Scientific staff positions cover a broad range of research and research-support roles — research associates, senior researchers, project scientists and lab managers. These roles often sit between postdoc and professor, offering longer-term contracts and a mix of independent research, project coordination and student supervision. They're common in large collaborative projects and core facilities.
•Salary scale: TV-L E13 (~€50,000–65,000 gross for postdocs)
•Working language: English common in STEM labs, German for admin
•EU Blue Card fast-tracks work permits for researchers
•DFG is the main competitive funding body
University of Bonn
Scientific staff
Scientific Research Associate
Published on: 21.08.2026 The Rhineland Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn is an international research university with a broad spectrum of disciplines. 200 years of history, around 31,500 students, more than 6,000 employees and an excellent reputation at home and abroad: The University of Bonn is among the most significant universities in Germany and was designated as an excellence university. At the Institute for Entrepreneurship of the Faculty of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Engineering Sciences, a position is available on a limited-term basis for an initial period of three years according to § 2(1)…
Published on: 15.05.2026 The University of Bonn (Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn) is an international research university with a broad spectrum of disciplines. 200 years of history, around 31,500 students, more than 6,000 employees and an excellent reputation nationally and internationally: The University of Bonn is one of Germany's most significant universities and has been designated as an Excellence University. The AI Service Center WestAI is seeking a Scientific Employee as of July 1, 2026, for part-time work (50%) and currently for a limited period according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG until December 31, 2027. The AI Service Center WestAI is one of four AI Service Centers in Germany funded by the BMFTR. WestAI pools the expertise of leading research institutions from North Rhine-Westphalia and supports companies, in particular SMEs and start-ups, as well as the scientific community in the practical application of Artificial Intelligence. The focus is on consulting, prototype development, access to AI computing resources, models and test platforms, as well as the transfer of excellent AI research into application. After successfully establishing the center, WestAI is now in its second funding phase, with a stronger focus on operations, quality assurance, sustainability and integration into the national and European AI ecosystem. For the strategic further development of WestAI, we are seeking a scientifically qualified, committed leadership personality to take over the operational management of the center. Application deadline: 14.06.2026 Reference number: 2026/202 Working hours: Part-time Start of activity: Duration: limited Salary grade: TV-L EG 13 You are responsible for the operational management of the AI Service Center WestAI and ensure smooth operations within the consortium, represent the center externally, and actively drive the further development of structures and services. This includes in particular: The University of Bonn promotes an open, appreciative and discrimination-free university culture and is committed to...
What is the TV-L salary scale for academic positions in Germany?+
Most academic positions in Germany follow the TV-L (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder) salary scale. PhD students and postdocs are typically on E13, earning roughly €50,000–65,000 gross per year depending on experience level and state.
Do I need a Habilitation for a professorship in Germany?+
Traditionally yes, but Germany has been introducing tenure-track (Juniorprofessur) positions that serve as an alternative to the Habilitation. Many universities now offer W1 tenure-track positions leading to W2/W3 professorships without requiring a Habilitation.
Is English sufficient for academic work in Germany?+
In most STEM research groups, English is the everyday working language. However, teaching duties, administrative communication and some social science/humanities positions require German. Job postings typically specify the language requirement.
FSFraunhofer SIT · SIT - Sichere Informationstechnologie
Scientific staff
Scientific Employee iOS Security
Digitalization presents society, economy, and politics with major challenges. To successfully shape it, many practice-relevant research questions in cybersecurity and privacy protection must be addressed. The National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE is a research facility of the Fraunhofer Society with the participation of the Fraunhofer Institutes SIT and IGD as well as the universities TU Darmstadt and Hochschule Darmstadt. In a previously unique and innovative cooperation model of university and...
FSFraunhofer SIT · SIT - Sichere Informationstechnologie
Scientific staff
Scientific Research Associate in Reverse Engineering
Digitalization presents major challenges for society, economy, and politics. To successfully shape it, many practice-relevant research questions in cybersecurity and privacy protection must be addressed. The National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE is a research facility of the Fraunhofer Society with participation from the Fraunhofer Institutes SIT and IGD as well as the universities TU Darmstadt and Hochschule Darmstadt. In a previously unique and innovative cooperation model between university and...
FSFraunhofer SIT · SIT - Sichere Informationstechnologie
Scientific staff
Scientific Research Associate for Software Analysis
Digitalization presents society, economy, and politics with major challenges. To successfully shape it, many practice-relevant research questions in cybersecurity and privacy protection must be addressed. The National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE is a research institution of the Fraunhofer Society with participation from the Fraunhofer Institutes SIT and IGD as well as the universities TU Darmstadt and Hochschule Darmstadt. In a previously unique and innovative cooperation model between academic and...
FSFraunhofer SIT · SIT - Sichere Informationstechnologie
Scientific staff
Scientific Employees Cybersecurity of Energy Systems in Heilbronn
Fraunhofer SIT is offering several open positions for scientific employees at its new location in Heilbronn starting immediately in the field of applied cybersecurity research, in particular for the cybersecurity of energy systems and infrastructures, and is seeking suitable candidates for this purpose. Heilbronn is one of the locations that is currently developing most dynamically in Germany in the areas of innovation, technology development, and science. On the educational campus there, various institutions from the university and non-university sectors work together...
FSFraunhofer SIT · SIT - Secure Information Technology
Scientific staff
Research Assistant - Software Security & Program Analysis (anywhere in Germany)
Increasing digitalization makes software security a key prerequisite for trust, resilience, and innovation. This is precisely where we come in. The National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE is a joint institution of the Fraunhofer Society with the participation of Fraunhofer SIT, Fraunhofer IGD, TU Darmstadt, and Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. In a unique cooperation model, we combine cutting-edge university and non-university research in the field of cybersecurity. Fraunhofer SIT is one of the leading research institutions for IT and software security in Germany…
FSFraunhofer SIT · SIT - Secure Information Technology
Scientific staff
Research Associate for Software Analysis
Digitization poses major challenges for society, business, and politics. In order to shape it successfully, many practice-relevant research questions of cybersecurity and privacy protection need to be addressed. The National Research Center for Applied Cyber Security ATHENE is a research institution of the Fraunhofer Society, with the participation of the Fraunhofer Institutes SIT and IGD as well as the universities TU Darmstadt and Hochschule Darmstadt. In a hitherto unique and innovative model of cooperation between university and non-university research, ATHENE conducts cutting-edge…
FSFraunhofer SIT · SIT - Sichere Informationstechnologie
Scientific staff
Scientific Research Associate Cybersecurity
Digitalization poses major challenges for society, economy and politics. To successfully shape it, many practice-relevant research questions in cybersecurity and privacy protection must be addressed. The National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE is a research institution of the Fraunhofer Society with the participation of the Fraunhofer Institutes SIT and IGD as well as the universities TU Darmstadt and Hochschule Darmstadt. In a previously unique and innovative cooperation model of university and…
FSFraunhofer SIT · SIT - Sichere Informationstechnologie
Scientific staff
Scientific Employee - Software Security & Program Analysis (nationwide)
Increasing digitalization makes software security a central prerequisite for trust, resilience and innovation capacity. This is exactly where we come in. The National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE is a joint institution of the Fraunhofer Society with the participation of Fraunhofer SIT, Fraunhofer IGD as well as TU Darmstadt and Hochschule Darmstadt. In a unique cooperation model, we combine top-level university and non-university research in the field of cybersecurity. Fraunhofer SIT is among the leading...
FSFraunhofer SIT · SIT - Sichere Informationstechnologie
Scientific staff
Scientific Employees for Secure Software Development in Heilbronn
The Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT is expanding its new location in Heilbronn and is seeking committed scientific employees. At the Heilbronn Education Campus, university and non-university research institutions work together in a unique cooperation on data-driven technologies and smart applications. With the new Research Center for Cybersecurity, Heilbronn is becoming a hotspot for future technologies. The Secure Software Engineering (SSE) Department. The position is in the SSE research department of Fraunhofer SIT at the location...
FSFraunhofer SIT · SIT - Secure Information Technology
Scientific staff
Research Associate in Cybersecurity of Energy Systems in Heilbronn
Fraunhofer SIT is currently offering several positions for research assistants in the field of applied cybersecurity research at its new location in Heilbronn, particularly in the area of cybersecurity for energy systems and infrastructures, and is seeking suitable candidates. Heilbronn is one of the locations in Germany that is currently developing most dynamically in the fields of innovation, technology development, and science. On the local education campus, various university and non-university research and development institutions are working together in a unique collaboration and a…
FSFraunhofer SIT · SIT - Secure Information Technology
Scientific staff
Research Associate for Secure Software Development in Heilbronn
The Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT is expanding its new location in Heilbronn and is looking for dedicated research assistants. At the Heilbronn Education Campus, university and non-university research institutions are working together in a unique collaboration on data-driven technologies and smart applications. With the new research center for cybersecurity, Heilbronn is becoming a hotspot for future technologies. The Secure Software Engineering (SSE) department The position is located in the SSE research department of Fraunhofer SIT at the Heilbronn site. The…
FSFraunhofer SIT · SIT - Secure Information Technology
Scientific staff
Research Associate in the Field of Reverse Engineering
Digitalization poses major challenges for society, the economy, and politics. In order to successfully shape these challenges, many practical research questions relating to cybersecurity and privacy protection must be addressed. The National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE is a research institution of the Fraunhofer Society with the participation of the Fraunhofer Institutes SIT and IGD as well as the Technical University of Darmstadt and Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. In a unique and innovative cooperation model between university and non-university research,…
FSFraunhofer SIT · SIT - Secure Information Technology
Scientific staff
Research Assistant in Cybersecurity
Digitization poses major challenges for society, business, and politics. In order to shape it successfully, many practice-relevant research questions of cybersecurity and privacy protection need to be addressed. The National Research Center for Applied Cyber Security ATHENE is a research institution of the Fraunhofer Society, with the participation of the Fraunhofer Institutes SIT and IGD as well as the universities TU Darmstadt and Hochschule Darmstadt. In a hitherto unique and innovative model of cooperation between university and non-university research, ATHENE conducts cutting-edge…
FSFraunhofer SIT · SIT - Secure Information Technology
Scientific staff
Research Associate iOS Security
Digitalization poses major challenges for society, the economy, and politics. In order to successfully shape these challenges, many practical research questions relating to cybersecurity and privacy protection must be addressed. The National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE is a research institution of the Fraunhofer Society with the participation of the Fraunhofer Institutes SIT and IGD as well as the Technical University of Darmstadt and Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. In a unique and innovative cooperation model between university and non-university research,…
FIFraunhofer IWU · IWU - Werkzeugmaschinen und Umformtechnik
Scientific staff
Scientific Assistant in the Field of Forming Technology
As a leading institute for resource-efficient production within the Fraunhofer Society, the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU is a driver of innovation in the field of production technology research and development, especially in the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors. For more than 30 years, we have been developing efficiency technologies and intelligent production systems for the manufacture of body and powertrain components and optimizing the associated forming and machining processes. The competencies in the field of forming technology include...
FIFraunhofer IWU · IWU - Werkzeugmaschinen und Umformtechnik
Scientific staff
Research Assistant in the Field of Development of a Mobile Inspection System
Pipelines and masts are exposed to stresses depending on the application and location, which can lead to fatigue or damage and may thus impair their structural stability and function. Examples include load-bearing structures of wind turbines, radio masts, or tubes in chemical and power plant facilities, as well as natural objects such as trees. The inspection and testing of such objects is difficult and is usually carried out manually by industrial climbers or with aids such as aerial work platforms. Inspections with UAVs allow only external optical or...
Initiative Application for Scientists, Technicians, and Administrative Employees
Change starts with you! - Become part of our Fraunhofer team. The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC under the direction of Prof. Dr. Miriam Unterlass is one of Bavaria's most important centers for material-based research and development. Around 400 employees work on innovative materials and technologies for sustainable products and make essential contributions to solving the major, global future challenges and issues. Energy, environment, and health - everyone talks about these topics. With us, you're right in the middle of it! Because we deal with...
FIFraunhofer IOSB · IOSB - Optronik, Systemtechnik und Bildauswertung
Scientific staff
Scientist in the Field of Optical Fiber Components
Shaping technologies for tomorrow: that is our mission at the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB. We conduct fundamental and application-oriented research in the fields of laser technology, photonics, imaging sensor systems and much more. Our expertise ranges from the physical fundamentals of optics and photonics to data analysis using AI for various application domains. Where research meets practice, change begins – and this is precisely where we shape the future together. You are passionate about optimization and...
FIFraunhofer IOSB · IOSB - Optronik, Systemtechnik und Bildauswertung
Scientific staff
Scientist in the field of preform development for active laser fibers
Shaping technologies for tomorrow: that is our mission at the Fraunhofer Institute for Optics, Systems Technology and Image Exploitation IOSB. We conduct basic and application-oriented research in the fields of laser technology, photonics, imaging sensor systems and much more. Our expertise ranges from the physical fundamentals of optics and photonics to data evaluation using AI for various application domains. Where research meets practice, change begins – and this is exactly where we shape the future together. You are passionate about optimization and…
FIFraunhofer IEG · IEG - Energieinfrastrukturen und Geotechnologien
Scientific staff
Unsolicited Application as Scientific Research Associate
We at the Fraunhofer Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies IEG are shaping climate-neutral energy systems of the future. Our research facility conducts applied research, develops innovative technologies for public and industrial clients, and transforms these into market-ready products and processes. With the expertise of our team, we support sustainable transformation locally, at the national level, and internationally. The Fraunhofer Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies IEG conducts research in the fields of integrated…
FIFraunhofer IEG · IEG - Energieinfrastrukturen und Geotechnologien
Scientific staff
Unsolicited Application as Scientific Staff Member
We at the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies IEG shape the climate-neutral energy systems of the future. Our research facility conducts applied research, develops innovative technologies for public and industrial clients, and converts these into market-ready products and processes. With the expertise of our team, we support sustainable transformation locally, at the national level, and in the international space. Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies IEG conducts research in the fields of integrated...
FIFraunhofer IEE · IEE - Energy Economics and Energy System Technology
Scientific staff
Student Research Assistant - Speculative Application (f/m/d)
Fraunhofer IEE in Kassel conducts research in the fields of energy economics and energy systems engineering with a focus on: energy informatics, energy meteorology and geoinformation systems, energy economics and systems design, energy process engineering and storage, grid planning and grid operation, grid stability and power electronics technology, and thermal energy technology. Around 450 scientists, employees, and students develop solutions for the energy transition and generate approximately 40 million euros in revenue per year. You want to implement the energy transition…
FIFraunhofer IEE · IEE - Energiewirtschaft und Energiesystemtechnik
Scientific staff
Scientific Research Assistant - Initiative for Students (m/w/d)
Fraunhofer IEE in Kassel conducts research in the areas of energy management and energy systems engineering with focuses on: energy informatics, energy meteorology and geoinformation systems, energy management and system design, energy process engineering and storage, grid planning and grid operation, grid stability and power electronics, as well as thermal energy technology. Around 450 scientists, employees, and students develop solutions for the energy transition and generate approximately 40 million euros in revenue per year. You would like to contribute to the implementation of the energy transition...
