About the role
Academic Researcher (f/m/d)
Academic Researcher (f/m/d)
in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Mathematics
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics (IAI)
- 3 years
- 2026-12-01
- Full-time
- 59,300.00 to 66,800.00 EUR gross per year
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Your Tasks
A major challenge of the energy transition is managing variable electricity generation from renewable energy sources and coordinating it with storage systems and flexible consumers. The bundling of flexible or controllable facilities within virtual power plants, intelligent districts, or as intelligent areas is a central approach to reducing system complexity. The goal of this position is the conception, implementation, evaluation, and testing of new solutions for coordinating flexible facilities. The focus lies on the application of reinforcement learning and the consideration of stochastic influences Specifically, you will have the following responsibilities:
- Researching and familiarizing yourself with the topics of smart grids and virtual power plants, as well as the current state of the art, and identifying research gaps
- Designing models and algorithms, as well as programming
- Implementing the solutions in computer simulations and subsequently using the Energy Lab’s actual hardware and the Campus North grid
- Conducting experiments, analyzing the results, and deriving new insights
- Publishing the results in academic journals and at conferences
- Assistance with teaching
In addition to research activities, there is the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D.
Your Profile
- A completed master’s degree in computer science, mechanical engineering, mathematics, Industrial Engineering and Management or a comparable field of study
- Excellent knowledge in the fields of Machine Learning and statistics
- Solid expertise in the areas of energy informatics and electrical engineering
- Strong understanding of stochastic processes/probability theory
- Programming experience
- Excellent written and spoken English skills
- Strong teamwork and communication skills, a strong willingness to learn, and a solution-oriented approach to work
We Offer
Science for Impact
Engage with topics of societal relevance — in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
Career‑Building and Developmental Opportunities
We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing‑education options, and personalised support, thereby fostering your individual growth.
Flexible Working Hours
Take advantage of flexible‑hours schemes, remote‑work options, and a 30‑day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work‑life balance.
Family-friendliness
The “KIT‑Family +” program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent‑child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.
Stay Healthy
Under the motto “Fit at KIT – Body, Mind and Soul,” we promote your well‑being through fitness classes and mental‑health programmes.
Individualised Extra Benefits
Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicket BW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.
Job location
Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (and Karlsruhe)
Salary
Salary category 13 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.
Contract duration
3 years
| Contact person in line-management Dr. Kevin Förderer [email protected] +49 721 608-22980 |
If you have general questions about the application process, please contact
Katja Wenz
Personalservice (PSE)
[email protected]
+49 721 608-25093
At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.
Application up to: 2026-10-23
Job posting number: 371/2026
How to apply
Read the full posting, then apply through the employer's own site. Applications are handled by the institution, not by AcademicGates.