Research Associate (m/f/x)

Technische Universität Dresden

TUD Dresden University of Technology, as a University of Excellence, is one of the leading and most dynamic research institutions in the country. Founded in 1828, today it is a globally oriented, regionally anchored top university as it focuses on the grand challenges of the 21st century. It develops innovative solutions for the world's most pressing issues. In research and academic programs, the university unites the natural and engineering sciences with the humanities, social sciences and medicine. This wide range of disciplines is a special feature, facilitating interdisciplinarity and transfer of science to society. As a modern employer, it offers attractive working conditions to all employees in teaching, research, technology and administration. The goal is to promote and develop their individual abilities while empowering everyone to reach their full potential. TUD embodies a university culture that is characterized by cosmopolitanism, mutual appreciation, thriving innovation and active participation. For TUD diversity is an essential feature and a quality criterion of an excellent university. Accordingly, we welcome all applicants who would like to commit themselves, their achievements and productivity to the success of the whole institution. At the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Institute of Manufacturing, the Chair of Forming and Machining Technology is offering a position as

Research Associate (m/f/x)

(subject to personal qualification employees are remunerated according to salary group E 13 TV-L)

starting at the earliest possible date. The position is limited until December 31, 2028 within the research project “2nd Life Metal Components: A Pathfinding Project for Upcycling-. The period of employment is governed by the Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz - WissZeitVG). The position offers the chance to obtain further academic qualification (usually PhD). The project: We are seeking motivated researchers to join our international team for the pioneering "2nd Life Metal Components" project. This long-term initiative, funded by the Werner Siemens Foundation with €13 million, is dedicated to developing cutting-edge methods for the upcycling of metal parts. By employing newly developed technologies, the project aims to create an enhanced recycling route that reduces energy consumption by 90% compared to traditional methods while improving the functionality of recycled metal components. Your role: You will work on developing and applying innovative, primarily non-destructive methods of material and part characterization to identify and classify incoming first-life components. The data you generate will be critical for process planning and manufacturing, and you will work closely with other team members to ensure the efficient upcycling of metal parts. This project offers you substantial scientific freedom to creatively address challenges while pursuing a clear overall goal. Responsibilities:

• plan the manufacturing of 2nd Life sheet metal using laser cutting and welding
• applying the deep drawing process to 2nd Life sheet metal to manufacture 2nd Life components
• analyze the processes, evaluate the resulting quality and model the interaction between both processes
• design of fixtures for positioning 3D-shaped parts in the laser-cutting machine
• collaborate with team members involved in process development, production planning, and manufacturing to ensure data-driven, efficient upcycling
• tackle technical challenges with creative solutions in a research environment that allows scientific freedom
• communicate your findings through research publications and presentations at scientific conferences
• contribute to the development of the new Master's program, "Resource-Efficient Manufacturing and Materials – REMM."

Requirements:

• very good to good university degree in engineering science, ideally in production engineering (forming technologies) or applied simulation methods
• basic knowledge of laser-based manufacturing processes
• high self-motivation with a willingness to learn and acquire new skills while adapting to evolving challenges
• strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively within an international team
• independent, creative, goal-oriented, and solution-driven working style
• solid knowledge of forming technologies, especially sheet metal forming, material characterization, or modeling and simulation techniques, with a keen interest in further developing this expertise
• very good written and spoken communication skills in both German and English
• proficiency in programming (Python, VBA, or similar) and familiarity with common CAD and FEM software tools are beneficial

We offer:

• a wide range of opportunities for individual professional development through central training courses provided by the research network or TU Dresden
• solid academic preparation for a future doctoral project
• intensive scientific exchange within the project consortium
• coverage of costs for required language courses
• the option to work remotely on a partial basis

TUD strives to employ more women in academia and research. We therefore expressly encourage women to apply. The University is a certified family-friendly university. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If multiple candidates prove to be equally qualified, those with disabilities or with equivalent status pursuant to the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) will receive priority for employment. Please submit your detailed application with a cover letter, CV and relevant certificates quoting the job reference w25-339 by January 9, 2026 (stamped arrival date of the university central mail service or the time stamp on the email server of TUD applies), preferably via the TUD SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de by sending it as a single pdf file to ff-if@mailbox.tu-dresden.de or to: TU Dresden, Chair of Forming and Machining Technology,
Prof. Alexander Brosius,
Helmholtzstr. 10, 01069 Dresden, Germany. Please submit copies only, as your application will not be returned to you. Expenses incurred in attending interviews cannot be reimbursed. Reference to data protection: Your data protection rights, the purpose for which your data will be processed, as well as further information about data protection is available to you on the website: https://tu-dresden.de/karriere/datenschutzhinweis.