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.

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 AI-based Environment Perception for Dependable Automated Driving Systems

(in the case of fulfilled personal requirements classified at the E 13 TV-L Level Service Location: Clausthal-Zellerfeld)

is available immediately. The position is initially to be filled on a full-time basis for a duration of up to 3 years, with the possibility of part-time work. The position includes the opportunity to pursue a doctorate (PhD) at TU Clausthal.

With this position, we are expanding our research team working on the development of a real, AI-based automated shuttle (based on the Autoware-stack). The focus of this position is on the development, integration, and assurance of perception systems — especially AI-based sensor data processing and its software-engineering realization within robust and real-time-capable architectures. This includes, among others, the fusion of heterogeneous sensor systems (camera, radar, LiDAR).

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/.

Your responsibilities include:

• Research and development in the field of software engineering and AI-based environment perception (e.g. object detection, sensor fusion, 3D scene understanding).

• Design, implementation, and evaluation of perception components (e.g. LiDAR, radar, and camera fusion) within our Autoware-based software architecture.

• Design and operation of data pipelines for the processing and validation of sensor data.

• Evaluation and optimization of perception algorithms with respect to quality aspects such as accuracy, robustness, and runtime performance.

• Contribution to software-engineering processes (e.g. CI/CD pipelines, modular architectures, testing strategies) to ensure the quality of AI systems.

• Publication and presentation of your research results at national and international conferences.

• Support in teaching activities, including exercises, project supervision, and student theses (B.Sc. and M.Sc. programs).

Your profile: 

• Completed Master’s degree or diploma (with excellent to good results) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, Mathematics, or a related field.

• Solid knowledge in software engineering and AI-based perception (e.g. neural networks, deep learning, sensor fusion, computer vision).

• Very good programming skills (Python and C++ required; ideally practical experience with ROS 2).

• Experience in the development of AI methods, particularly based on neural networks.

• Understanding of software architectures, development processes, and quality assurance.

• Experience with common software development tools (Git, CI/CD, IDEs, issue tracking).

• Strong interest in scientific research and willingness to pursue a PhD.

• An independent, structured working style, quick comprehension, and the ability to familiarize yourself with new concepts.

• Excellent German language skills (at least C1) and good English skills, both written and spoken.

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: runtime monitoring, perception diagnostics, or development of automated driving systems — preferably related to AI-based perception.

• Knowledge of machine-learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow) and data-processing tools (OpenCV, ROS 2, Autoware).

• Experience in the validation or simulation of AI-based functions (e.g. sensor-data simulation, ground-truth generation).

• Familiarity with modern software-development methods (e.g. Scrum, model-based development) and the modeling of system structures and behavior.

• Initial experience with scientific publications or project work in the development of complex software systems.

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 and industry partners.

• Flexible working hours and the option of remote work.

• A creative work environment with lab lounges, table soccer, and social events.

• Regular training and further education opportunities.

The remuneration is based on the Collective Agreement for Public Service (TV-L). At the end of each year, TV-L provides for a special annual payment. In addition, we offer a supplementary pension plan (VBL).

TU Clausthal supports work-life balance through flexible working time models within the framework of official possibilities and is a member of the "Family in the University" association. 

Equality, encompassing equal opportunities, diversity, and family-friendliness, is an important concern for TU Clausthal. Persons with disabilities are given priority consideration if appropriately qualified. Applications from individuals of all nationalities are welcome. 

Please submit your application with the usual documents (including at least your CV, master’s degree certificates, and master’s transcript of grades) via email (in a single PDF file) by November 14, 2025, to:
info@isse.tu-clausthal.de

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. 

We look forward to having you on board!

Please note our data protection information in the application process at https://www.tu-clausthal.de/universitaet/karriere-ausbildung/stellenangebote/hinweise-zum-datenschutz-im-bewerbungsverfahren.

Application costs cannot be reimbursed. Your application documents will be destroyed in compliance with legal regulations after the completion of the selection process.