TU Clausthal’s Institute Scholarships 2026 for Software and Systems Engineering

If you dream of developing the next generation of safe and dependable self-driving vehicles, here’s your chance to turn that vision into research reality. The Clausthal University of Technology (TU Clausthal) in Germany is calling for Doctoral Researchers (m/f/d) in Software Engineering for Dependable AI-Based Automated Driving Systems with Autoware. This fully funded PhD opportunity combines deep academic research with hands-on experimentation using real autonomous shuttles — not just simulations.

A PhD That Drives Itself — Literally

This scholarship opportunity is offered by the Dependable and Autonomous Cyber-physical Systems (DACS) group at TU Clausthal’s Institute for Software and Systems Engineering (ISSE). The research team is building and testing an AI-powered automated shuttle equipped with the Autoware stack, bringing dependable AI-based systems to real public roads.

This is where machine learning meets reliability engineering, and your research won’t stay on paper — it will move on wheels.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out?

This PhD program isn’t just about theory. TU Clausthal offers an environment where your code becomes part of a real-world autonomous driving system. You’ll:

• Develop robust software architectures and prototypes for AI-based driving systems.
• Conduct experiments and safety testing directly on real vehicles.
• Work with modern software engineering tools—agile methods, model-based development, CI/CD pipelines, and ROS2.
• Present and publish research results in top national and international conferences.

You’ll also mentor students and contribute to the university’s teaching ecosystem while advancing your own doctoral studies — making this a complete academic and practical experience.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must hold a Master’s or Diploma degree in:

• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Information Systems and Management
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Mathematics
• Or a related field.

Applicants should have:

• Excellent programming skills in Python and C++ (ROS2 experience is a plus).
• Strong knowledge of software architecture, quality assurance, and modern software processes.
• Familiarity with neural networks, CI/CD tools, and agile workflows.
• German (C1) and English proficiency.

Experience with runtime monitoring, automated driving systems, or software testing will give your application a significant edge.

What TU Clausthal Offers?

• A fully funded 3-year PhD position (TV-L E13, 100% salary scale).
• Access to cutting-edge simulation labs and real automated shuttles.
• Collaboration with national and international research and industrial partners.
• A flexible, family-friendly environment with hybrid work options.
• Additional perks like training programs, sports facilities, and even a lounge lab with table soccer for relaxation.

At TU Clausthal, you won’t just write code — you’ll help shape how AI drives safely in the real world.

Apply: https://www.tu-clausthal.de/universitaet/karriere-ausbildung/stellenangebote/wissenschaftlicher-dienst/3x-wissenschaftlicher-mitarbeiterin-m/w/d

Application Dates

The application deadline for the Doctoral Researcher positions in Dependable AI-Based Automated Driving Systems at TU Clausthal is 15 November 2025. Successful candidates can begin their research as soon as possible, with a flexible start date within early 2026.