PhD position in Agentic AI in Computational Modeling

Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 60.000; Teilzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

International Welcome Office

6 weeks holiday per year

Flexible work options

Public transport subsidy

Healthcare benefits

Childcare facilities

PhD Buddy Program

Professional development opportunities

Zusammenfassung

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon in Geesthacht is offering a PhD position in agentic AI for computational modeling. The role focuses on developing autonomous AI-driven simulations across material science and related engineering fields.

We seek a candidate with a master’s in a relevant field, excellent math and programming skills (Python and C++), and strong communication of science in English. The position is part‑time (19.5 h/week) with international collaboration opportunities.

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree in computational engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in the theoretical foundations of engineering, science and applied mathematics.
• Preferred knowledge in ontologies, knowledge graphs and/or robotics.

Aufgaben

• Develop and push the frontier of agentic AI systems in computational modeling.
• Create autonomous systems for the development and execution of computer simulations.
• Collaborate with a team across computational science and engineering applications.

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon Research Field All Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 4 Oct 2026 - 23:00 (UTC) Country Germany Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Other Offer Starting Date 7 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Institute of Material Systems Modeling

Area of research:

PHD Thesis

Part-Time Suitability:

The position is suitable for part-time employment.

07.09.2026

Job description:

PhD position in Agentic AI in Computational Modeling

Referenzcode: 1061

Arbeitsort: Geesthacht

Bewerbungsfrist: 23.09.2026

Developing computational models and running computer simulations in science and engineering still requires substantial expert knowledge. Agentic artificial intelligence (AI) offers a great opportunity to automate these demanding tasks to a large extent. We are offering a 3?year position, as soon as possible, as a doctoral student in the area of agentic AI in computational modeling.

Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position. The position is part-time (planned with 19.5 h/week).

Your tasks

Together with our team, you will push the frontier of agentic AI systems in computational modeling. That is, you will develop systems that leverage agentic AI to automate the development and execution of computer simulations. The objective is creating largely autonomous systems for computational modeling. The main application areas are the various areas of computational science and engineering with a strong focus on computational material science (both at the macroscale and atomic scale), biomedical engineering/?biomechanics, and process engineering. However, also applications in environmental modeling (in particular coastal research and climate research) are potentially of interest.

Your profile

You should have a master's degree in computational engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or any other field closely related to computational modeling in science and engineering. You have a strong background in the theoretical foundations of engineering, science and applied mathematics. It is an advantage (though not mandatory) if you have prior knowledge in ontologies, knowledge graphs, and/or robotics.

You have demonstrated your excellent skills by outstanding grades during your bachelor's and master's program, in particular in those courses related to this call. You have very good programming skills in Python and ideally also C++. Proven experience in code development is crucial and will be checked during the job interview. Moreover, you have strong skills in communicating science in English.

Our offer

• an exciting and varied job in a research center with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
• International Welcome Office with guest accommodation
• 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
• social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration up to EG 13 (according to EntgO Bund)
• very well work-life balance; options for mobile and flexible work
• a well-connected research campus (public transport) and best networking opportunities, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket if certain conditions are met (job ticket), charging facilities for electric vehicles
• individual opportunities for further training
• an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
• PhD Buddy Program
• family-friendly company policy with childcare facilities, e. g. nursery close to the company
• Operational Health Management, e. g. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Corporate Benefits
• a varied offer in the canteen on campus

Severely disabled persons and those equalling severelydisabled persons who are equally suitable for the position will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.