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Faculty of Computer Science :
Chair of Artificial Intelligence & Formal Methods
In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) 01.07.2026, we are looking for one
Full-time PhD position (m,f,x) for three years on Theory of Decision-Making Under Uncertainty (TV-L E13, 39.83 hours per week)
The chair of Artificial Intelligence and Formal Methods at the Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany (headed by Prof. Dr. Nils Jansen) conducts broad foundational and application-driven research on decision-making under uncertainty.
This PhD position is dedicated to advancing decision-making under uncertainty using complex Markov models. In particular, we want to make progress on the following research areas: * Constraints/safety/risk in partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs). * Theory of multi-agent decision making, in particular using multi-agent POMDPs and partially observable stochastic games. * Sampling-based approaches to solve POMDPs (MCTS, Bandits). * Complexity and semantics of robust POMDPs.
Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 36 Monate
Start: 01.07.2026
Apply by: 2026-04-28
Your tasks:
- The main task of this position is to conduct research in the research areas listed above.
- Support of the chair’s teaching program in the form of conducting exercises and the organization of seminars and lectures.
Your profile:
- Master’s degree in Computer Science or Mathematics.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English.
- Background in one or more of the following areas:
- Probabilistic Model Checking.
- Theory of Decision-Making Under Uncertainty.
- Probability Theory.
We offer:
- Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of personal responsibility.
- Team-oriented cooperation in a committed, international and appreciative team.
- A friendly and collegial environment.
- A dynamic environment.
- Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr.
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia).
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Dr. Nils Jansen 0234 3212437
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-04-28. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5638.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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