Open Positions
Promotionsstelle
At the Chair of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Technology at the Institute for Materials Resource Management (MRM) of the University of Augsburg, a position as Research Associate / Scientific Staff Member (m/f/d) is available starting May 1, 2026.
The position is part of the research project “InfuSense – Artificial Intelligence for Material-Specific Data Acquisition and Characterization in the Vacuum Infusion of Matrix Systems.” The project duration is two years.
The position is initially limited to the duration of the project. Compensation is provided according to the German public service pay scale TV-L E13.
Project Description
The InfuSense project aims to develop an AI-supported methodology for material characterization and material-specific process control in the vacuum infusion of novel matrix systems.
By systematically collecting material and process data and applying machine learning models, established epoxy resins and alternative resin systems (e.g., vitrimers) will be made comparable. This approach enables:
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Shorter development cycles
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Improved process robustness
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More sustainable industrial manufacturing of fiber-reinforced composites
Your Responsibilities
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Development and selection of suitable testing and characterization methods for matrix systems (including epoxy resins and vitrimers)
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Conducting material analytical investigations (e.g., DSC, DMA)
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Application of process-related measurement methods, particularly dielectric analysis (DEA) during vacuum infusion
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Comprehensive acquisition and structured processing of material and process data
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Development and maintenance of an integrated database for laboratory and process data
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Development of AI-supported evaluation methods for material-specific process control
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Unsupervised feature extraction using autoencoders
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Development of predictive quality models (e.g., decision trees, neural networks) using open-source software
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Integration and validation of developed models in real vacuum infusion processes
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Scientific evaluation, publication of results, and presentation at conferences
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Support in deriving practical guidelines for industrial users
Your Profile
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Completed scientific or engineering university degree (M.Sc. / Diploma) in one of the following fields:
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Materials Science / Materials Engineering
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Polymer Engineering
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Engineering Informatics / Computational Engineering?or a comparable discipline
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Knowledge in fiber-reinforced composites and/or resin and matrix systems is desirable
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Experience with material analysis methods (DSC, DMA; DEA is an advantage)
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Interest in data analysis, machine learning, and AI methods
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Basic programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) are advantageous
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Independent, structured, and experimentally oriented working style
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Very good German or English language skills (written and spoken)
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Motivation to pursue doctoral research (PhD) is encouraged
We Offer
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Participation in an interdisciplinary and innovative research project at the interface of materials engineering and artificial intelligence
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Opportunity to pursue a PhD within the project’s research area
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Access to modern laboratory and experimental infrastructure in fiber composite technology
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Close collaboration with industrial partners
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Flexible working hours and a collegial working environment
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Salary according to TV-L E13 and standard public sector benefits
Please send your complete application documents (cover letter, CV, certificates) in electronic form to us.
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Chair holder
Polymer Composites Technology
- Phone: +49 821 319874 - 1020
Email: michael.kupke@mrm.uni-augsburgmrm.uni-augsburg.de ()
Open Positions for Student Assistants and Interns
We are currently looking for student assistants and interns to support laboratory work. The main focus of the activities will be on the manufacturing and characterization of fiber-reinforced composite components.
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If you are interested, please send us an email including a short motivation letter and your CV.
PhD Student
Polymer Composites Technology
- Phone: +49 821 598-69203
Email: niklas.chaloupka@mrm.uni-augsburgmrm.uni-augsburg.de ()
Bachelor’s and Master’s Theses
Master Thesis
The Chair of Polymer Composite Materials Technology is collaborating with the DLR-ZLP Institute and the Chair of Regelungstechnik in der Ingenieurinformatik to develop and gain a better understanding of ultrasonic welding of polymer composites, a technique that holds great promise for the future due to its short cycle and suitability for automated manufacturing processes. However, the weld quality and the consistency of the weld seam are highly sensitive to the process control parameters. Our aim is to test and optimize the speed controller developed by the Chair of Control Engineering in order to achieve robust and reproducible weld seams.
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The Effect of Speed Controller on the Ultrasonic Welding of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites?
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PhD Student
Polymer Composites Technology
- Phone: +49 821 598 69204
Email: s.alantor@uni-auni-a.de ()