PhD Position in Privacy-Aware Trustworthy AI, University of Oldenburg, Germany

Summary

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Oldenburg is inviting applications for a Research Associate / PhD position within the Privacy-Aware Trustworthy AI (PATAI) research group. Positioned within the Safety-Security-Interaction division, the role contributes to the AI Incubator Connected Health Nordwest project. Research focuses on applied cryptography, privacy-enhancing technologies, and trustworthy AI characteristics such as robustness, explainability, fairness, and auditability. The full-time position is temporary until September 30, 2030, with remuneration based on the E13 TV-L salary scale. Applicants have the opportunity and support to complete a doctorate. Applications, including a structured application form and standard academic records, must be submitted by email by November 8, 2026.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Oldenburg
Department	Department für Informatik
Position Type	Research Associate / PhD Position
Discipline	Computer Science
Research Area	Privacy-Aware Trustworthy AI
Salary	E13 TV-L
Contract Duration	Until September 30, 2030
Deadline	2026-11-08
Required Documents	Specific application form as an editable file, Single merged PDF containing: Curriculum vitae, Transcripts of records (Bachelor and Master), Degree certificates or diplomas (Bachelor and Master), if available, or enrollment certificate
Employer Contact	Dr. Federico Mazzone and Prof. Dr. Andreas Peter
Employer Address	Ammerländer Heerstraße 114–118, 26129, Lower Saxony

About the Project

The research focuses on Privacy-Aware Trustworthy AI within the AI Incubator Connected Health Nordwest. Key topics include applied cryptography, privacy-enhancing technologies (such as homomorphic encryption, secure multi-party computation, and differential privacy), and trustworthy AI properties including robustness, explainability, fairness, and auditability. The primary application objective is developing secure data processing and communication solutions for healthcare environments.

Who Should Apply

Candidates interested in pursuing a doctorate in trustworthy AI and privacy-enhancing technologies should apply. Beneficial background includes practical experience in scientific work (e.g., peer-reviewed publications), hands-on experience with machine learning models, strong mathematical understanding of ML models, and knowledge of applied cryptography or privacy-enhancing technologies.

Benefits

• Possibility to work on exciting research topics of high scientific relevance
• Prospect of publishing research results in leading international conferences (e.g., USENIX Security, IEEE S&P, ACM CCS, NDSS)
• Research support and guidance from group leaders
• Tariff-based payment (annual special payment, occupational pension, capital-forming benefits)
• 30 days of annual leave
• Family-friendly environment with flexible working hours (flexitime) and partial mobile working options
• Occupational health promotion services
• Extensive free continuing education program and dedicated support for early-career researchers

About the Employer

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Oldenburg is part of the Faculty II – Computing Science, Business Administration, Economics, and Law, offering a modern, interdisciplinary academic environment combining technical, economic, and societal perspectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is November 8, 2026.

Can I pursue a PhD in this position?

Yes, the opportunity for doctoral qualification is explicitly provided and supported.

How long is the contract duration?

The position is fixed-term until September 30, 2030.

What subject line should be used for the application email?

The required subject line for the email application is "Secure and Trustworthy AI".