Research Associate (PhD candidate, m/f/d) in the field of Data-Driven Mechanics

Technische Universität Braunschweig; Deutschland; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TV-L salary

Family-friendly university

Flexible working hours

30 days vacation

Job summary

Technische Universität Braunschweig invites applications for a Research Associate (PhD candidate, m/f/d) in the field of Data-Driven Mechanics at the Institute of Applied Mechanics. The position is EG 13 TV-L and offered full-time or part-time for up to three years with the possibility to pursue a doctorate or further qualifications.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in continuum solid mechanics, experience in machine learning, and programming skills (Python with

Qualifications

• Strong background in continuum solid mechanics.
• Experience with machine learning and Bayesian statistics is a plus.
• Proficient coding skills in Python and ML libraries (PyTorch/JAX/TensorFlow).
• Good English language skills; German is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Carry out data-driven mechanics research and implement computational methods.
• Publish findings and present at national and international conferences.
• Involve in teaching activities at the University and supervise student work.

Skills

continuum solid mechanics

machine learning experience

Python coding

PyTorch

JAX

TensorFlow

English language skills

German language skills

Education

Master's degree or equivalent with focus on continuum solid mechanics and computational methods

Tools

Python

PyTorch

JAX

TensorFlow

Julia

Job description

Organisation/Company Technische Universität Braunschweig Department Institute of Applied Mechanics Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 15 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Negotiable 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

With more than 16,000 students and 3,800 employees, theTechnische Universität Braunschweigis one of Germany´s leading institutes of technology. It stands for strategic and performance-oriented thinking and acting, relevant research, committed teaching, and the successful transfer of knowledge and technologies to the economy and society. We consistently advocate for family friendliness and equal opportunities.

Our research focuses on mobility, engineering for health, metrology, and city of the future. Strong engineering and natural sciences are our core disciplines. These are closely interconnected with economics, social and educational sciences and humanities.

Our campus is located in the midst of one of the most research-intensive regions in Europe. We work successfully together with over 20 research institutions in our neighborhood as we do with our international partner universities.

Starting from the earliest possible date, the Institute of Applied Mechanics is looking for a

Research Associate (PhD candidate, m/f/d) in the field of Data-Driven Mechanics

(EG 13 TV-L, full-time/part-time)

The position is to be filled on a fixed-term basis for an initial period of 3 years. An extension is intended. The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to pursue a doctorate or to gain further scientific qualifications as a postdoctoral researcher.

Within the Institute of Applied Mechanics, the applicant will be associated with the Division Data-driven modeling of mechanical systems led by Prof. Henning Wessels. The group’s research focuses on the exciting intersection of continuum solid mechanics, machine learning and uncertainty quantification. In this context, our current research interests include, but are not limited to:

• Scientific and physics-informed machine learning
• Parameter identification, model discovery and (statistical) model updating

Further details regarding our research activities and recent publications can be found on our website.

• You will carry out research in the area ofdata-driven mechanics, i.e. design, implement and test computational methods.
• You will publish research findings and participate in national and international conferences.
• You will be involved in teaching at the University (preparation and implementation of courses as well as supervision of students’ work).

Your Qualifications

• You have a strong background in continuum solid mechanics, prior experience in machine learning (and ideally in Bayesian statistics).
• You have experience in and do enjoy coding, in particular with Python and its machine learning libraries such as PyTorch, JAX or Tensorflow. Julia is a plus.
• You have very good English language skills. German language skills are of advantage.
• You are flexible and work well in a team.
• You have a degree (Master’s or equivalent) with a strong focus on continuum solid mechanics and computational methods (for instance in mechanical, civil or computational engineering, applied mathematics, or similar).

We offer

• Access to extensive experimental equipment (and real-world data).
• Latest laptops and compute servers, as well as height-adjustable desks in light-flooded offices.
• Work on exciting future-oriented research topics in an inspiring work environment as part of the university community (exemplified, e.g., by an active GAMM junior group).
• A vibrant campus life in an international atmosphere with lots of intercultural offers and international cooperations.
• Pay in accordance with the collective agreement TV-L (a special payment at the end of the year as well as a supplementary benefit in the form of a company pension, comparable to a company pension in the private sector) including 30 days' vacation per year.
• Flexible working and part-time options and a family-friendly university culture, awarded the "Family-friendly university" audit since 2007.
• Special continuing education programs for young scientists, a postdoc program, as well as other offerings from the Central Personnel Development Department and sports activities.

Further notes

We welcome applicants of all nationalities. At the same time, we encourage people with severe disabilities to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Please attach a proof of disability to your application.We are also working on the fulfilment of the Central Equality Plan based on the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act ( Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz —NGG) and strive to reduce under-representation in all areas and positions as defined by the NGG. Therefore, applications from women are particularly welcome in this case.

The personal data will be stored for the purpose of processing the application. By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed electronically for application purposes in compliance with the provisions of data protection law. Further information on data protection can be found in our data protection regulations at https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/datenschutzerklaerung-bewerbungen . Application costs cannot be reimbursed.

Deadline for applications is November 15, 2026