Research Associate in the Field of Reverse Engineering

Digitalization poses major challenges for society, the economy, and politics. In order to successfully shape these challenges, many practical research questions relating to cybersecurity and privacy protection must be addressed.

The National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE is a research institution of the Fraunhofer Society with the participation of the Fraunhofer Institutes SIT and IGD as well as the Technical University of Darmstadt and Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. In a unique and innovative cooperation model between university and non-university research, ATHENE conducts cutting-edge research for the benefit of the economy, society, and the state, and provides impetus for science.

Fraunhofer SIT is one of the leading research institutions for IT security in Germany and Europe. Its focus is on applied research and the development of innovative solutions for real-world security and privacy issues.

Be part of change

Do you enjoy CTF competitions, searching for and analyzing security gaps and vulnerabilities in hardware or software? Do you love the challenges of reverse engineering unknown systems? We share this passion! We analyze customer systems in security audits using reverse engineering or code reviews as white hat hackers. In doing so, we research the automation of the necessary processes and tools. Your tasks will consist of further developing our own analysis tools and processing and evaluating findings. In this way, we develop new methods for static and dynamic analysis, tools for circumventing application hardening, and generally for finding security vulnerabilities. Always in connection with and using hands‑on white‑hat hacking.

To strengthen the Testlab Mobile Security department, we are looking for motivated employees with in-depth knowledge in the field of IT security. Your tasks will include performing systematic vulnerability analyses, penetration tests, and binary exploitation using reverse engineering or source code audits. You will also be involved in developing tools for automated vulnerability searches and evaluating findings, for example for iOS and Android apps. To do this, we need the support of motivated employees who want to contribute their own ideas and work with us to research new methods.

What you contribute

• Passion for IT security, reverse engineering, and penetration testing
• In-depth knowledge or experience in mobile security or traditional IT security
• Practical experience with penetration testing tools such as disassemblers and debuggers, as well as knowledge of processor architectures, software development, machine languages, or assembly is an advantage
• Initial experience in several programming languages
• Good written and spoken German and English skills
• University degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field

What we offer

• You will work at a renowned, internationally leading institute in the field of cybersecurity.
• You will work on innovative research and development projects with partners from industry, government, and other research institutions.
• You will receive systematic career planning with individual qualifications and the opportunity to pursue a doctorate.
• You will work in a friendly, open, and collegial environment with a dynamic and creative working atmosphere.
• We have a family‑friendly culture with flexible working hours and the opportunity to work from home on a regular basis.
• You will receive attractive performance‑ and success‑based remuneration components.

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part‑time basis. 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. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public‑sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance‑based variable remuneration components.

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.

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

Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT

Requisition Number: 4183 Application Deadline: