PhD-Position in Cognitive Products & Embedded AI Pro²Future in Austria

Pro²Future, an industry-related COMET K1 research centre located in Graz, Austria, is offering a fully funded PhD position in Cognitive Products & Embedded AI. The centre focuses on artificial intelligence, cognitive and industrial ICT, human-machine interaction, and data-driven process optimization, with a strong emphasis on cognitive and sustainable products and production systems. Supported by research in perception, orchestration, and analytics, Pro²Future also covers mechatronic systems, embedded systems, pervasive computing, and big data analytics.

This PhD position is embedded within the COEVOLVE project, which aims to accelerate the development of automotive embedded systems using artificial intelligence. The research will focus on developing intelligent, adaptive products with cognitive capabilities—products that can handle structured knowledge, learn from experience, explain their behaviour, reflect on performance, and respond to unexpected situations. The project emphasizes optimizing product development processes across the entire lifecycle, supporting engineers, shortening time-to-market, and enabling fast, sustainable, and reliable AI-driven product development. Collaboration with industry partners and domain experts is central to the research, ensuring practical relevance and impact.

Key research activities include embedded systems and sensor integration, data acquisition, processing and analysis, application of AI methods to support development processes, and the development of prototypes and demonstrators. The position offers strong integration with industry partners and experienced professionals, and is conducted in close collaboration with academic supervisors from the Technical University of Graz.

Benefits include a fully funded PhD position with a gross monthly salary of EUR 3,800 (full-time), structured onboarding, intensive academic supervision, participation in application-oriented research projects, opportunities for scientific publications and conference attendance, a collaborative and appreciative working environment, flexible working hours, and flat hierarchies. The centre actively promotes women in research and values respect, diversity, and equal opportunities.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a technical field such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Embedded Systems, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a comparable discipline. Interest in embedded systems and machine learning/AI is required; experience in the automotive domain is advantageous but not mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate teamwork skills, a structured approach to work, and very good German and good English skills. If German is not yet your working language, a high motivation to learn and use German quickly is expected.

To apply, send your application via e-mail to [email protected] or use the provided application link. Ensure your application includes all required documents and highlights your relevant experience. The position offers excellent work–life balance, integration into the Austrian research and university landscape, and opportunities for professional growth.