The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is one of the largest practice-oriented higher education institutions in Bavaria. With focus areas ranging from technology over social sciences and economics to design and languages, THWS covers a wide subject spectrum. We accompany around 9,300 students in more than 70 degree programmes on their educational path. In 2022, THWS was certified as a family-friendly higher education institution by the audit familiengerechte hochschule. THWS is supporting diverse life plans and family forms and actively promotes the reconciliation of family and working life of all THWS members.

The specialises in robotics, artificial intelligence, and digitalisation We cooperate with 25 partner companies from the region, from SMEs to global companies, in different areas like production, logistics, software development and construction. Our international team is governed by two research professors and consists of five research associates.

We are currently looking to fill the following position:

Technology Transfer Center Kitzingen

Research associate for Robotics (f/m/x) Full-time position Reference number: 24.7.774

The position is to be filled as soon as possible, your place of employment will be our location in Kitzingen. The full-time position (40 hours per week) is subject to a fixed-term contract which ends on 31 December 2027. We are looking to extend the contract; the role is generally suitable for part-time work, provided that job-sharing ensures all duties are carried out in full.

Are you looking to apply your knowledge, abilities, and experiences in exciting research and development projects in the field Robotics? Do you enjoy following a practice-oriented approach and cooperating with companies? Then this position is the right fit for you.

You will work on the following exciting tasks:

• Conducting applied research in the field of robotics, frequently in cooperation with industry partners; the field is diverse, however, issues frequently covered include (mobile) manipulation, collaborative robots, and heterogeneous teams of robots
• Developing solutions, also by applying modern methods of sensor data processing, machine learning, and other approaches to artificial intelligence
• Writing research proposals
• Representing the Technology Transfer Center in public
• Publishing the results in scientific journals and presenting the results at national and international conferences and workshops
• Supervising theses or project papers of bachelor’s and master’s students
• We offer master’s graduates the opportunity of completing a doctorate in our

Employment requirements:

• Successfully completed graduate degree programme (e.g. master’s degree or diploma of a German university) or a doctorate, preferably in robotics, artificial intelligence, computer science, or a related discipline, or a comparable relevant qualification
• Proven experience in one or several of the following research areas of robotics:
• Manipulation
• Active perception
• Motion planning
• Human-robot interaction
• Robotic systems architectures
• Robot learning
• Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models
• Programming skills, in particular in the field of robotics and AI/ML (ROS, C++, Python)
• Professional experience from working in industry would be an advantage
• Distinctive communication and social skills
• Good command of spoken and written German (at least B1-level (CEFR))

Benefits:

• Multi-faceted, challenging tasks with flexible working hours thanks to a flexitime account and generous home office arrangements
• 30 days of paid annual leave
• The attractive benefits of the public sector
• A highly motivated team of colleagues with flat hierarchies and an open communication culture
• Broad training and development opportunities
• Free parking and Jobticket Bayern
• Discounts in the canteens (Mensen) of the Studierendenwerk Würzburg
• Work in an attractive university town offering a high quality of life
• Health-promoting measures such as discounted sports courses, health days, and workshops

Does this spark your interest?

Recruitment and remuneration is governed by the collective bargaining agreement for the public service of the states (TV-L) with all the usual benefits in the public sector. If all conditions are met, you are remunerated according to .

In case of essentially identical aptitude, skills and accomplishments, applicants with disabilities will be employed preferably. Our university would welcome if women felt particularly addressed by the call for applications.

Please note: Only complete applications containing a letter of motivation, an up-to-date CV, and proof of your higher education degrees will be considered.

Please submit your complete application via our online portal by 17 May 2026.