InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Informatics, Knowledge Technology

Start dateas soon as possible, fixed for 3 years (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance withthe academic fixed-term labor contract act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG)

Application deadline30.09.2025

Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time

Salary in line with the standard rates for MSCA regulations

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.

The Knowledge Technology Research Group at the University of Hamburg invites applications for two Doctoral Candidate Research Associates (PhD students) within the prestigious MSCA Doctoral Network "GREET" where we will build a framework for an explainable proactive learning engine for smart robotic care home scenarios. The Doctoral Network GREET consist of 13 institutions including universities, research institutions and industry partners.

The research area for the two Doctoral Research Associates is neural network learning, intelligent robotics and explainability in artificial intelligence and is coordinated by the University of Hamburg (Prof Wermter).

The two research positions will be filled in the context of proactive neural learning for interactive cognitive robots.

The researchers will develop research on the following topics:

Researcher 1: Proactive learning engine, based on a hybrid neural approach for building world models in smart home

Researcher 2: Generative AI and Explainability for the proactive learning engine

The successful candidates will receive a salary in accordance with the MSCA for Doctoral Candidates. The exact (net) salary will be confirmed upon appointment and is dependent on local tax regulations and on the country correction factor (to allow for the difference in cost of living in different EU Member States). The salary includes a living allowance, a mobility allowance and a family allowance (if applicable). Furthermore, GREET will offer joint scientific research trainings, transferable skills workshops, and fund travel to international conferences to present papers.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

In particular, an MSc or equivalent in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science or Engineering with a focus on Intelligent Systems, Intelligent Robotics or Neural Networks is required.

Excellent programming skills (some of Python, C++, PyTorch, Machine Learning Frameworks, ROS etc.) are needed and demonstrated expertise in at least one of neural networks or intelligent robotics is needed for these positions. Prior publication in a relevant AI conference is an advantage. Excellent English communication skills are an important requirement and if available English test certificates are welcome to be included in the application file.

The posts involve substantial traveling within Europe. Each PhD student will be expected to spend several secondments at other partner sites and travel to international conferences. According to EU mobility rules, the doctoral researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for longer than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. In your CV add explicit details about where you resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the three years immediately prior to the application deadline.

Applicants who already have a doctoral degree are not eligible.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle "Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.