Pro²Future – Cognitive and Sustainable Products and Production Systems of the Future – is an industry-related COMET K1 research Centre in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and cognitive / industrial ICT, human-machine-interaction (HMI) and data-driven process optimization with a focus on cognitive and sustainable products and production systems. These are supported by the areas of Perception, Orchestration, and Analytics. Further fields of activity of the Centre cover mechatronic systems, embedded systems, pervasive computing systems, and big data analytics.
Senior Researcher in the field of Cognitive Production Systems
(Doctorate/PhD required) (m/f/d)
Full-time (38.5 h) | Location: Graz | doctorate / PhD required
In the Cognitive Production Systems research area, we are looking for a distinguished individual with a doctorate who, as a senior researcher, will take the lead in shaping and managing visionary and industry-oriented research topics.
Your research focus in an industrial context
In the Cognitive Production Systems research area, we work at the interface between manufacturing technology and computer science. While conventional systems are based on predefined processes, we enable production systems to learn from experience through cognitive abilities and to react autonomously to unforeseen situations (e.g. tool wear, material variations).
The focus is on the in-depth optimization of production processes using modern simulation tools and AI methods.
Your tasks and responsibilities
- Project management and consortium leadership: Independent management of research projects as well as establishment and coordination of research consortia.
- Acquisition and strategy: Identification of relevant funding calls and acquisition of partners for long-term financing of the research area.
- Leadership and mentoring: Professional leadership and support of junior researchers.
- Publication activity: Writing scientific publications and presenting research results at conferences and in specialist journals.
What you can expect
- Independent work at the interface between academic excellence and global industry leaders.
- Strategic involvement in shaping the department and the opportunity to establish your own research focus in the field of cognitive production.
- Opportunities for scientific publications and conference participation
- A young, collaborative and appreciative working environment
- Flexible working hours and flat hierarchies
Your profile
- Essential: completed doctorate (PhD) in mechanical engineering, automation technology, mechatronics, computer science or a comparable discipline.
- In-depth experience in production engineering, CAD design, CAM and NC programming and understanding of physical interactions on the shop floor.
- Very good knowledge of mathematical modelling, especially in (multi-)linear algebra, multivariate analysis and applied statistics.
- Experience in strategic IT/OT convergence using semantic data models (e.g. OPC-UA) and scalable MQTT/edge infrastructures.
- Proven experience in linking physics-based simulations (e.g. Siemens Plant Simulation) with data-driven methods via Python/PyTorch. You are able to translate physical manufacturing phenomena (e.g. cutting forces, thermal behavior) into abstract mathematical representations for state-of-the-art machine learning frameworks.
- A network of partners from industry and science. Experience in independently identifying funding calls, forming consortia and submitting applications at national (FFG) and European level (Horizon Europe).
- Experience in managing research projects, leading employees and supervising students. You communicate fluently with partners in German and English (both at least C1 level).
Our working environment and conditions
- Flexible working models: Results-oriented work with the option of working from home and modern infrastructure at our location in Graz.
- A first-class network of leading minds from science, business and politics.
- Strong integration into the Austrian research and university landscape
- Active promotion of women in research
- Respect, diversity and equal opportunities as lived values
- For this position, we offer a gross annual salary of EUR 68,800 (full-time basis)
