Research Associate / Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) TUM MIRMI

25.02.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal

The Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI) of the Technical University of Munich is seeking a Research Associate / Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Data-Driven Autonomous Mobile Robotics for Aquatic Biodiversity Monitoring

Shape the Future of Field Robotics

You want to develop robotic systems that do not just work in the lab, but operate robustly in the wild? You are excited about deploying autonomy algorithms on real platforms and validating them in demanding real-world environments?

We are looking for an outstanding and highly motivated doctoral researcher to join our research team and contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of robotics and environmental monitoring.

Within the framework of the research group’s objectives, you are expected to develop and pursue your own scientific ideas and concepts. We provide structured supervision, active mentoring, and full support for high-quality scientific publishing. Our work is regularly submitted to leading international conferences, such as IEEE ICRA, IEEE/RSJ IROS, and corresponding high-impact journals.

ecoBay Project (see link)

The ecoBay project develops an autonomous robotic system for freshwater biodiversity monitoring. The system integrates environmental eDNA/eRNA sampling with real-time limnological sensing and adaptive mission planning.

The project is highly interdisciplinary and brings together Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Limnology, Geobiology, and Biodiversity Genomics. A strong emphasis lies on real-world deployment and long-term operation in Bavarian lakes.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and development of data-driven and probabilistic planning methods for informative and adaptive environmental sampling.
• Development of sensor-fusion-based estimation and environmental field representations from heterogeneous robotic and environmental data.
• Design of energy-aware and information-driven mission planning strategies for long-term autonomous operation.
• Integration and deployment of planning and autonomy methods on an autonomous uncrewed surface vehicle (USV).
• System-level design and integration of the robotic platform and the eDNA sampling unit.
• Validation in simulation and extensive real-world field experiments.
• Supervision and mentoring of Bachelor’s and Master’s students.
• Active collaboration within an interdisciplinary research consortium.
• Contribution to high-quality scientific publications and open-source research software.

Your Skills and Professional Profile (required)

• Master’s degree in robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in robotics, estimation, control, or machine learning.
• Strong proficiency in Python and/or C++ and experience with ROS/ROS2.
• Demonstrated research experience (e.g., Master’s thesis, publications, or research projects).
• Independent, structured, and proactive working style.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English (at least C2).

Additional Skills (considered an asset)

• Experience with probabilistic planning, Bayesian methods, or sensor fusion.
• Experience in field robotics or marine robotics.
• Experience with embedded systems or hardware integration.
• Willingness to obtain a scientific research diver license.
• German language skills.

Personal Profile

• Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving skills.
• Pro-active interpersonal and communication skills.
• High motivation and willingness to work in an international and interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to take ownership of research tasks and drive them forward independently.

What We Offer

• Fully funded position (according to the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service of the Länder TV-L (E13, 100%)) within the ecoBay Project.
• The position is intended to lead to a doctoral degree (PhD) at TUM.
• Access to state-of-the-art robotic platforms and field sites.
• Close supervision within a growing and ambitious research group.
• International research environment at MIRMI.
• Strong publication culture with visibility at top robotics conferences.
• The position is initially limited to a two-year term.

Intended start date: As soon as possible (flexible upon agreement).

About Us

The TUM Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI) is a globally visible, interdisciplinary research center dedicated to machine intelligence—the integration of robotics, artificial intelligence, and perception. MIRMI’s research addresses key societal challenges across its central innovation sectors: the future of health, work, environment, and mobility. More than 70 professors from multiple TUM faculties collaborate within MIRMI, fostering an exceptional environment for cutting-edge, high-impact research.

How to Apply

Please submit your application as a single PDF including:

• A motivation letter (1–3 pages) describing:
  • (i) yourself and your background,
  • (ii) your research interests,
  • (iii) relevant qualifications and research experience (e.g., thesis or major projects; provide links if available),
  • (iv) your long-term career goals, and
  • (v) why you consider yourself a strong fit for this position.
• A detailed CV.
• Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees).
• Contact details (email) of at least two academic referees, along with a brief note on your relationship.

Interested applicants should upload the documents using the subject line “86MIRMIResearch Associate/PhD” via the following link: here

Equal Opportunity Statement

TUM is committed to increasing the proportion of women in its workforce and explicitly encourages applications from qualified women. The position is suitable for disabled persons. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in the case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude, and professional performance. International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Priority will be given to applications received by March 20, 2026.

Kontakt: daniel.duecker@tum.de

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