Research Associate (m/f/x)

Technische Universität Dresden; Dresden; Hybrid; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading technical university in Dresden is offering a position as a Research Associate to develop methods for upcycling metal components. The candidate will be involved in innovative manufacturing processes and academic development towards a PhD. Key responsibilities include planning manufacturing processes, analyzing results, and collaborating in an interdisciplinary team. Applicants should have a strong background in engineering, knowledge of forming technologies, and proficiency in both German and English. The position is funded and offers professional development opportunities.

Leistungen

Professional development opportunities

Coverage for language courses

Supportive work environment for women

Qualifikationen

• Very good to good university degree in engineering science, ideally in production engineering.
• Basic knowledge of laser-based manufacturing processes.
• Solid knowledge of forming technologies, especially sheet metal forming.

Aufgaben

• Plan the manufacturing of 2nd Life sheet metal using laser cutting and welding.
• Analyze processes and model the interaction between both processes.
• Collaborate with team members on data-driven upcycling.

Kenntnisse

Self-motivation

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Programming in Python or VBA

Familiarity with CAD and FEM software

Ausbildung

Very good to good university degree in engineering science

Tools

CAD software

FEM software

Jobbeschreibung

At the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Institute of Manufacturing, the Chair of Forming and Machining Technology is offering a position as Research Associate (m/f/x) starting at the earliest possible date.

Subject to personal qualification employees are remunerated according to salary group E 13 TV‑L. The position is limited until 31 December 2028 within the research project “2nd Life Metal Components: A Pathfinding Project for Upcycling”. The period of employment is governed by the Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz – WissZeitVG). The position offers the chance to obtain further academic qualification (usually PhD).

The project is funded by the Werner Siemens Foundation with €13 million and aims to develop cutting‑edge methods for the upcycling of metal parts, reducing energy consumption by 90 % relative to traditional methods while improving functionality of recycled metal components.

In this role you will work on developing and applying innovative, primarily non‑destructive methods of material and part characterization to identify and classify incoming first‑life components. The data you generate will be critical for process planning and manufacturing, and you will work closely with other team members to ensure efficient upcycling of metal parts. You will have substantial scientific freedom to creatively address challenges while pursuing a clear overall goal.

Responsibilities

• Plan the manufacturing of 2nd Life sheet metal using laser cutting and welding.
• Apply the deep drawing process to 2nd Life sheet metal to manufacture 2nd Life components.
• Analyze the processes, evaluate the resulting quality and model the interaction between both processes.
• Design fixtures for positioning 3D‑shaped parts in the laser‑cutting machine.
• Collaborate with team members involved in process development, production planning, and manufacturing to ensure data‑driven, efficient upcycling.
• Tackle technical challenges with creative solutions in a research environment that allows scientific freedom.
• Communicate findings through research publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the development of the new Master’s program, “Resource‑Efficient Manufacturing and Materials – REMM”.

Requirements

• Very good to good university degree in engineering science, ideally in production engineering (forming technologies) or applied simulation methods.
• Basic knowledge of laser‑based manufacturing processes.
• High self‑motivation with a willingness to learn and acquire new skills while adapting to evolving challenges.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively within an international team.
• Independent, creative, goal‑oriented, and solution‑driven working style.
• Solid knowledge of forming technologies, especially sheet metal forming, material characterization, or modeling and simulation techniques, with a keen interest in further developing this expertise.
• Very good written and spoken communication skills in both German and English.
• Proficiency in programming (Python, VBA, or similar) and familiarity with common CAD and FEM software tools are beneficial.

We Offer

• A wide range of opportunities for individual professional development through central training courses provided by the research network or TU Dresden.
• Solid academic preparation for a future doctoral project.
• Intensive scientific exchange within the project consortium.
• Coverage of costs for required language courses.
• The option to work remotely on a partial basis.
• Support for employing more women in academia; the University is a certified family‑friendly university and welcomes applications from candidates with disabilities. Candidates with disabilities or equivalent status pursuant to the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) receive priority for employment.

Application

Please submit your detailed application with a cover letter, CV and relevant certificates quoting the job reference w25‑339 by 9 January 2026, preferably via the TUD SecureMail Portal securemail.tu-dresden.de as a single PDF file to ff‑[e-mail]. Application will not be returned to you and expenses incurred in attending interviews cannot be reimbursed. Reference to data protection information available at https://tu-dresden.de/karriere/datenschutzhinweis.