Doctoral Researcher (PhD Candidate)
Saarland University, Germany
7/9/20261 min read
Deadline 15 Aug 2026
Job Information
Organisation/Company
Saarland University
Department
Data Driven Simulation and Analysis in Material Science
Research Field
Computer science
Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions
PhD Positions
Application Deadline
15 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin)
Country
Germany
Type of Contract
Temporary
Job Status
Full-time
Hours Per Week
39,5
Offer Starting Date
1 Sep 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
Yes
Offer Description
Our group develops LLMs and agentic AI systems for scientific discovery, engineering and physical systems. We investigate how AI can reason about scientific problems, interact with simulation software and support the design of complex physical systems. The group is jointly embedded at Saarland University and DFKI in Saarbrücken.
Current Research Directions include:
AI for scientific computing – neural operators and learning-based surrogates for physical systems
LLMs and scientific agents – large language models that autonomously reason, plan and execute scientific workflows
AI for engineering design – LLM-driven agents for autonomous optimization and design of materials, structures and processes
Multimodal scientific AI – integrating language, images, sensor data and simulations
Alignment for scientific AI – scalable oversight, verification and control of LLM-based agents
AI for materials discovery – generative models, active learning and autonomous discovery of novel materials
We welcome applications from candidates whose interests align with one or more of these directions and who are excited about advancing the interface between AI and the natural sciences.
Where to apply
Requirements
Research Field
Computer science
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Strong foundations in Machine Learning and Deep Learning
Excellent Python programming skills
Experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow and/or JAX
Interest in scientific computing and simulation
Strong analytical abilities
Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Independent and structured working style
Specific Requirements
Publications in relevant research areas
Open-source software contributions
Experience with:
Foundation Models
Large Language Models
LLM Fine-Tuning
Agentic AI Systems
Diffusion Models
Scientific Simulation Software
HPC Computing
Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Excellent
Additional Information
Benefits
Fully funded doctoral position (TV-L E13)
International research environment
Joint affiliation with Saarland University and DFKI
Access to state-of-the-art GPU and HPC infrastructure
Collaboration opportunities with leading international partners
Flexible working arrangements and teleworking options
Family-friendly workplace
Professional development and language courses
Occupational health programmes
University sports facilities
Public transportation subsidy (Job Ticket)
JobRad bicycle leasing programme
Supplementary pension scheme (RZVK)
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
2
Company/Institute
Saarland University
Country
Germany
City
Saarbrücken
Postal Code
66123
Street
Campus, Gebäude D3 3
Geofield
Contact
State/Province
Saarland
City
Saarbrücken
Website
Street
Campus D3 3
Postal Code
66123