Shaping the Future of Mission-Driven Organizations: PhD or PostDoc Opportunity

20.02.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal

Are you passionate about using AI to solve the world’s most pressing challenges? Do you believe that technology should serve a higher purpose?

The Civic Machines Lab at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is looking for a mission-driven researcher to join a high-impact joint project with the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF). We are reimagining how the world’s largest mission driven organizations plan, execute, and measure innovative impact projects through the power of AI.

The Mission Mission-Driven Organizations (MDOs) handle thousands of complex projects globally. We want to revolutionize this through Data-Driven Impact. Key research questions include:

● How can AI, modern management, and advanced measurement redesign project workflows?

● Can we build an AI Coach to support practitioners in the field and scale expert guidance across thousands of projects?

● How do we ensure AI aligns with the core values and missions of an INGO like WWF?

The Role

We are offering a flexible appointment based on your career stage:

● PhD Position: 3 years at 80% (TV-L E13/1)

● PostDoc Position: 2 years at 100% (TV-L E13/4)

Location: Munich, Germany (TUM Think Tank / Civic Machines Lab).

Your Profile

We are looking for an interdisciplinary "bridge-builder” who strives for Scientific Excellence and Real-World Purpose.

● Background: HCI (Human-Computer Interaction), Computer Science, Ethnography, Sociology, or a related interdisciplinary field.

● The "Unicorn" Factors:

○ An entrepreneurial mindset—you see solutions where others see problems.

○ High IQ and EQ—you can navigate complex technical systems and sensitive human ecosystems.

○ Experience: Ideally, you’ve spent time working within an NGO or MDO and understand their unique pulse.

○ Maturity: We value candidates with professional experience or a "seasoned" perspective on organizational challenges.

Why Apply?

● Global Impact: Work directly with WWF, a unique global organization, to influence how conservation happens on the ground.

● Academic Rigor: Conduct your research under the Professorship of Societal Computing at TUM, one of Europe’s leading technical universities.

● Innovation Hub: Be part of the TUM Think Tank, a vibrant ecosystem at the intersection of technology, policy, and society.

How to Apply

The deadline for submission is 1st of March 2026 EOD (Sunday). If you read this Job Description and feel the commitment, we can’t wait to receive your application.

We value personality and passion as much as your CV.

1. Submit your application: https://pandalabs.typeform.com/to/izMNqfQT | The form is also where you will upload your CV and the video.
2. The "Extra Mile": We strongly encourage you to upload a short video (2 minutes) telling us why you are excited about this specific mission and why you are the ideal candidate to bridge AI and conservation.

Selected candidates will be invited for a group interview. Apply as soon as possible!

Kontakt: soc@sot.tum.de