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Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology :
Institute of Networked Energy-Efficient Systems
In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a
Researcher on Embodied and Physical AI for Networked Intelligent Systems (m/f/x)
The Institute of Networked Energy-Efficient Systems is dedicated to advancing autonomous, energy-efficient cloud-based networks that support cutting-edge services and innovations. We are assembling a talented international team committed to pioneering research and teaching in this dynamic field.
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher to join an ambitious research program aimed at developing the next generation of embodied and physical artificial intelligence systems. The position addresses the fundamental challenge of how intelligent physical agents - including robots, autonomous machines, mobile manipulators, drones, and intelligent production systems - can perceive, reason, learn, communicate, and act through continuous interaction with the physical world. Particular emphasis will be placed on embodied intelligence, active inference, networks of physical AI agents, and their integration into adaptive and autonomous networked intelligent systems (e.g., factories of the future). The researcher will join the Institute of Networked Energy-Efficient Systems at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Ruhr University Bochum. This is a full-time position with immediate availability.
Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 years
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-10-05
Your tasks:
- Design and develop novel architectures for embodied and physical AI systems operating across heterogeneous robotic platforms, intelligent machines, communication networks, and edge-cloud infrastructures.
- Investigate embodied intelligence, multimodal perception, world modelling, sensorimotor learning, and closed-loop interaction between intelligent agents and their physical environments.
- Develop active inference and probabilistic reasoning approaches for perception, prediction, planning, control, and autonomous decision making under uncertainty.
- Design communication, coordination, and information-sharing mechanisms for networks of physical AI agents operating under bandwidth, latency, reliability, and energy constraints.
- Explore learning-based approaches for autonomous adaptation, multi-agent coordination, continual learning, reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and foundation models for physical agents.
- Develop digital twin and simulation frameworks connecting virtual environments, physical AI agents, production systems, and real-world factory processes.
- Prototype and experimentally validate proposed solutions using robotic simulation platforms, edge-cloud infrastructures, industrial automation environments, and real robotic systems.
- Collaborate closely with researchers working on embodied AI, robotics, artificial intelligence, distributed systems, cloud-edge computing, communication networks, industrial automation, and autonomous systems.
- Participate in interdisciplinary research projects involving both academic and industrial partners.
- Publish research findings in leading conferences and journals in embodied AI, robotics, AI, networking, distributed systems, autonomous systems, and intelligent manufacturing.
- Contribute to research project planning, execution, reporting, and proposal preparation.
- Assist in the supervision of student projects and junior researchers.
- Support teaching activities in areas related to artificial intelligence, embodied intelligence, robotics, cloud-edge systems, distributed computing, and future communication systems.
- Support the organization of outreach activities related to the Institute’s research activities.
Your profile:
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field.
- Prior publications in renowned transactions, journals, and the proceedings of reputable conferences are highly desirable and advantageous.
- Embodied AI, Physical AI, Robotics, and Autonomous Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning
- Multi-Agent Systems and Networks of Physical AI Agents, Reinforcement Learning, Imitation Learning, and Active Inference
- Distributed Systems, Cloud-Edge Computing, and Networked Intelligence, Robot Operating System (ROS2) and robotic software architectures
- Computer Vision, Multimodal Perception, and Sensor Fusion
- World Models, Semantic Reasoning, Probabilistic Inference, and Knowledge Representation, Optimization, Planning, Control, and Decision-Making Algorithms
- Familiarity with frameworks such as Isaac Sim, Gazebo, PyTorch, ROS2, Kubernetes, Docker, and related AI/robotics platforms
- Knowledge of industrial automation, cyber-physical production systems, digital twins, 5G/6G communication technologies, or factory-of-the-future concepts is highly desirable.
- Ability to independently and proactively design, execute, and analyse experimental research.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills , Strong scientific writing and communication abilities
- Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary and international teams , Strong motivation to pursue high-impact research
We offer:
A workplace in a green environment with direct access to the botanical garden of Ruhr University Bochum, A job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings, A varied sports program with around 100 sport disciplines and the university's own gym, Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr
- Engaging and challenging tasks with significant responsibility in a cutting-edge research environment.
- Collaborative and supportive team culture within a friendly work environment.
- Extensive training and professional development opportunities.
- Discounts on local transportation services, bicycle programs, and sports facilities.
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).
Interested candidates should submit the following documents: • A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience and publications (if any). • A cover letter outlining research interests and career goals. • A sample(s) of recent research work (e.g., publication - if any, thesis excerpt).
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/daf/mitarbeitende/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:
Tom Schockenhoff , Tel.: +49 234 32 15140
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 2026-10-05. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 6105.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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