PhD and Postdoc Positions in Data-Driven Simulation and Digital Twins

(R1) Positions: PhD Positions Application Deadline: 1 Jan 2027 - 00:00 (Europe/Berlin) Country: Germany Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Full-time Hours Per Week: 39.5 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description The research group Systems, Data, Simulation & Energy (SYDSEN) at the AIFB Institute is seeking highly motivated PhD and Postdoctoral researchers to work at the intersection of data-driven modeling and simulation, formal methods, and Digital Twins. Our research addresses fundamental and applied challenges in automated Digital Twin creation, combining operational data with expert knowledge to enable explainable, reliable, and decision-ready models for complex cyber-physical systems. Application domains include manufacturing systems, energy systems, and smart infrastructures, with a strong focus on reliability, efficiency, and system optimization. Several positions are embedded in Horizon Europe–funded projects (DMaaST, ONE4ALL), where SYDSEN leads work packages on advanced Digital Twin methodologies for manufacturing systems. Candidates will work on internationally visible research topics and collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners across Europe. Research Topics (examples) Research topics will be shaped by the scope of ongoing national and Horizon Europe projects (e.g., DMaaST, ONE4ALL) and the candidate’s profile. Possible topics include, but are not limited to: Data-driven and hybrid (data + expert knowledge) simulation models Digital Twin architectures and automated model extraction Process mining–based model discovery and simulation integration Stochastic, agent-based, and discrete-event simulation methods Explainability, provenance, and validation of Digital Twins Reliability, energy efficiency, and performance analysis in manufacturing and energy systems Your Role As a member of SYDSEN, you will: Conduct independent, high-quality research leading to international publications Contribute to Horizon Europe research activities and collaboration with partners Participate in teaching and curriculum development within the group Engage in academic service and coordination activities, supporting the group’s research mission You will work in a supportive and ambitious research environment that values scientific rigor, international visibility, and intellectual independence. Personal qualifications For PhD candidates: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a related field Strong interest in data-driven methods and modeling & simulation Interest in formal methods and system modeling High motivation to pursue excellent research at an international level Good command of English Knowledge of German or willingness to learn For PostDoc candidates: Doctoral degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a related field Solid publication record in relevant research areas Strong ambition towards research excellence and scientific leadership Teaching experience is highly appreciated Experience with proposal writing is highly appreciated Experience in modeling and simulation is highly appreciated Good command of English Knowledge of German or willingness to learn Salary and Contract Remuneration is according to the German public service pay scale TV-L EG-13, depending on qualifications. PhD positions: up to 4 years Postdoctoral positions: up to 2 years, with possibility of extension Application Please send the following documents as a single PDF: CV Academic transcripts Master’s thesis (PhD applicants; draft acceptable) PhD thesis (Postdoctoral researcher applicants; draft acceptable) Names of two references Motivation letter describing your research interests and fit with SYDSEN Email: lazarova-molnar@kit.edu Subject: “Application Doctoral Researcher” or “Application Postdoctoral Researcher” The positions are open until filled . We prefer to balance the number of employees (f/m/d). Therefore, we kindly ask female applicants to apply for this job. Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified. Where to apply E-mail: lazarova-molnar@kit.edu Requirements Research Field: Computer science Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Work Location(s) Number of offers available: 1 Company/Institute: AIFB Country: Germany Contact City: Karlsruhe Website: https://sydsen.aifb.kit.edu/index.php Street: Am Fasanengarten 5 Postal Code: 76131