Scientific Leader for AI

At the Dresden location, researchers of the Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI are developing technologies and concepts for mobility, energy, as well as safety and security – from forward-looking preliminary research to practical applications in everyday use. The institute collaborates closely with the universities TU Dresden and Otto von Guericke University of Magdeburg. Its transport-related research work ranges from the field of vehicle and propulsion systems to intelligent transport systems, and it also covers the areas of disposition, logistics and digital business processes.

Do you have expertise in AI and an interest in leading a research group in the field of transport and infrastructure systems?

We are looking for a motivated individual as a Group Leader, ideally holding a PhD and with experience in industry collaboration, who wants to become part of a leadership team, thinks visionary, pursues open research questions for industrial applications, and already has a strong network of research and industry partners that they wish to expand.

We are seeking to strengthen our research leadership team with an AI expert as a Group Leader in one of the following application areas:

• Cooperative automated transport systems
• Communication systems
• Autonomous systems
• Mobility and digital services
• Mobility data
• Digitalisation and decision support
• Electromobility
• Vehicle and traffic safety
• Civil security
• Safe infrastructure

Be part of change

• Personnel responsibility and scientific profiling of a new and developing group
• Design of customised, innovative solutions in one of the above-mentioned areas
• Identification of market potential and growth areas; development of products and business models
• Project acquisition, coordination and industrial exploitation of the developed technologies
• Representation of the research area at (international) conferences

What you contribute

• Academic university degree in computer science, engineering or natural sciences including a PhD or equivalent qualification
• Experience in research
• Profound expertise in Artificial Intelligence and digital innovations, paired with a comprehensive understanding of current AI applications
• Experience in acquiring and managing industrial and/or grant-funded projects
• An active network in research and/or industry
• The interest to build a team and acquire research with industry
• Leadership an social skills, ideally with prior experience as a manager
• Project management experience
• Teamwork skills, confident demeanor and persuasive communication skills
• Fluent German and English and willingness to travel

What we offer

• High degree of autonomy and creative freedom
• Access to industry partners and application projects
• Building and developing your own team
• An innovation-driven environment with a clear growth orientation
• Support from the institute and diverse opportunities for personal development
• Company pension scheme (VBL), capital-forming benefits and free pension offers from BG prevent
• Excellent transport connections by public transport/car, as well as free parking and bicycle parking for employees; subsidy for the Germany Job Ticket
• Corporate Benefits – discounted offers from well-known manufacturers and brands

You will develop your own research group technically, strategically, and economically and benefit from the freedom of an established institute. The group will be located in the newly established Innovation Lab of Fraunhofer IVI. The position begins with a two-year development phase, with a prospect of long-term establishment or a permanent contract upon successful development.

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Ready for a change? Please send us your complete application documents and your vision for establishing your own research field. Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible.The selection process includes a presentation of your work, as well as the presentation and joint discussion of your ideas and concepts from both a professional and entrepreneurial perspective, supplemented by an introductory day at the institute.

For technical questions, please contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sanaz Mostaghim, [email protected]

For organizational questions regarding the job posting, please contact Anja Rehm, [email protected]

Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI

Requisition Number: IVI-2026-03 Application Deadline: 04.06.2026

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