About the opportunity
The position is embedded in the collaborative research project DAISY – Data Protection and Employee Interests in AI-as-a-Service Systems, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. The project investigates how AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS) systems can be adopted in a privacy-compliant and employee-centered way. The successful candidate will characterize real-world AIaaS systems, develop risk profiles, and design privacy-compliant configurations using open-source components. This role is based at Ruhr University Bochum, involves interdisciplinary collaboration with psychology and organizational science partners, and is designed to lead to a doctorate within the graduate structures of the Research Center for Trustworthy Data Science and Security (RC Trust).
Salary and benefits
- Salary based on TV-L E13 collective agreement
- Full-time employment (39.83 hours/week)
- Support for work-life balance, including childcare arrangements and mobile playrooms
- Extensive training and professional development opportunities
- Access to a varied sports program with approximately 100 disciplines and an on-campus gym
- No teaching obligation if funded by third-party funds
Who can apply?
- Master's degree in computer science, IT security, or a closely related technical field (or shortly before completion)
- Solid programming skills (e.g., Python) and practical experience with web APIs and cloud services
- Hands-on experience with large language models (e.g., self-hosting open-weight models, building LLM-based pipelines, or working with commercial provider APIs)
- First research experience in security and privacy
- Demonstrable interest in interdisciplinary research and working with practice partners
- High proficiency in English (written and spoken)
- Working proficiency in German (at least B2 level, or willingness to reach this level early in the project)
Required documents
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Certificates (e.g., academic degrees, employment references)
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-10-05
How to apply
- Prepare application documents including cover letter, CV, and certificates
- Submit application via the official online application portal
- Reference number ANR 6073 must be mentioned in the application
Additional information
- The position is fixed-term for 36 months.
- This is an on-site position in Bochum; regular presence is expected, though remote work is possible on individual days by arrangement.
- The campus languages are German and English; free language courses are provided for employees.
- The Staff Council has the right to participate in selection interviews upon candidate request.
- Travel and other application costs for interviews cannot be reimbursed.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Master's degree in computer science, IT security, or a closely related technical field, or being shortly before completion
- Solid Python programming skills alongside practical experience with web APIs and cloud services
- Hands-on background with large language models, such as self-hosting open-weight models or building LLM-based pipelines
- Demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary research and working with practice partners
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is based on-site in Bochum, Germany, and regular presence is expected, meaning applicants must be willing to work locally despite occasional remote work by arrangement
- Working proficiency in German of at least B2 level is required, or a willingness to reach this level early in the project
- Applicants should verify if travel and application costs can be reimbursed, as the posting notes they cannot
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This 3-year, full-time doctoral position provides a strong platform for building an academic career in trustworthy AI, combining empirical analysis with human-centered design in an interdisciplinary setting.
Our take
Researchers with a technical background interested in the privacy and security of AI-as-a-Service systems should strongly consider applying, while those lacking German language proficiency or unwilling to relocate to Bochum may find it less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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