Data Engineer

About The Company

Helmut-Schmidt-Universität / University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg (HSU / UniBw H) is a university of the German Federal Armed Forces. This position is based in its Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the Professorship of Data Engineering, led by Professor Dr. Maleshkova.

The professorship conducts research at the intersection of machine learning, formal knowledge representation, and intelligent systems engineering. Its work connects data-driven learning with structured domain knowledge, formal models, and semantic representations, including ontologies and knowledge graphs. Research also explores knowledge-based and hybrid learning, physics-informed approaches, and neurosymbolic artificial intelligence, with applications in scientific discovery, data management pipelines, and complex engineering workflows.

About The Role The university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Data Engineering, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. The position is available at the earliest possible date and is fixed-term for two years. The standard working week is 39 hours, with part-time employment possible.

The role is classified in principle at pay grade E14 under the German Public Service Collective Agreement (TVöD), subject to the applicable requirements and actual duties. You will develop and advance research activities, contribute to teaching, and support the professorship’s academic and research programs. The role also offers the opportunity to pursue further academic qualifications, such as a habilitation.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold an excellent university degree, such as a Diplom or Master’s, in computer science, data engineering, applied mathematics, or a comparable discipline. A doctorate in computer science, data engineering, applied mathematics, or a related field is required, completed with the distinction magna cum laude or summa cum laude.

Strong candidates will demonstrate a clear interest in academic research and the ability to contribute to teaching. Relevant knowledge may include data engineering, data management, data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Applicants should bring a sound understanding of processing and integrating heterogeneous data, modern data-driven and knowledge-based methods, and the design and implementation of complex data and AI systems.

Good English-language skills are expected, along with a willingness to develop them further through training.

Responsibilities

You will investigate scientific questions and help design, develop, and coordinate research in data engineering, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. This includes developing and evaluating methods and systems for integrating, processing, and analyzing heterogeneous data, particularly through knowledge graphs, semantic technologies, and neurosymbolic approaches. You will provide subject-matter guidance to researchers, coordinate research activities, and help maintain the quality and direction of scientific work.

You will present and publish findings at national and international academic events and contribute to developing, preparing, coordinating, and leading research projects. The role includes supporting doctoral researchers, coordinating their research and dissertation projects, and assisting with scientific publications. You will also help prepare, organize, and conduct examinations; contribute to research projects and the continued development of the professorship; and teach approximately three trimester hours per week.

General administrative duties and participation in academic self-governance are also part of the position.

Benefits

Employees may receive capital-forming benefits, an annual special payment, and occupational pension provision. The university offers flexible working hours, targeted professional development, and a broad program of training and education. Subject to eligibility, benefits include access to a Germany Job Ticket with an employer contribution and potential childcare at a campus-adjacent daycare center.

Additional offerings include subsidized meals at the campus cafeteria, participation in a Corporate Benefits program, workplace health promotion, free campus parking, and access to the German Federal Armed Forces car-sharing service.

Equal Opportunity The German Federal Armed Forces promotes equal professional opportunities for women and men and particularly welcomes applications from women. Applications from people with severe disabilities are expressly welcomed;

qualifications will be assessed individually. Applications from people with a migration background are also encouraged. Please submit your application and usual supporting documents as a single PDF by email, quoting reference ET-1826, no later than November 29, 2026.

Applications without the reference number cannot be considered and will be deleted for data-protection reasons. The employment relationship is governed by the TVöD and the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG). For specialist questions, contact Professor Dr.

Maleshkova by email.