The Institute of Structural Design invites applications for a Scientific Researcher (PhD Candidate) position in the field of AI-based structural design, starting at the earliest possible date.

About the University of Stuttgart

The University of Stuttgart is a research-oriented university with a strong international profile in engineering and the natural sciences. The Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering brings together 14 institutes and more than 300 researchers working across the fields of computational mechanics, structural engineering, transport systems, and water and environmental engineering. Its research activities address the sustainable design and construction of buildings and infrastructure and are strongly characterized by interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research in structural engineering at the University of Stuttgart combines structural design, experimental research, computational modelling and simulation, advanced materials, sustainability, and the assessment and maintenance of structures. The faculty is actively involved in the University's Clusters of Excellence “Data-Integrated Simulation Science” and “Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Architecture”, providing a strong research environment for the development of data-driven and computational approaches to structural design.

Institute of Structural Design

At the Institute of Structural Design, we combine cutting-edge research with excellent teaching, promote the transfer of knowledge and technology, and foster an active dialogue with industry and society. Within this environment, we contribute research in steel, timber, and composite construction, with a particular focus on developing economical and safe solutions for the construction industry.

Our work is founded on academic independence, scientific excellence, and close collaboration with national and international partners. As experts in steel and composite structures, we pursue interdisciplinary research and teaching that combines different materials, topics, and methodologies while maintaining a strong focus on practical applications. Research findings are published internationally.

The Institute is also actively involved in the development and advancement of national and international structural design standards, contributing research-based expertise to the evolution of modern structural engineering practice. The Institute provides an excellent environment for the development of next-generation approaches to structural design..

The Position

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher who is interested in structural engineering, steel and composite construction, and the application of AI to structural design.

The design of steel structures in Europe is currently undergoing a significant transition. Traditional approaches, based on fragmented member-level checks, are increasingly challenged by the growing complexity of structural systems, sustainability requirements, and the digitalization of the construction sector.

Within an international research project we will modernize structural design by developing integrated methodologies that bring efficiency, sustainability, and digitalization into a unified design framework. The project will deliver practical design guidelines and open-source computational tools, with the ambition of directly supporting the development and implementation of the 3rd Generation of Eurocodes and contributing to the green and digital transformation of the construction sector.

The position is embedded in an international research consortium involving high-quality academic and industrial partners from across Europe. The successful candidate will work closely with the project partners and contribute to joint research activities within an interdisciplinary and international research network.

Within this framework, the research at the Institute of Structural Design will focus particularly on the development and application of Artificial Intelligence Design approaches for the efficient, reliable, and code-compliant design of structural members, connections, and structural systems. The research will combine structural engineering, numerical methods, data-driven approaches and engineering practice to develop innovative design approaches with direct relevance to engineering practice.

As a PhD candidate, you will have the opportunity to conduct scientifically rigorous research while contributing to an internationally coordinated project addressing some of the key challenges facing the future of structural design in Europe.

Your profile

An excellent Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
A solid background in civil engineering, structural mechanics and/or mechanical engineering. Knowledge of the structural performance of steel, fatigue behavior and AI is an advantage
Strong interest in research and the development and application of new methods in structural engineering and artificial intelligence
Programming skills, preferably in Python, are an advantage
Very good written and spoken English and German
Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment
A structured, systematic, and independent approach to work
Strong analytical and engineering-oriented thinking
Motivation to pursue a PhD in structural engineering

We offer

A fully funded PhD position as a Research Associate, paid according to TV-L E13
The opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in an internationally relevant research field
Access to modern research infrastructure and computational resources
An international and dynamic research environment
The opportunity to work at the interface of structural engineering, artificial intelligence, and practical structural design
Close interaction with research and engineering practice

How to apply

If you are interested in the research topics described above and would like to contribute to scientifically rigorous and practice-oriented research, we look forward to receiving your application.

Please send your detailed application by October 31, 2026, as a single PDF file via email to: sekretariat@ke.uni-stuttgart.de with the subject line: "Application, Stellenwerk 2026-09"

The position is scheduled to begin as soon as possible. This is a fixed-term position. There is a possibility of extension. Employment and compensation are in accordance with TV-L E13.

The University of Stuttgart is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in practice. We particularly welcome applications from women and give preference to people with severe disabilities when qualifications are equal. Full-time positions can generally be split into part-time positions. Hiring is handled by the Central Administration.

For more information on data protection and the handling of applicant data, please visit: https://www.uni-stuttgart.de/datenschutz/bewerbung

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