PhD Position in Data-Driven Simulation and Digital Twins Full-time NEW

PhD Position In Systems, Data, Simulation & Energy

The research group Systems, Data, Simulation & Energy (SYDSEN), led by Prof. Sanja Lazarova-Molnar at the AIFB Institute, invites applications for a PhD position. We develop novel methods for data-driven modeling and simulation to advance Digital Twins, with applications in various domains, including energy and manufacturing systems. Our research combines operational data, simulation models, and expert knowledge to support automated model discovery and adaptation, reliability assessment, and decision-making.

Our research includes national and international collaborative projects, including the European research projects ONE4ALL and DMaaST. The PhD research will be aligned with the scientific priorities of the research group and may build on ongoing research activities related to these projects.

Your Tasks

Your responsibilities:

• Conduct scientific research in data-driven modeling, simulation, and Digital Twins, including the development and evaluation of novel methods.
• Address research questions within the group's research areas and publish results in reputable journals and international conferences.
• Actively contribute to national and international research projects and collaborations.
• Actively contribute to teaching and the supervision of student projects and theses.
• Contribute to developing new research ideas and preparing grant proposals.
• Take on organizational and administrative responsibilities within the research group and its teaching and research activities.

Your Profile

• An excellent Master's degree in Computer Science or a closely related field with strong computer science foundations.
• Strong knowledge of algorithms, mathematics, and fundamental computer science concepts, combined with solid programming skills.
• Interest in modeling and simulation, data-driven methods, and Digital Twins.
• Scientific curiosity, critical thinking, initiative, and motivation to develop novel research methods.
• Willingness to learn about new research problems and actively contribute to the group's research activities.
• Good knowledge of German or willingness to learn it (teaching duties may require German).
• Very good command of English.

We Offer

• Science for Impact: Engage with topics of societal relevance — in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
• Flexible Working Hours: Take advantage of flexible‑hours schemes, remote‑work options, and a 30‑day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work‑life balance.
• Career‑Building and Developmental Opportunities: We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing‑education options, and personalised support, thereby fostering your individual growth.
• Family-friendliness: The “KIT‑Family +” program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent‑child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.
• Stay Healthy: Under the motto “Fit at KIT – Body, Mind and Soul,” we promote your well‑being through fitness classes and mental‑health programmes.
• Individualised Extra Benefits: Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicket BW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.

Job location Karlsruhe (and Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen)

Salary Salary category 13 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.

Contract duration 4 years

For technical information, please contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sanja Lazarova-Molnar.

If you have general questions about the application process, please contact Julia Boldt Personalservice (PSE).

Please upload the following documents as a single PDF file: a motivation letter (maximum one page) outlining your research interests, relevant research experience, and reasons for pursuing a PhD in our group; your CV; academic transcripts from both Bachelor's and Master's studies; a copy of your Master's thesis (a draft is acceptable); and the names and contact details of two academic references. Please include your name in the filename.

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.

Application up to: 2027-01-03 Job posting number: 1273/2026