Research associate for Robotics (f/m/x)

Overview

The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is a practice‑oriented higher education institution in Bavaria. Its Technology Transfer Center Kitzingen (TTZ‑KT) specializes in robotics, artificial intelligence, and digitalisation and collaborates with 25 partner companies. The Centre is led by two research professors and supported by five research associates.

Responsibilities

• Conduct applied research in robotics, frequently in cooperation with industry partners, covering topics such as mobile manipulation, collaborative robots, and heterogeneous robot teams.
• Develop solutions by applying modern methods of sensor data processing, machine learning, and other AI approaches.
• Write research proposals and represent the Technology Transfer Center in public.
• Publish results in scientific journals and present at national and international conferences and workshops.
• Supervise bachelor’s and master’s theses and project papers.
• Support master’s graduates in completing a doctorate within the "Sustainable and Intelligent Systems (NISys)" Graduate School.

Employment Requirements

• Successfully completed a graduate degree programme (master’s or diploma) or a doctorate, preferably in robotics, artificial intelligence, computer science, or a related discipline, or a comparable qualification.
• Proven experience in one or several of the following robotics research areas: manipulation, active perception, motion planning, human–robot interaction, robotic systems architectures, robot learning, Vision‑Language‑Action (VLA) models.
• Programming skills in robotics and AI/ML (ROS, C++, Python).
• Professional experience from industry is an advantage.
• Distinctive communication and social skills.
• Good command of spoken and written German (at least B1‑level CEFR).

Benefits

• Multi‑faceted, challenging tasks with flexible working hours, a flexitime account, and generous home office arrangements.
• 30 days of paid annual leave.
• Public sector benefits and attractive remuneration according to TV‑L pay grade 13.
• Highly motivated team with flat hierarchies and an open communication culture.
• Broad training and development opportunities.
• Free parking and Jobticket Bayern.
• Discounts in the canteens of the Studierendenwerk Würzburg.
• Healthy lifestyle measures such as discounted sports courses, health days, and workshops.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Applicants with disabilities will be employed preferably. The university encourages applications from women and other under‑represented groups. EEO/EOC policies apply in accordance with German legislation.