Research Assistant in Teleoperation Design and Technical Supervision of Automated Vehicle Fleets

Research Assistant (M/f/d) in the Field of Teleoperation Design and Technical Supervision of Automated Vehicle Fleets

01.04.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal

We are looking for a full-time Research Associate (m/f/d) to join our team immediately, initially on a fixed-term contract until June 30, 2028, in the field of teleoperation, work organization, and simulator development for automated vehicle fleets in public transportation.

About Us

The Chair of Ergonomics, headed by Prof. Dr. Klaus Bengler, conducts research and teaches with approximately 25 staff members in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the School of Engineering and Design (SoED) of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Garching on the design and evaluation of human-machine interactions as well as the design of complex socio-technical systems. The Automated Driving Research Group addresses topics related to the interaction between users and automated vehicles, the design of control center and teleoperation concepts, and sustainable mobility and operational concepts in public transportation. A particular focus is on the technical supervision of automated vehicle fleets and the design of future work organization.

Requirements

You enjoy working independently, want to drive new ideas forward, and are willing to acquire new skills to achieve your goals. As part of student research projects and courses, you will mentor students and create a friendly learning environment. In addition, you should have the following:

- A successfully completed master’s degree with a technical or cognitive psychology background, such as mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, transportation planning, human factors engineering, or psychology – with an overall grade better than 2.5
- Very good programming skills (e.g., Python, JavaScript/Angular/Electron, C++, or comparable)
- Experience in the development of simulation environments or experimental software platforms
- Ideally, knowledge of driving simulation software (e.g., SILAB)
- Experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of empirical studies
- Ability to work in a team, structured approach to work, and excellent communication skills
- Motivation for scientific work and publishing
- Fluency in German and English (Please note that English alone will not be sufficient for this position.)

Responsibilities

As part of your work at the Chair of Ergonomics, you will take on the following responsibilities in the Automated Driving research group:
- Participation in research projects in the field of teleoperation design and technical supervision of automated vehicle fleets:

- Further development and technical support of a tele-assistance and control center simulator
- Design, implementation, and execution of simulator studies
- Analysis of performance, reliability, and organizational aspects
- Assisting with the teaching duties of the Chair of Ergonomics
- Collaboration on applications for publicly funded third-party project grants
- Publishing in relevant scientific journals and at conferences
- Opportunity to pursue a Ph.D.

We offer

We offer you a varied and challenging role within the setting of a renowned university. You will work with us in a skilled and close-knit team characterized by an open culture of learning from mistakes, and with supervisors who value dialogue and employee involvement. We foster a work environment where both personal and professional growth are encouraged and supported. The department maintains an extensive network in research and industry, from which you will benefit both during and after your time with us. You will work independently with flexible hours and the option to work from home. We will provide you with a laptop and a company cell phone. Depending on your performance in research and publications, there is the possibility of international research stays and conference travel. Benefit from a comprehensive training program covering both subject-specific and interdisciplinary skills. Additionally, there is the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D.

Compensation is in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement for the public sector of the German states (TV-L). The full-time position (40 hours per week) is initially limited until June 30, 2028, and can be filled as soon as possible.

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they have the same qualifications and suitability. The Technical University of Munich is committed to increasing the proportion of women in its workforce. Applications from women are therefore expressly encouraged. Please note that we cannot cover any costs you may incur in connection with a potential interview.

Application

We look forward to receiving your detailed application materials, which you should please send by April 22, 2026 – via email (Subject: Application for Automated Driving) – to the following address:

Technische Universität München
Lehrstuhl für Ergonomie / Chair of Ergonomics
Dr.-Ing. Verena Knott
Boltzmannstraße 15
85747 Garching b. München

bewerbungen.lfe@ed.tum.de
www.ergonomie.tum.de
www.tum.de

Kontakt: bewerbungen.lfe@ed.tum.de

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