Research Postion (m/f/d) - Doctoral Network CAVECORE, Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Wrede

Job Overview

The CoR-Lab (Research Institute for Cognition and Robotics) at Bielefeld University is offering a Research Position (m/f/d) in the Doctoral Network CAVECORE, under Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Wrede (ID: Wiss25543 ). The position starts on , is full-time, paid at TV-L E13 level, and is a fixed‑term contract of 3 years.

• Starting date:
• Full‑time
• Salary: TV‑L E13
• Fixed‑term (3 years)

Project Description

The doctoral project DC10 focuses on developing a scenario‑based specification and validation methodology for safe autonomy in human–robot collaboration, using knowledge graphs and a digital‑twin environment (e.g., NVIDIA Omniverse). The PhD will be jointly supervised by Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Wrede (Bielefeld University) and Prof. Dr. Nico Hochgeschwender (University of Bremen). Two secondments at CAVECORE partner institutions are included.

Applicants must have spent no more than 12 months in Germany during the past three years.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on explainable, transparent, and reliable autonomy for collaborative robotic systems (30 %)
• Model domain‑specific concepts and acceptance criteria for complex HRI scenarios using knowledge graphs (15 %)
• Develop mechanisms for semantic traceability between specifications, observed behavior, and AI‑driven decisions (15 %)
• Analyze and assess the transferability of simulation‑based validation results to real‑world collaborative robotic scenarios (15 %)
• Disseminate research findings through scientific publications, presentations, and contributions to the field (15 %)
• Build a digital‑twin environment for automated validation—e.g., in NVIDIA Omniverse—including measurement and monitoring models (10 %)

Benefits / Compensation

• Salary: TV‑L E13
• Fixed‑term (3 years) contract
• Full‑time
• Internal and external training opportunities
• Health, consulting and prevention services
• Work‑family balance support
• Flexible working hours
• Supplementary company pension

Qualifications

• Completed scientific/academic degree in a technical field
• Solid programming skills in Python, C++ or Rust
• Experience in robotics, simulation, or software engineering, especially formal specification, model‑based development, and automated testing
• Interest in AI/ML, explainable autonomy, and human–robot collaboration
• Motivation to pursue a doctorate in an interdisciplinary research context
• Cooperative, team‑oriented working style
• Independent, reliable and committed scientific approach
• Ability to communicate and present research results clearly

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Knowledge of functional safety and risk assessment
• Familiarity with relevant ISO specifications (e.g., ISO 10218‑2:2025)
• Experience with scenario‑based approaches such as OpenSCENARIO

Application Procedure

We look forward to receiving your application. To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.

Application deadline:

Contact

Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Wrede
+49 521 106 5148

Postal Address

Universität Bielefeld
Technische Fakultät
Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Wrede
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bielefeld University welcomes applications from women and is an equal‑opportunity employer. We encourage applications from suitably qualified disabled and severely handicapped persons. Positions can be carried out with reduced working hours on request, provided this does not conflict with official needs.