Location: Darmstadt

Research Associate (Postdoc) – Cryptography & AI (Fundamentals and Applications)

The Fraunhofer Society ( is one of the world’s leading organizations for applied research. 75 institutes develop groundbreaking technologies for our economy and society—more specifically: 32,000 people from the fields of engineering, science, administration, and IT. They know: Those who join Fraunhofer want to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us, and for the markets of today and tomorrow.

ATHENE is the National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity and ranks among the leading institutions in Europe and worldwide. Our partners include the Fraunhofer Institutes SIT and IGD, as well as the universities TU Darmstadt, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, and Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. Together, through excellence-oriented research, we develop innovative solutions to pressing security and data protection challenges, working closely with national and international partners, including leading companies, universities, and research institutions in Europe, the U.S., and Israel.

About Our Division
Our Applied Cybersecurity Division focuses on cutting-edge issues in the fundamentals and applications of cryptography. This includes technologies for improving data protection, secure and verifiable computations, and securing AI-based systems deployed in adversarial environments. The department has a dynamic, growing research team and offers a collaborative, supportive environment for research and teaching.

Here, you drive change

Your Responsibilities in the Applied Cybersecurity Division

• Research in the field of privacy-preserving technologies, secure and verifiable data processing, and securing AI-driven systems deployed in adversarial environments
• Publication of scientific articles in leading journals in cryptography and cybersecurity (A and A* CORE rankings)
• Mentoring early-career researchers and teaching

This is how you contribute

• Excellent Ph.D. in Computer Science
• Proven track record with high-quality publications
• Expertise in cryptography and/or machine learning
• Leadership skills and the ability to mentor early-career researchers
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent written and spoken English (knowledge of German is not required)
• Please include several letters of recommendation or provide the contact information of several references whom we can contact
• Please submit your application materials in English

What we offer

• Opportunity to work at a renowned, internationally leading institute in the field of cybersecurity
• Family-friendly work culture with flexible working conditions (various work schedule models, location- and time-flexible work, remote work, support services through the pme Family Service, etc.)
• Company pension plan, capital-forming benefits, deferred compensation
• Individual development opportunities through continuing education programs
• Conveniently located (Darmstadt Central Station is a 10-minute walk away), free parking, and high-performance charging infrastructure for electric vehicles with preferential rates for employees

We value and promote the diversity of our employees’ skills and therefore welcome all applications—regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, ideology, disability, or sexual orientation and identity. People with severe disabilities will be given preference in hiring if equally qualified. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable—for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best support their abilities.

The weekly work schedule is 39 hours. The position is also available on a part-time basis. Employment, compensation, and benefits are governed by the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector (TVöD).

With its focus on key technologies relevant to the future and on the commercialization of research results in business and industry, the Fraunhofer Society plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and driving force for innovative developments and scientific excellence, it helps shape our society and our future.

Ready for change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we receive your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible to let you know the next steps.

Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT

Reference Number: 83904