Postdoc Position in AI and Physical AI in Advanced Manufacturing, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

Summary

The RWTH Aachen University’s Chair for Digital Additive Production seeks a postdoctoral researcher to establish a new Research Area focused on AI and Physical AI within advanced manufacturing. The role involves building the research area, identifying industrial applications, developing project ideas, supervising PhD candidates, and fostering collaborations with industry and research partners. Candidates must hold a PhD (and a master’s degree), possess strong expertise in machine‑learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow, demonstrate leadership experience, and be fluent in German and English. The position is a full‑time, TV‑L 14 salary contract for two years, starting as soon as possible. Application deadline is 30 November 2026.

Key Facts

Employer	RWTH Aachen University
Department	Lehrstuhl für Digitale Additive Produktion
Position Type	Postdoc
Discipline	Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field
Research Area	AI and Physical AI in Advanced Manufacturing
Degree Required	Doctorate (PhD)
Salary	TV-L 14
Funding	Salary (TV-L 14)
Contract Duration	2 years (fixed-term)
Language	German and English
Deadline	2026-11-30
Employer Address	Templergraben 55, 52062, North Rhine-Westphalia
Employer Contact	Dr. Lucas Jauer, Phone: +49 241 80-40546

About the Project

The project aims to create and lead a Research Area that integrates AI and Physical AI techniques into modern additive manufacturing process chains, targeting industrial applications across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and life sciences.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and strategically develop a new Research Area in AI and Physical AI for advanced manufacturing
• Identify industrial applications and generate research and project ideas
• Supervise PhD students in methodology, projects and publications
• Establish and maintain collaborations with industry and research partners
• Disseminate research outcomes through publications and conference contributions

Required Skills

• Expertise in machine‑learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow)
• Proven responsibility in project leadership or team coordination
• Ability to work across disciplinary boundaries
• Experience with grant applications or budget responsibility (advantageous)
• Fluent in German and English

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a PhD in mechanical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering or a related field, who have proven project leadership, strong machine‑learning expertise, and fluency in German and English.

Benefits

• Full‑time position
• Salary classified under TV‑L 14
• Fixed‑term contract for 2 years
• Employment under the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz
• Family‑friendly university certification
• Access to university health and sports programs

About the Employer

The Chair for Digital Additive Production at RWTH Aachen conducts research on digital and additive manufacturing, collaborating with industry partners in automotive, aerospace, turbomachinery, life sciences, and tooling. It offers consulting, training services, and a supportive environment for personal and professional development within a highly motivated team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

30 November 2026.

What is the length of the contract?

The position is fixed‑term for 2 years.

What salary classification is used?

The position is graded at TV‑L 14.

How should I apply?

Send an email application with the vacancy number in the subject line.