Welcome to the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS

As the largest institute within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, we have been conducting research for over 30 years in diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, microelectronics, sensor systems, data acquisition, signal processing, and signal transmission. Talented individuals from various engineering and natural science disciplines will find a wide range of exciting research topics under one roof. A few highlights that reflect our innovative strength include neuromorphic computing, 5G/6G mobile communication technologies, generative AI in speech and signal processing, and X-ray imaging for e-mobility. And that’s just the beginning! What sustainable solution will you find with us?

Be part of change

As a Research Associate and Delegate of the department Wireless Systems & Standardization , you will represent Fraunhofer IIS within the 3GPP standardization body , focusing on the evolution towards 6G mobile communication. Your role bridges cutting-edge research and global 3GPP standards. You will analyze technical trends, contribute to the 6G standardization study item and upcoming initial work items, draft technical contributions, and negotiate consensus with partners from leading global technology companies. This position requires deep expertise in radio access network (RAN) procedure, or network protocols, combined with communication and diplomatic skills. This is a unique opportunity to ensure that your research findings do not remain theoretical but become part of mandatory industry standards, driving real-world adoption.

3GPP Standardization: You will monitor and follow the international 3GPP standardization activities for the 6th generation of mobile communications (6G).
Analysis of 6G Technologies: You will work on fundamental 6G technological areas pertaining to RAN1 and RAN2 with focus on Quality-of-Service (QoS) enhancements, AI/ML, Integrated Sensing and Non-Terrestrial Networks.
Evaluation of Technical Specifications: You will study relevant technical specifications in detail, analyze their content, and present / discuss your findings with the team.
Standardization Contributions and Enhancements: You will develop technical and scientific contributions and innovative solutions in the context of 3GPP 6G mobile communication.
Supervision of Student Theses: Where required, you will supervise students working on their theses and support them in addressing relevant research questions.
Publications and Research: You may contribute to the preparation and publication of scientific papers relevant to ongoing standards-based research projects.

What you contribute

Completed university degree (master's or PhD) in Electrical Engineering , Computer Science , or a related field.
Good knowledge of 5G mobile communication standards including AI/ML , with initial exposure to the further development of 6G being an advantage.
Enjoyment of creative , collaborative work and of developing new ideas , as well as an enthusiasm for open and constructive exchange within the team.
Good command of English for working in an international environment.

Nice-to-have Qualifications

Knowledge of mobile communications , with a focus on Layers 1, or 2, and 3 based on 3GPP technical specifications for NR.
Initial experience with 6G-related topics in the Radio Access Network (RAN) , such as QoS, AI/ML and UE/network power saving.
Experience with LTE/5G , particularly in the mobile communications domain with link-level or system-level simulations .
Willingness to travel internationally to standardization meetings .
Advanced German language skills are an advantage.

What we offer

An exciting role: We offer a diverse and challenging field of work in an international environment, oriented toward state-of-the-art research and technology.
Room for creativity: Projects with strong practical components motivate our employees to drive innovation.
Our colleagues enjoy our positive work culture: We are open-minded, we help and trust each other.
Top of the line infrastructure at your workplace: With our state-of-the-art technologies, we develop solutions to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
We value personal contact: With our structured onboarding process, you will quickly become familiar with our institute and be able to extend your network successfully.
We take your needs seriously: We support your work-life balance by offering flexible working hours and hybrid work.
Your goals and interests are important to us: We offer ongoing professional and personal seminars, coaching, and language classes.
We offer complimentary parking spaces , charging stations for electric cars, covered bicycle parking , and showers at the institute.
In-house health management , including sports courses, running groups, and relaxation seminars.

The position is initially limited to 2 years with the aim to extend it subsequently. The weekly working time is 39 hours . The position can also be filled on a part-time basis with a preference, however, to have it filled as close to a full-time position as possible.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD).

About Fraunhofer

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft currently operates 76 institutes and research institutions throughout Germany and is the world’s leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros. The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, headquartered in Erlangen, is the largest institute of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft with more than 1 200 employees.
With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Fraunhofer is not only the largest organization for applied research (application-oriented research organisation) in Europe, but also a top-rated employer. But why?

Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS

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