Research associate for robot-/AI-based laboratory automation (f/m/x)

Technische Hochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS); Schweinfurt; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A public university in Bavaria is seeking a Research Associate for a project on robot-/AI-based automation in laboratories. Candidates should hold a relevant master's degree and have experience in robotics, AI, and programming. The position involves designing automated processes, collaborating on system implementations, and supervising students. It offers 30 days of annual leave, a chance to pursue a doctorate, and opportunities for professional development. The contract is a full-time, fixed-term position until September 30, 2029.

Leistungen

Opportunity to pursue doctorate

Mentorship opportunities

Flexible working hours

30 days of paid annual leave

Public sector benefits

Training and development

Free parking

Canteen discounts

Qualifikationen

• Completed graduate degree in a related discipline.
• Proven experience in relevant research areas.
• Programming skills in AI/ML and robotics.

Aufgaben

• Design and implement automated processes for LNP synthesis.
• Collaborate with automation engineers on robot-based systems.
• Analyze experimental data with interdisciplinary teams.
• Develop AI tools for process optimization.
• Create a database system for structured data storage.
• Publish research results in journals and conferences.
• Co-develop educational concepts for students.
• Supervise bachelor’s or master’s theses.

Kenntnisse

Robot‑assisted production systems

Machine learning

Database systems

Programming in robotics

Active learning

Ausbildung

Master’s degree or diploma of a German university

Doctorate in robotics or similar

Jobbeschreibung

The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is one of the largest practice-oriented higher education institutions in Bavaria. With focus areas ranging from technology over social sciences and economics to design and languages, THWS covers a wide subject spectrum. We accompany around 9,300 students in more than 65 degree programmes on their educational path. In 2022, THWS was certified as a family‑friendly higher education institution by the audit familiengerechte hochschule. THWS is supporting diverse life plans and family forms and actively promotes the reconciliation of family and working life of all THWS members.

The Center for Robotics (CERI) is an institute of THWS that drives research and development in the field of robotics in close collaboration with regional companies. The Institute of Medical Engineering Schweinfurt (IMES) is not only active in traditional medical engineering but also in the automation of laboratory processes for future applications in precision medicine.

These two institutes cooperate on a research project on intelligent lab automation funded by the federal government, for which we intend to recruit:

Institute of Medical Engineering Schweinfurt

Research associate for robot‑/AI‑based laboratory automation (f/m/x)

Full‑time position Reference number: 16.2.756

Position is to be filled as soon as possible, your place of employment will be our location in Schweinfurt. The full‑time position (40 hours per week) is subject to a fixed‑term project contract which ends on 30 September 2029.

Would you like to contribute your knowledge, skills, and experience to an exciting research project at the interface of chemistry/biology and robotics/AI? Do you enjoy working with other scientists and engineers to set up an automated life science laboratory? Then this position is the right fit for you.

Responsibilities

• Conceptual design and implementation of an automated process to synthesise lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to transport modern active agents and vaccines
• Cooperation with an automation engineer in design, planning, and programming of an automated, robot‑based system for the production of medical nanoparticles
• Part of an interdisciplinary team covering chemistry, biology, AI, and engineering working on the analysis of experimental data, also together with external research institutions
• Development of AI tools for analysis and optimisation of an automated production process: Development and training of multi‑parameter models, design of experiments, and application of design of experiments (DOE) methods
• Development of a database system for automated, structured, and secure storage of process data and experimental data used for AI‑based optimisation
• Publishing the results in scientific journals and presenting the results on national and international conferences and workshops
• Co‑development of a qualification and education concept for students and professionals at the interface of life sciences and engineering
• Supervision of theses or project papers of bachelor’s or master’s students

Employment requirements

• Successfully completed graduate degree programme (e.g. master’s degree or diploma of a German university) or a doctorate, preferably in robotics, artificial intelligence, computer science, or a related discipline, or a comparable qualification
• Proven experience in one or several of the following research areas: Robot‑assisted production systems, active learning, machine learning, design of experiments (DOE), database systems
• Programming skills, in particular in robotics, AI/ML, and databases
• Knowledge of laboratory automation is an advantage
• Good communication and social skills

Benefits

• For applicants holding a master’s degree: Opportunity of pursuing a doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) at our graduate school “Sustainable and Intelligent Systems (NISys)”
• For postdocs: Opportunity to develop leadership skills by mentoring research associates and engineers
• Multi‑faceted, challenging tasks with flexible working hours thanks to a flexitime account and generous home office arrangements
• 30 days of paid annual leave
• The attractive benefits of the public sector
• A highly motivated team of colleagues with flat hierarchies and an open communication culture
• Broad training and development opportunitiesFree parking and Jobticket Bayern
• Discounts in the canteens (Mensen) of the Studierendenwerk Würzburg
• Work in an attractive university town offering a high quality of life
• Health‑promoting measures such as discounted sports courses, health days, and workshops

Recruitment and remuneration

Recruitment and remuneration is governed by the collective bargaining agreement for the public service of the states (TV‑L) with all the usual benefits in the public sector. If all conditions are met, you are remunerated according to

• Pay grade 13 TV‑L

In case of essentially identical aptitude, skills and accomplishments, applicants with disabilities will be employed preferably. Our university would welcome if women feel particularly addressed by the call for applications.

We are looking forward to receiving your application (cover letter, CV, proof of required qualification, relevant certificates, etc.) via our online portal by 18 January 2026.