Research Position (m/f/d) in the SFB TRR 318 in the field of machine learning

Universität Bielefeld; Bielefeld; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading university in Bielefeld is seeking a Research Position in machine learning. The role focuses on mathematical modeling and algorithmic implementation of AI systems. Ideal candidates should have a Master's degree in computer science or related fields, strong knowledge of machine learning, and programming skills in Python. Benefits include a fulltime contract, training opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.

Leistungen

Internal and external training opportunities

Variety of health, consulting, and prevention services

Flexible working hours

Supplementary company pension

Collegial working environment

Modern work environment with digital processes

Qualifikationen

• Strong knowledge of machine learning (theory and practice).
• Very good knowledge of mathematics (modeling, optimization, statistics).
• Independent, self-reliant, and committed way of working.

Aufgaben

• Mathematical modeling of XAI technologies.
• Algorithmic implementation of machine learning approaches.
• Evaluation, publication, and presentation of scientific results.

Kenntnisse

Strong knowledge of machine learning

Very good knowledge of mathematics

Very good programming skills (Python)

Good knowledge of German and English

Analytical skills and scientific mindset

Ausbildung

Completed scientific university degree (Master's or comparable)

Jobbeschreibung

Overview

TheCITEC (Center for Cognitive Interaction Technology) has the following job opening in the SFB TRR 318 [subproject C03]: Research Position (m/f/d) in the SFB TRR 318 in the field of machine learning ID: Wiss25321

• starting: 01.01.2026
• fulltime
• salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
• fixed-term

Research Focus

The transregional collaborative research center (TRR) “Constructing Explainability” funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) at the Universities of Paderborn and Bielefeld deals with explainable and explanatory artificial intelligence. The central hypothesis of the TRR is that explanations should be co‑constructed by dialogue partners so that humans can make confident and informed decisions when interacting with intelligent systems.

Both universities aim to contribute basic research in the areas of co‑constructive explanation processes and their mechanisms, explanation as a socio‑technical phenomenon, and computational representations of the dynamics of co‑constructive explanation. They bring together different disciplinary perspectives at the level of individual projects and the TRR as a whole. The goal of the second funding phase is to develop more flexible, personalized, proactive explanation systems (sXAI) that take social and situational context into account when adapting their explanatory behavior.

The sub‑project C03 “Explaining Change” focuses on ex‑ante explanations for the adaptation of complex, composite AI systems to a new context or a new task. Prominent examples are fine‑tuning, transfer learning or prompting of complex AI systems that are grouped around a basic model, but also the adaptation of more classical hybrid systems. A special challenge in the project is the suitable representation of the different parameterizations of context, system, and, if necessary, multi‑criteria objective function as well as the handling of uncertainty in the XAI technologies to be developed. In addition to mathematical modeling and algorithmic implementation, evaluation is also part of the task.

Responsibilities

• research activities (95%):
  • mathematical modeling of XAI technologies for AI systems
  • algorithmic implementation of machine learning approaches
  • evaluation of approaches (crowd‑sourcing platform)
  • evaluation, publication and presentation of scientific results
• cooperation with network partners and participation in TRR activities (5%)

Employment and Benefits

Employment is conducive to academic qualification. We offer

• salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
• fixed‑term (limited until 30.06.2029 – end of project) (§ 2 (1) sentence 1 of the WissZeitVG; in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases)
• fulltime

• internal and external training opportunities
• variety of health, consulting and prevention services
• reconcilability of family and work
• flexible working hours
• good transport connection
• supplementary company pension
• collegial working environment
• open and pleasant working atmosphere
• exciting, varied tasks
• modern workenvironment with digital processes
• various offers (canteen, cafeteria, restaurants, Uni‑Shop, ATM, etc.)

Qualifications

• completed scientific university degree (e.g. Master’s or comparable) in computer science, mathematics or related fields
• strong knowledge of machine learning (theory and practice)
• very good knowledge of mathematics (modeling, optimization, statistics)
• interest and passion for interdisciplinary research at the interface of machine learning and cognitive science
• very good programming skills (Python)
• good knowledge of German and English (oral and written)
• analytical skills and scientific mindset
• independent, self‑reliant and committed way of working

Preferred Skills

• practical experience in research on large language models, in particular open weight LLMs
• knowledge of XAI

Application Procedure

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

application deadline: 10.11.2025

Contact

Prof. Dr. Barbara Hammer
[phone]
[e-mail]

Postal Address

Universität Bielefeld
Technische Fakultät
Prof. Dr. Barbara Hammer
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld

Equal Opportunity

Bielefeld University has received a number of awards for its achievements as an equal‑opportunity employer and has been recognized as a family‑friendly university. The university welcomes applications from women. This is particularly true with regard to both academic and technical posts as well as positions in information technology and the skilled crafts and trades. Applications are handled according to the provisions of the state statutes on equal opportunity. Applications from suitably qualified handicapped and severely handicapped persons are explicitly encouraged. At Bielefeld University, on request, positions can be carried out with reduced working hours as long as this does not conflict with official needs.