clausthal is the most important economic factor and offers cultural diversity and internationality. Clausthal University of Technology has committed itself to the guiding theme of the "Circular Economy" throughout the university and pursues the goal of contributing to the development of a sustainable society in the digital age through research, teaching and administration.

Academic Researcher (m/f/d)
(TV-L E 13, 100%, Service Location: Clausthal-Zellerfeld)

The research group Dependable and Autonomous Cyber-physical Systems (DACS) at the Institute for Software and Systems Engineering (ISSE), Clausthal University of Technology (TU Clausthal), is seeking to fill a position as

Academic Researcher (m/f/d)

in the field of Software Engineering for Dependable Automated Driving Systems with Autoware and AI-based End-to-End Approaches

(EG 13 TV-L, full-time (39.8 hours / week), limited for a period of up to 3 years)

Part time is negotiable.

With this position, we invite YOU to join our team, which is working in close collaboration on the development of our real automated shuttle (see image) with Autoware and AI-based end-to-end driving stack for deployment on public roads, while researching and developing dependable automated driving systems based on software and systems engineering approaches.

The Institute for Software and Systems Engineering (ISSE) is one of the two computer science institutes at TU Clausthal, hosting several research groups. For more information about the ISSE Institute, please visit our website: https://www.isse.tu-clausthal.de/en/.

Your tasks are

  • Research and development in the field of software engineering for dependable and safe automated driving systems.
  • Conception, design, and implementation of software architectures and prototypes in interdisciplinary projects.
  • Development, testing, and evaluation of methods and software systems directly on our real test vehicles (see image) for automated driving.
  • Design, implementation, and continuous improvement of data pipelines for the systematic collection, processing, management, and provision of driving and sensor data to support the development, training, and validation of AI-based automated driving systems.
  • Transfer and adaptation of developed automated driving technologies and solutions to other application domains, such as autonomous agricultural machinery and unmanned surface vessels.
  • Application of modern software engineering approaches (e.g., agile methods, model-based development, CI/CD pipelines) in concrete research projects.
  • Publication of research results at national and international conferences.
  • Assistance in preparing lectures, supervising exercises, and mentoring students in our B.Sc. and M.Sc. programs. 

Your profile

The following are required:

  • Completed Master’s degree or diploma (with excellent to good results) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
  • Strong knowledge of software engineering (e.g., software architecture, development processes, quality assurance).
  • Very good programming skills (at least in Python and C++); ideally strong hands-on experience with ROS2.
  • Experience in AI development, especially with neural networks.
  • Experience with standard software development tools (Git, CI/CD, IDEs, issue tracking).
  • Strong interest in academic research and willingness to pursue a PhD.
  • Independent, structured way of working, quick comprehension, and ability to adapt to new concepts.
  • Excellent German language skills (at least C1) and good English skills, both written and spoken
  • A Category B driving license valid for driving in Germany.

Desirable qualifications:

  • Practical experience in one or more of the following areas: software testing, runtime monitoring, or development of automated driving systems – ideally with relevance to a current development and assurance processes.
  • Knowledge of modern software development methods (e.g., Scrum, model-based development) and experience in modeling system structures and behaviors.
  • Initial experience with scientific publications or project work in the development of complex software systems, particularly in the software architecture design.

What we offer

  • A family-friendly, collegial working environment in dedicated teams as well as interdisciplinary and varied tasks.
  • The opportunity not only to develop innovative software engineering approaches but also to practically test them directly on real test vehicles – from first simulation to real-world driving.
  • An innovative working environment with modern laboratories and simulation environments, as well as direct access to a real automated shuttle used as a test platform for research and development.
  • The opportunity to directly apply and evaluate your results in industrial projects.
  • The opportunity to pursue a doctorate (PhD) in cooperation with national and international research partners and industry.
  • Lounge area, group activities, and team events
  • Compensation in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement for state government employees (TV-L), as well as an annual bonus at the end of the year under the TV-L and a separate supplementary pension plan (VBL), 30 days of vacation, and time off on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
  • A varied and challenging role in the dynamic environment of a university
  • Work-life balance through flexible work arrangements, part-time options, and remote work within the scope of institutional possibilities
  • Employee health management programs, university sports programs, and corporate benefits
  • Future-oriented development and training opportunities
  • The opportunity to actively contribute to the further development of our university

Have we aroused your interest?

Apply on our homepage using the "Online application" button: https://karriere-ausbildung.tu-clausthal.de/jobposting/1933d4f0675f6d1a0ff1499bb55a4d61c3c34c5a0?ref=homepage 

Equality with its facets, equal opportunities, diversity and family-friendliness is an important concern for TU Clausthal. People with severe disabilities will be given priority if they are suitable. Applications from people of all nationalities are welcome.

We look forward to seeing you!

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Simone Dahms by e-mail (simone.dahms at tu-clausthal.de).

Applications can be submitted with the usual documents until November 22, 2026 at the latest via our online portal (see below).

Your application documents should definitely include: Short resume (including the grade point average of all degrees and subjects as well as grades of all final theses); Certificates of all university degrees; Transcript of Records with a detailed grade overview of all courses; If applicable, certificates from internships; All documents in German or English.

Unfortunately, application costs cannot be refunded. The application documents will be destroyed after the selection process has been completed in compliance with the legal provisions. Please note our information on data protection in the application process under https://www.tu-clausthal.de/en/university/careers-vocational-training/job-offers/information-on-data-protection-in-the-application-process

Required Documents

Required Documents

  • Motivation letter
  • CV
  • Certificates
  • Transcripts