PHD Thesis : smart sensing for time- & energy-critical applications

Developing innovative technology solutions and bringing them to application - that is our goal at the . With our expertise in the development of photonic microsystems, related technologies including nanoelectronics and wireless communication solutions, we create - in flexible and interdisciplinary teams - technologies for innovative products in a wide range of markets such as automotive, industrial and aerospace.

At the Cottbus location, our department conducts research on innovative smart sensing solutions for time- and energy-critical applications. The focus is on intelligent sensor systems that efficiently acquire, process, and evaluate data—even under demanding operating conditions. Working in interdisciplinary teams, we combine scientific excellence with application-oriented research and, together with partners from academia and industry, develop forward-looking technologies with strong practical relevance.

To strengthen our team in Cottbus, we are offering a PhD position in the field of smart sensing for time- and energy-critical applications. Within this position, an innovative research topic can be pursued independently, while actively contributing to the further development of our department.

Hier sorgen Sie für Veränderung

Conduct smart sensing research : You investigate the interaction of different microsensors—including ultrasonic, optical, and chemical sensors—and analyze the influence of varying environmental conditions on sensor signals and their signal processing.

Advance AI-based calibration : You develop approaches to reduce complex and time-consuming calibration processes by applying methods from artificial intelligence, and you take responsibility for their training and validation.

Develop multimodal sensor systems : You design and implement complex multimodal sensor systems—both as standalone sensor solutions and as networked sensor systems. Implementation is carried out as embedded systems in the laboratory as well as for deployment in field experiments.

Intelligent data analysis : You analyze sensor signals, extract relevant features, and develop pattern recognition methods as well as adaptive control approaches for time- and energy-critical applications.

Hiermit bringen Sie sich ein

Academic qualification : You hold a completed university degree (Master’s or Diploma) in electrical engineering, computer science, physics, or a comparable technical or natural science discipline (e.g., technical computer science).

Technical foundation : You have hands-on experience with electronic system design and setups; experience with microcontrollers or FPGAs is an advantage.

Signal processing, AI, and sensor systems : You possess strong expertise in signal processing, particularly using statistical methods and machine learning / artificial intelligence techniques. You also have experience with sensor systems, both in electronics and signal processing. This experience may stem from academic research, personal projects, or ideally from applied or industrial contexts.

Interdisciplinary expertise & experimental work : You demonstrate interdisciplinary knowledge in sensor technology combined with at least one of the following fields : biology, physics, or chemistry. In addition, you have practical experience in building measurement systems and in the design, execution, and evaluation of technical experiments and experimental series.

Communication & networking : Basic knowledge of communication systems and networks is beneficial and complements your technical profile.

Programming skills : You have at least scripting experience, for example in Python or comparable programming languages.

Language skills : Very good English proficiency (C1–C2) is required. You are also willing to learn German during your PhD; ideally, you already have German skills at B1 level or higher (B2, C1, or native speaker).

Personal competencies : You work in a self-organized manner, independently structure scientific research questions, and are capable of presenting and publishing scientific results in English. We actively support the further development of your German language skills up to C level during the PhD.

Was wir für Sie bereithalten

We offer you an exciting and topical doctoral thesis in which you will benefit from our experienced doctoral supervision. In addition, we clearly focus on your personal and professional development. As part of our doctoral college, you can quickly network with other doctoral students and receive good tools for your doctorate through seminars and lectures. This gives you the opportunity to advance your personal career in applied research and start a career as a postdoc at our institute.

Fraunhofer offers the targeted and holistic support program "Fraunhofer TALENTA" for the recruitment and development of female scientists. With the three versions "start", " speed up" and "excellence", female scientists are supported at different levels of career development. Find out more .

We are convinced that appreciation and trust are the basis for satisfaction and motivation. We also attach great importance to intensive induction training and an open and collegial working environment. Whether sports, music or team events - we offer a wide range of opportunities to pursue our own passions together and strengthen our team spirit.

Our benefits :

• Attractive and international working environment in an innovative industry of the future
• Extensive and varied training and qualification opportunities
• Work-life balance thanks to flexible working hours and the option of mobile working
• Company pension scheme
• Job ticket for public transport
• 30 days vacation
• Corporate benefits

An overview of all benefits and other good reasons to join us can be found .

Die Promotion erfolgt in Zusammenarbeit mit einer deutschen Partneruniversität und wird gemäßg den Hochschulgesetzen des jeweiligen Bundeslandes verliehen. Die wissenschaftliche Arbeit erfolgt im oben genannten Geschäftsbereich am Fraunhofer IPMS.

Wir wertschätzen und fördern die Vielfalt der Kompetenzen unserer Mitarbeitenden und begrüßen daher alle Bewerbungen – unabhängig von Alter, Geschlecht, Nationalität, ethnischer und sozialer Herkunft, Religion, Weltanschauung, Behinderung sowie sexueller Orientierung und Identität. Schwerbehinderte Menschen werden bei gleicher Eignung bevorzugt eingestellt.

Die wöchentliche Arbeits- und Promotionszeit beträgt 39 Stunden. Anstellung, Vergütung und Sozialleistungen basieren auf dem Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst (TVöD). Zusätzlich kann Fraunhofer leistungs- und erfolgsabhängige variable Vergütungsbestandteile gewähren. Die Stelle ist zunächst auf 3 Jahre befristet. Eine Beschäftigung als Postdoc wird angestrebt. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

Mit ihrer Fokussierung auf zukunftsrelevante Schlüsseltechnologien sowie auf die Verwertung der Ergebnisse in Wirtschaft und Industrie spielt die Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft eine zentrale Rolle im Innovationsprozess. Als Wegweiser und Impulsgeber für innovative Entwicklungen und wissenschaftliche Exzellenz wirkt sie mit an der Gestaltung unserer Gesellschaft und unserer Zukunft.

Bereit für Veränderung? Dann bewerben Sie sich jetzt, und machen Sie einen Unterschied! Nach Eingang Ihrer Online-Bewerbung erhalten Sie eine automatische Empfangsbestätigung. Dann melden wir uns schnellstmöglich und sagen Ihnen, wie es weitergeht.

Contact

Mr. Eric Graebe

Human Resources

Phone : +49 (0)351 8823 1505

Mr. Sebastian Meyer

Technical Department

Phone : +49 (0)351 8823 137

Mr. Ireneusz Jablonski

Technical Department

Phone : +49 (0)351 8823 1508

Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS