PhD student – Information Technology (m/f/d)
Job Description
At Helmut Schmidt University / University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg (HSU / UniBw H), Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Professorship for Medical Engineering (Univ.-Prof. Dr. Slabu), a position is available as of 01.01.2026 for a
Research Assistant (m/f/d)
(salary group 13 TVöD [Collective agreement for the public service]; 39 hours per week)
for a limited period until 31.12.2028.
The activity takes place within the framework of the third-party funded research project “Multi-Frequency SAS”.
In contrast to conventional side-scan sonar, modern synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) technology offers resolution independent of distance and carrier frequency. The aim of this research project is to use multi-frequency SAS systems to obtain additional information about the frequency dependence of the data collected for seafloor classification and for discriminating between objects lying on the seafloor and those buried in the sediment.
The aspects to be investigated here are the interaction of frequency-dependent propagation and imaging effects in conjunction with the signal processing with regard to image calibration. This must be considered in order to assign the physical property of backscatter strength to the SAS images and to be able to analyse it in a frequency-dependent manner.
The project partner will provide the experimental facilities, including an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) / SAS hardware and data.
Signal processing for synthetic aperture sonar
Possibility of further academic qualification (e.g. doctorate or habilitation)
Carrying out general administrative work as well as academic activities in academic self-administration
A completed university degree (Diplom [univ.] or Master) in the field of electrical engineering, information technology, communications engineering, physics or a related discipline
In-depth knowledge of digital signal processing
Proficiency in a programming language (Python, MATLAB or C++)
Furthermore desired:
Foreign language skills in English with a level of proficiency corresponding to at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Enthusiasm for research in an international team
Interest in a sophisticated application of digital signal processing for (hydro-)acoustics
Support from experts and guidance from highly qualified researchers in the field
Networking opportunities through participation in conferences, seminars and research events
Capital-forming benefits
Annual bonus payment
Company pension scheme
Flexible working hours
DeutschlandJobTicket with employer subsidy if the necessary requirements are met
Possibility of claiming a childcare place in a daycare centre close to the campus if the necessary preconditions are met
You will benefit from targeted personnel development and an extensive range of further training and education opportunities.
Budget-friendly meals in the campus canteen with three meals a day
You have the opportunity to participate in workplace health promotion offers (for more information, see: www.hsu-hh.de/bgm/).
Free parking on the campus grounds
Possibility of using the Bundeswehr’s own car-sharing service (for more information, go to: www.bwcarsharing.de).
The employment is based on the TVöD in conjunction with the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-Term Scientific Contracts). In principle, the activities correspond to pay group 13 (E 13). Classification up to pay group 13 of the TVöD shall be made in accordance with § 12 of the TVöD with regard to the activities to be performed on a more than temporary basis and the fulfilment of the personal or collective agreement requirements (job characteristics).
Part-time employment is possible.
The planned appointment date or the “start date” mentioned is a date that may change due to the course of the tendering procedure.
The Federal Armed Forces promotes professional equality between women and men and therefore particularly welcomes applications from women. In accordance with the Sozialgesetzbuch IX (Social Code Book IX) and the Disability Equality Act, we expressly welcome applications from severely disabled persons; the fulfilment of the requirements for the advertisement will be considered on an individual basis.
