Research Assistant (m/f/d)

The Automating Cyber-Physical System Design (ACPS) research group of the Institute for Software and Systems Engineering (ISSE) of TU Clausthal, headed by Prof. Rüdiger Ehlers, is looking for two

Postdoctoral Researchers (m/f/d)

(Full-time, TV-L E 13, 100%, Location: Clausthal-Zellerfeld)

for three years, with the possibility of part-time employment. As part of your work, you have the opportunity to pursue a German “Habilitation” in computer science at TU Clausthal.

The open position is funded through the Volkswagenstiftung as part of the “Formal engineering support for field-programmable gate arrays” endeavor, in which we will research methods and algorithms to efficiently synthesize FPGA implementations from formal specifications. The core aim is to make engineering energy-efficient FPGA-based implementations easier for an application engineer, and achieving this aim requires the fields of technical computer science and formal methods to join forces. In the scope of this endeavor, two postdoctoral researchers will work with the research group head on this topic, where one of the postdoctoral researchers will approach the problem from a technical computer science angle, and the other one from a formal methods angle. Consequently, candidates should have a background in (at least) one of these areas.

The Institute for Software and Systems Engineering is one of the two computer science institutes at TU Clausthal. It consists of several research groups, one of which is the ACPS research group that will host the successful candidate. This group conducts research on advanced methods for building correct and efficient embedded systems, as needed for tackling many current societal problems. For instance, we work on methods for increasing the lifespan of  systems with embedded computation by allowing them to adapt to degradation, and we design systems that make use of artificial intelligence in a way that is safe enough for societal acceptance. At the boundary between theory and practice, we develop and combine new algorithms to tackle these and related problems.

A more in-depth description of the research group’s theme is available at https://www.isse.tu-clausthal.de/en/research/research-groups-1/acps-automating-cps-design.

Your tasks as a holder of the postdoctoral researcher position are:

• Conducting research and development in the topics mentioned above
• Designing and implementing prototypes
• Publishing your results at international venues

Your profile:

• PhD, DPhil, or related doctoral degree in computer science, with a proven record of work either in technical computer science (close to FPGA technology) or formal methods/automata theory (close to reactive synthesis)
• Ability to work independently and in a structured manner as well as the ability to quickly grasp new concepts
• Interest in scientific work
• Strong programming skills
• Proficiency in English in spoken and written form

We offer:

• The opportunity to pursue a habilitation while holding this position
• A family-friendly and collegial working environment in dedicated teams as well as a varied range of tasks
• The opportunity to develop innovative approaches independently
• The opportunity to do a doctoral degree in cooperation with research institutions and companies in Germany and abroad
• Flexible arrangements for working time and place
• Regular professional training courses
• Salary according to TV-L E13, including a special annual payment as part of the TV-L

Payment is based on the “Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder (TV-L)”. At the end of each calender year, you receive an annual special payment. In addition, we offer occupational pension as supplementary benefit (VBL).

TU Clausthal supports reconciling work and family life through flexible working time models within the scope of its corresponding agreements. It is also member of the university association “Familie in der Hochschule”.

Supporting equal opportunities, diversity and family-friendliness are very important for TU Clausthal. People with disabilities will be prioritized in case of appropriate qualifications. Candidates of any nationality are welcome to apply.

The city of Clausthal-Zellerfeld, where TU Clausthal is located, is relatively cheap to live in (compared to most other cities with universities in Germany) and is surrounded by nature, which provides ample opportunities for free-time activities.

Please send your application, including a (short) cover letter, CV/resume, and transcripts of your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (preferably as a single PDF file) via email until June 22nd, 2025 to info@isse.tu-clausthal.de. If you have not completed your Doctoral degree yet, please include the expected date of your defense. Otherwise, please include a scan of your doctoral degree certificate if it has already been issued.

We are looking forward to your application!

Please also regard our statements on privacy at http://www.tu-clausthal.de/info/stellenangebote/.

Costs for the application cannot be reimbursed. Application documents will be disposed after a hiring decision has been made.