About the opportunity
The Young Investigator Group Leader will establish an independent research group within the Research Center Trustworthy Data Science and Security, physically located at the Faculty of Computer Science at Ruhr University Bochum. The role focuses on cutting-edge research at the intersection of adversarial machine learning, AI safety, privacy-preserving methods, and cybersecurity. The leader will manage a junior research group, supervise a PhD position funded for three years, and network within the University Alliance Ruhr research ecosystem, including TU Dortmund and University Duisburg-Essen. The position is fixed-term for five years and offers a highly dynamic setting for interdisciplinary collaboration across traditional academic boundaries. If the position is funded by third-party funds, the employee has no teaching obligation.
Salary and benefits
- Salaried position based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L), pay grade E14
- Start-up funds for a full-time PhD student (funded for three years)
- Budget for travel and equipment
- Free German and English language courses for employees
- Access to a highly dynamic research setting and knowledge networks
- Support for diversity and equal opportunities in a heterogeneous team environment
Who can apply?
- Excellent PhD degree in AI or a related field, completed within the last five years
- Minimum of two years of postdoctoral research experience
- International research track-record
- Interest and skills in advising students, teaching, and project management
- Emerging engagement in attracting competitive third-party funding
- Competence in either German or English and a willingness to learn the other
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certificates (e.g., employment certificates, degree certificates)
- 2-page description of the planned research program
- Reference number ANR 6087
When to apply
- Application deadline: October 5, 2026
How to apply
- Prepare all application documents as a single PDF file
- Submit the application via the official BITE online application portal
- Do not send applications via email
- For questions regarding the position, contact Prof. Dr. Ivan Habernal at ivan.habernal@ruhr-uni-bochum.de
Additional information
- The position is full-time (39.83 hours/week)
- The duration is fixed-term for 5 years
- The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
- Travel, accommodation, and other application costs for interviews cannot be reimbursed
- The Staff Council has the right to participate in selection interviews upon candidate request
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…
- An excellent PhD degree in AI or a related field completed within the last five years
- At least two years of postdoctoral research experience
- An international research track record and emerging engagement in securing competitive third-party funding
- Experience or interest in project management, advising students, and teaching
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is fixed-term for five years and located on-site at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany
- Applicants must possess competence in either German or English and demonstrate a willingness to learn the other language
- Candidates should check whether interview relocation or travel expenses are covered, as the posting specifies they cannot be reimbursed
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role fits researchers aiming to establish an independent young investigator group, manage junior staff, and lead cutting-edge research at the intersection of adversarial machine learning and cybersecurity.
Our take
Early-career academics looking to build an independent research group will find this a strong fit, whereas those seeking permanent tenure-track security from day one or unable to work on-site in Germany may want to pass.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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