Research Associate - Engineer General Purpose Video Coding (all genders)

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft currently operates 75 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, located in Erlangen, is the largest institute of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft with more than 1 200 employees.

Welcome to the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, headquartered in Erlangen! 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?

Would you like to work on innovative video coding technologies that power the next generation of interactive and robust video applications? Then explore how you can contribute to our work.

Here’s how you will make a difference

Our department »Moving Picture Technologies« develops next‑generation video codecs that enable reliable, low‑latency video streaming, even in challenging network conditions such as unstable mobile connections. We focus on making video compression more robust, efficient, and practical to implement, ensuring smooth streaming wherever it is needed. Building on Fraunhofer IIS’s global success in audio coding – now used in more than 10 billion devices – we combine innovative research with standardization and real‑world implementation. Our goal is to extend this expertise to video coding and to create technologies that support the next generation of interactive and robust video applications.

• Algorithm Design: You design innovative compression algorithms and implement them as efficient software.
• Technology Benchmarking: You evaluate and compare our approaches with competing methods.
• Innovation & Team Collaboration: You contribute your ideas and collaborate with the team to create innovative solutions.
• Software Quality Assurance: You ensure high software quality throughout the development process.
• Documentation: You will document and communicate evaluation results and insights.

What you bring to the table

• A degree in Computer Science, Informatics, Electrical Engineering, Multimedia Technology, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge in signal processing.
• Excellent understanding of video codecs, including HEVC and/or VVC.
• Hands‑on project of at least 3 months designing or improving an image or video codec.
• Practical programming experience in C++.

What you can expect

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

• 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).

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 to make a difference?

Apply online now and help drive our innovation! Once we’ve received your application, you will automatically receive a confirmation email. We will then get in touch as soon as possible to inform you about the next steps.

Do you have questions about the application process? Our recruiters Svenja Hofmann and Claudia Kestler‑Böhm will be happy to assist you.

Location: Erlangen

Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS