Are you passionate about advancing Artificial Intelligence and exploring the foundations of reasoning, perception, and adaptability in intelligent systems?
You don’t just want to study AI, you want to build it, test it, and understand it.
Join the new RAI Cluster of Excellence and become part of Germany’s leading research network in Reasonable Artificial Intelligence.
The RAI Cluster of Excellence unites top German universities: TU Darmstadt, University of Bremen, Goethe University Frankfurt, Saarland University, University of Tübingen, and University of Würzburg. Shaping the next generation of AI that learns, reasons, and interacts responsibly with humans and the world.
The program offers fully funded PhD positions across four interdisciplinary research labs:
- Active AI (AAI): Adaptive AI agents that continuously learn and interact with their environment
- Challenging AI (CAI): Benchmarks and tasks to test AI reasoning and generalization
- Observational AI (OAI): Multimodal perception and human-like understanding
- Systemic AI (SAI): Modular, compositional AI systems beyond monolithic models
Your Responsibilities
- Conduct independent, high-quality research within one of the RAI labs
- Collaborate across disciplines and institutions in a multi-university network
- Participate in RAI’s unique first-year lab rotation program before choosing a dissertation topic
- Contribute to publications in leading AI and ML venues
- Engage in mentoring, workshops, and collaborative research activities
- Present your findings at international conferences
Your Profile
- Excellent Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, AI, Cognitive Science, Data Science, or related fields
- Strong theoretical understanding of machine learning, reasoning, or perception
- Solid programming skills (e.g., Python, PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow)
- Interest in interdisciplinary and multi-institutional collaboration
- High motivation, curiosity, and commitment to scientific excellence
- Strong English communication skills (written and spoken)
We Offer
- A vibrant and internationally connected AI research environment
- Supervision by two leading researchers (preferably across labs)
- Access to world-class GPU infrastructure (A100 and H100 supercomputers)
- Lab rotation and cross-institutional collaboration opportunities
- Competitive salary (TV-L E13 level) and excellent support structures
- Locations: Darmstadt, Bremen, Frankfurt, Saarbrücken, Tübingen, Würzburg
How to Apply
Please apply via the TU Darmstadt career platform:
https://www.career.tu-darmstadt.de/#/tu-darmstadt/jobs
You may apply directly to one of the four labs:
Application deadline: November 16, 2025
After that, positions may remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
