The Steinbeis Transfer Center AI and Optimization (KIO) is seeking a motivated research associate (m/f/d) for a PhD position as part of an international R&D project in cooperation with a leading South Korean technology company in the field of IIoT and Supply Chain Analytics.

About Us

The Steinbeis Transfer Center KIO is affiliated with Furtwangen University (HFU) and specializes in applied research and development in the field of Artificial Intelligence and optimization methods. Our focus areas include the development of AI methods for industrial applications, particularly Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, and Explainable AI. We work closely with industry partners and transfer scientific knowledge directly into practical applications – from intelligent manufacturing control and autonomous systems to fraud detection and risk management.

The Project

As part of a German-Korean research cooperation, we are developing an AI/ML-based solution for risk prediction and control in outsourced manufacturing processes. The project addresses a structural bottleneck in OEM supply chains: lack of transparency in externally produced mold based components. Through machine learning and AI-based analytical methods, a modular system is being created to predict quality problems, delivery delays, and capacity bottlenecks.

The focus is on developing intelligent algorithms for Predictive Maintenance and Risk Management based on production and process data.

Tasks

• Development and implementation of ML models for risk prediction (anomaly detection, time series analysis, predictive maintenance)
• Processing and analysis of production and process data; feature engineering and modeloptimization
• Research and application of modern ML methods (Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning) for industrial use cases
• Publication of research results at conferences and in journals
• Collaboration with international project partners

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or related fields
• Programming skills in Python
• Experience with Machine Learning (ideally with time series)
• Knowledge of data analysis and statistical methods
• Good English skills (project language)

Benefits

• PhD opportunity in AI/ML with academic supervision
• Compensation comparable to E13 TV-L (50% part-time, 3 years)
• Flexible working hours and remote work possibilities
• Access to modern ML hardware and software
• International collaboration with Korean and European partners
• Work with real industrial data
• Location: Konstanz (remote work possible)
• Start: as soon as possible

KIO stands for diversity and equal opportunity. We welcome applications regardless of gender, age, origin, religion, or disability.