Head of Department (m/f/d) for the Process Automation and Robotics department

With its focus on future-relevant key technologies and the utilization of results in economy and industry, the Fraunhofer Society plays a central role in the innovation process. As a guide and source of inspiration for innovative developments and scientific excellence, it contributes to shaping our society and our future.

For over 35 years, the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology in Berlin has stood for excellence in production science. We are dedicated to bridging the gap between science and practice in the field of industrial production and offer application-oriented system solutions for the entire spectrum of industrial tasks – from product development to the production process, maintenance of capital goods, and recycling of products to the design and management of factory operations.

Based on many years of expertise in robotics, operational optimization and control systems, the Automation Technology division is opening up new fields of application for industry. To this end, the latest findings from the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning and cloud-based methods are combined with proven expert knowledge to answer current questions in robot-supported production.

What you will do

You will be responsible for the results of the Process Automation and Robotics department. Your main tasks will include

• Strategic development and structuring of the department topics
• Responsibility for financing
• Coordination, scientific support and evaluation of the assigned topics
• Targeted personnel development for scientific qualification
• Initiation of R&D projects in the field of automation technology, support of existing customer groups and expansion of our network
• External representation of the Process Automation and Robotics department
• Reporting to the business unit management

What you bring to the table

• a completed or shortly to be completed doctorate in the field of robotics, automation technology or comparable
• a university degree in engineering, for example in electrical engineering, automation technology, mechanical engineering or comparable (usually a diploma or master's degree) Diploma or Master's degree)
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Technical excellence in the field of automation technology, control engineering and human-robot collaboration
• Project experience in the field of industrial robotics
• Several years of experience in applying for public research projects, both in international and national funding procedures
• Experience as a project manager of both direct industrial collaborations and publicly funded research projects
• Scientific reputation, documented by relevant publications
• Strong national and international network in the field of factory automation and robotics
• Previous experience in management roles
• Ability to work in a team, openness and motivation to work independently and in a goal-oriented manner

What you can expect

• A modern and international working environment
• Independent work and creative participation
• Personal development opportunities through further training measures
• Opportunity to participate in university teaching at TU Berlin
• Support in reconciling family and career
• Performance-related remuneration components
• Subsidy for a company public transport ticket
• Company pension scheme (VBL)
• Barrier-free building with car parking
• Equal opportunities and a good work-life balance

The level of remuneration depends on qualifications.
Employment, remuneration and social benefits are based on the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD). In addition, Fraunhofer may grant performance- and success-based variable remuneration components.
The position is initially limited to two years. A longer-term cooperation is desired by the Fraunhofer IPK.
The weekly working time is 39 hours (full-time). The position can also be filled on a part-time basis.
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft attaches great importance to the professional equality of women and men.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled people are given preference if they are equally suitable. We welcome applications from women in STEM professions.

Fraunhofer is the largest organization for application-oriented research in Europe. Our fields of research are geared towards people's needs: Health, safety, communication, mobility, energy and the environment. We are creative, we shape technology, we design products, we improve processes, we open up new paths.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions, please contact:

Mr.

Dr.-Ing. Gregor Thiele

E-mail: [email protected]

Please apply exclusively via the recruiting portal (button “Apply now” at the bottom right).

Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology IPK

Requisition Number: 81007 Application Deadline: 08/31/2025