Academic Researcher (f/m/d) in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Mathematics at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – Germany

Summary

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) seeks an Academic Researcher in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Mathematics to develop and test solutions for coordinating flexible energy facilities. The role focuses on smart grids, virtual power plants, and reinforcement learning under stochastic conditions. Responsibilities include literature research, model and algorithm design, implementation in simulations and hardware, experimental analysis, publishing, and teaching assistance. The position offers a three‑year contract, flexible working hours, remote‑work options, extensive family‑friendly services, health programmes, a corporate pension, and a monthly contribution toward public transport. Candidates must hold a master’s degree, possess strong machine‑learning, energy informatics, and programming skills, and demonstrate excellent English communication. An opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. is available.

Key Facts

Department	Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics (IAI)
Position Type	Academic Researcher
Discipline	Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics
Research Area	Smart grids, virtual power plants, reinforcement learning, energy informatics
Degree Required	Master's degree
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	English
Employer Contact	Dr. Kevin Förderer, [email protected], +49 721 608-22980

About the Project

The project aims to create new methods for coordinating flexible or controllable energy facilities within virtual power plants and intelligent districts, addressing the challenges of variable renewable electricity generation. It will develop reinforcement‑learning‑based models that incorporate stochastic influences, implement them in computer simulations and real‑world hardware at the Energy Lab and Campus North grid, and evaluate their performance through experiments, with results disseminated via academic publications and conferences.

Key Responsibilities

• Research smart grids and virtual power plants, identify research gaps
• Design models and algorithms, and program them
• Implement solutions in simulations and on Energy Lab hardware and Campus North grid
• Conduct experiments, analyze results, and derive insights
• Publish results in academic journals and conferences
• Assist with teaching activities

Required Skills

• Master's degree in a relevant field
• Excellent knowledge of machine learning and statistics
• Solid expertise in energy informatics and electrical engineering
• Strong understanding of stochastic processes and probability theory
• Programming experience
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Willingness to learn and solution‑oriented approach

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a completed master’s degree in computer science, mechanical engineering, mathematics, industrial engineering or a comparable field, who have solid knowledge of machine learning, statistics, energy informatics, electrical engineering, stochastic processes, programming experience, and excellent written and spoken English, as well as strong teamwork and communication skills, are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours and remote‑work options
• 30‑day annual leave entitlement
• KIT‑Family+ program with childcare services, holiday activities, parent‑child office space, and support for caring relatives
• Fitness classes and mental‑health programmes under "Fit at KIT"
• Corporate pension (VBL)
• €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicket BW
• Access to cultural and recreational programmes
• Structured onboarding program
• Broad spectrum of continuing‑education options
• Personalised support for individual growth

About the Employer

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is a leading German research university. The position is located within the Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics (IAI), which focuses on interdisciplinary research in automation, informatics, and applied engineering. KIT offers a scientific environment that emphasizes societal relevance, innovation, and collaboration across its campuses in Eggenstein‑Leopoldshafen and Karlsruhe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the contract duration?

The contract lasts for 3 years.

Is there an opportunity to pursue a Ph.D.?

Yes, the position includes the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D.

What language skills are required?

Excellent written and spoken English skills are required.

Who can I contact for questions about the application?

You may contact Dr. Kevin Förderer at [email protected] or +49 721 608-22980, or Katja Wenz at [email protected] or +49 721 608-25093.