Research Associate in Cybersecurity of Energy Systems in Heilbronn

Fraunhofer SIT is currently offering several positions for research assistants in the field of applied cybersecurity research at its new location in Heilbronn, particularly in the area of cybersecurity for energy systems and infrastructures, and is seeking suitable candidates.

Heilbronn is one of the locations in Germany that is currently developing most dynamically in the fields of innovation, technology development, and science. On the local education campus, various university and non‑university research and development institutions are working together in a unique collaboration and a state‑of‑the‑art environment to develop the data‑based technologies and smart applications of tomorrow. The Fraunhofer Society has established eight research and innovation centers in Heilbronn, including one on cybersecurity as the new location of the Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology, headquartered in Darmstadt, or Fraunhofer SIT for short. Cybersecurity is the key to the digitalisation of the economy, society, and government. Without adequate cybersecurity, digitalisation will not succeed. The protection of critical infrastructures such as energy systems and infrastructures in the context of decentralized energy generation and distribution is of particular importance here.

Fraunhofer SIT is one of the world's leading research institutions for cybersecurity and privacy protection. The institute is one of the driving forces behind the international IT security landscape and is the largest contributor to the National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE, the largest research centre for cybersecurity research of its kind in Europe and an essential part of Germany's cybersecurity architecture. Fraunhofer SIT and ATHENE address key security challenges and conduct applied research and development at the highest international level. The staff at the new Heilbronn location will work closely with the cybersecurity experts already working at ATHENE to protect critical infrastructures such as those in the energy sector.

The job advertisement is aimed at people with or without professional experience who want to further their careers in a field that offers great challenges and excellent future prospects, and who want to gain further qualifications in a highly specialised environment under outstanding conditions.

Be part of change

• Conducting research and development projects in the field of cybersecurity, particularly for the protection of critical infrastructures such as those in the energy sector
• Close cooperation with leading companies and public institutions in the region
• Collaboration with internationally renowned scientists
• Contributions to the transfer of research and development results into real‑world applications
• Publication of research results and presentation at international conferences
• Support in acquiring and implementing national and international research projects

What You Contribute

• PhD or master's degree in computer science or a related field with above-average grades
• Extensive knowledge, keen interest, and ideally practical experience in the field of cybersecurity or data protection
• Willingness to take on new challenges, strong analytical thinking skills, interest in solution-oriented action
• Ability to work in a team

What We Offer

• Environment and opportunities for qualification in the high‑tech field, in particular the opportunity to pursue a doctorate in topics related to cybersecurity
• Collaboration at a renowned, internationally leading institute in the field of cybersecurity
• Friendly, open, and collegial working environment with a dynamic and creative working atmosphere
• Family‑friendly work culture with flexible working conditions (various working time models, flexible working locations and hours, mobile working, subsidies for local transport tickets, support services to help balance family and career, etc.)
• Company pension plan, capital‑forming benefits, deferred compensation
• The position is initially limited to 2 years. Long-term cooperation is desired.

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 utilisation 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: 78627
Application Deadline: