PhD/Postdoc position (m/f/d): AI for Safety-Critical Systems
Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
39106 Magdeburg
Bewerbungsfrist: 2026-10-15
Overview
- PhD/Postdoc position in AI for Safety-Critical Systems at OVGU in Magdeburg, subject to funding approval.
- Autonomous Multisensor Systems (AMS) group focuses on sensor data processing and multisensor data fusion for autonomous mobility, robotics, and industrial automation.
- Project: Adaptive Safety Switching and Uncertainty-Responsive AI; aims to ensure safe AI integration, quantify uncertainty, and enable safe mode switching in safety-critical systems.
Tasks
- Conduct independent research on safe AI integration in safety-critical systems.
- Coordinate with project partner and maintain regular communication.
- Support project management and contribute to reports.
- Document, publish, and present research findings.
- Translate functional safety requirements into test scenarios and data needs.
- Develop AI models for sensor-based classification of safety-relevant states.
- Investigate uncertainty quantification methods.
- Define operating states and safe switching strategies.
- Explore physics-informed machine learning for safe operating regions.
- Develop safety-envelope and runtime-assurance concepts for hybrid AI systems.
- Investigate verification and validation methods for AI/hybrid concepts.
Requirements
- M.Sc. or equivalent in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Systems Engineering or closely related field.
- Good knowledge of ML, signal processing, data analysis; programming in Python and/or MATLAB.
- Excellent written and spoken English; German is an advantage.
- Ability to conduct independent research and work in an interdisciplinary team.
- Strong interest in AI, sensor data processing, and safety-critical systems.
- Willingness to publish and present research findings.
- Knowledge of system identification and modeling; signal and sensor data processing and filtering techniques.
- Experience with ML, including probabilistic models; knowledge of uncertainty quantification methods.
- Familiarity with state estimation, safety-critical systems, or verification/validation is advantageous.
- Opportunity to pursue PhD with supervision and mentoring.
Benefits
- Opportunity to pursue a PhD with academic supervision and mentoring.
- Supportive, collegial team with open communication.
- Graduate Academy programs for personal and professional development.
- Excellent working environment with campus facilities (canteen, education, sports, childcare).
- Attractive TV-L pay package (TV-L pay group 13) with VBL occupational pension and 30 days of vacation per year.
- Sustainability, diversity, family support, and staff development initiatives.
- Location in a central, family-friendly capital city with high quality of life.
Conditions
- Contract duration: 24 months.
- Full-time position (100%).
- Location: Magdeburg, Germany.
- Salary according to TV-L pay scale (pay group 13) with occupational pension (VBL).
- Start date: as soon as possible.
Application
- Please submit a complete application (motivation letter, curriculum vitae, graduation certificates, references).
- Application deadline: 15 October 2026.
- Application portal: online application portal (www.ovgu.de).
Contact
- Prof. Benjamin Noack (contact for more information).
Additional information
- OVGU is a signatory of the German Diversity Charter and promotes gender equality in all professional areas.
- Personal data storage information: link provided in posting.