Stellenangebote

Nestled in a modern city surrounded by nature and with an exceptional standard of living, Leibniz University Hannover offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community.

The Institute of Mechatronic Systems conducts research on the development, optimisation and control of complex mechatronic systems and comprises three research groups: Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Identification & Control, and Biomedical Engineering. It is committed to excellence in research and teaching and to the active support of early-career researchers.

The Institute of Mechatronic Systems welcomes applications for the following position starting at the earliest possible date: Research Associate in the field of humanoid robotics for testing and inspection tasks (salary scale 13 TV-L, 100 %)

The position is fixed-term for a period of three years. You will work at the innovative and modern Mechanical Engineering Campus in Garbsen, in close exchange with partners from industry.

Your positions at a glance 

Become part of a highly motivated, interdisciplinary team and contribute to a collaborative research project with tangible impact on safer industrial working environments: in an industry-oriented doctoral project, you will investigate how humanoid robots can take over testing and inspection tasks in environments that are difficult to access or hazardous for humans. You will be involved in the institute’s current research activities. 

Your focus is on the research and development of methods in the following areas:

• 3D environment perception, simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM),
• locomotion of humanoid robots on industrial infrastructure and through narrow passages,
• development of robust teleoperation and navigation methods for complex industrial environments,
• environment-aware autonomous manipulation of testing and measuring equipment,
• machine learning from demonstration (imitation learning, foundation-model approaches).

You will apply these methods to state-of-the-art humanoid robots (e.g. Unitree G1) and advance them in real, demanding industrial testing and inspection use cases – for example the internal inspection of pressure vessels and storage tanks, the inspection of lifts and conveyor technology, or activities under radiation exposure as well as in the mining sector. You will publish and present your scientific results at internationally recognised conferences and in renowned journals.

Who are we looking for?

A prerequisite for employment is a completed academic university degree (Master’s) in an engineering discipline (mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science) or a closely related field.

In addition, the following qualifications are expected:

• prior knowledge and experience in the methodological areas or fields of application mentioned above, demonstrated for example by an excellent Master’s thesis on a related topic
• strong analytical and problem-solving skills, demonstrated through your academic studies, thesis or relevant project experience
• high motivation and willingness to work in an interactive and interdisciplinary team
• programming skills in Python
• very good communication skills in German or English, both spoken and written
• enthusiasm for teaching and for supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s students

Additional desirable qualifications include: prior knowledge in the field of humanoid or mobile robotics, teleoperation and real-time communication, as well as systems theory and control engineering; prior knowledge in environment perception and SLAM, locomotion and manipulation, machine learning (including imitation learning and foundation models), rapid prototyping, electronics and the setup of a test rig; experience in writing scientific publications, in preparing research funding proposals, in teaching and in supervising students.

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every desirable qualification. We value your potential, motivation and willingness to learn.

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore also welcome applications from women for the above-mentioned position. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities. 

What do we offer?

At the Institute of Mechatronic Systems, you will become part of a mutually supportive and interdisciplinary team that values your ideas and contributions. We will encourage you in your pursuit of excellent research and a doctorate and offer you the corresponding environment, mentoring and the necessary support. Together with you, we will push the boundaries of our field of research.

With more than 5.000 employees, Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Hannover region. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary and international working environment, and promote personal and professional development ranging from subject-related skills to leadership and languages.

Part-time employment as well as remote work (mobile work, work from home) can be arranged upon request. We support employees with balancing work and family life, through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants.

To promote health and well-being among employees, we offer an extensive sports programme with over 100 different sports, as well as a fitness centre with a sauna and climbing space. Health management measures, such as courses on stress management, good nutrition and relaxation, aim to ensure a healthy workplace.

Further information

For inquiries, please contact Dennis Bank (phone: +49 152 37620567, email: dennis.bank@imes.uni-hannover.de), who will be happy to help. 

Please send your application with the usual documents by 31 August 2026 in electronic form to 

Email: dennis.bank@imes.uni-hannover.de 

or alternatively by post to:
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
Institut für Mechatronische Systeme
An der Universität 1, 30823 Garbsen

http://www.uni-hannover.de/en/jobs   

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