Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d) on the topic “Experimental Research on Particle Deposition and Sensor Soiling in Autonomous Road Vehicles”

With more than 15,000 students and 3,800 employees, the Technische Universität Braunschweig is one of Germany´s leading institutes of technology. It stands for strategic and performance-oriented thinking and acting, relevant research, committed teaching, and the successful transfer of knowledge and technologies to the economy and society. We consistently advocate for family friendliness and equal opportunities.

Our research focuses are mobility, engineering for health, metrology, and city of the future. Strong engineering and natural sciences are our core disciplines. These are closely interconnected with economics, social and educational sciences and humanities.

Our campus is located in the midst of one of the most research-intensive regions in Europe. We work successfully together with over 20 research institutions in our neighborhood as we do with our international partner universities.

Starting 1st of September, the Institute of Fluid Mechanics is looking for a

Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d) on the topic “Experimental Research on
Particle Deposition and Sensor Soiling in Autonomous Road
Vehicles”
(full-time– fixed-term)

The position is to be filled on a fixed-term basis for a period of 36months. The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to pursue a doctorate.

The Institute of Fluid Mechanics at Technische Universität Braunschweig is seeking a highly motivated doctoral researcher to investigate the fundamental physical mechanisms governing sensor contamination in autonomous vehicles.
Modern autonomous vehicles depend on reliable perception systems. However, environmental contaminants such as water, snow, ice, dust, road spray and insects can significantly impair sensor functionality and potentially compromise vehicle safety.

The objective of this project is to develop standardized experimental methodologies and quantitative metrics for evaluating sensor contamination under realistic environmental conditions. Dedicated experiments will be conducted in unique multiphase-flow facilities to characterize particle transport, deposition, liquid-film dynamics and the evolution of sensor surface coverage.

The generated datasets will provide the foundation for the development and validation of next-generation predictive simulation tools.

Make a Difference:

• Design and conduct advanced experiments on particle transport and sensor contamination.
• Investigate contamination processes involving water droplets, snow, ice particles, and dust.
• Develop standardized test methodologies and quantitative contamination metrics.
• Use advanced optical measurement techniques such as particle tracking, high-speed imaging, and surface coverage measurements.
• Characterize the complete contamination process from particle impact to liquid spreading, deposition and re-entrainment.
• Analyze relationships between surface contamination and sensor performance.
• Collaborate closely with another numerical researcher to support model development and validation.
• Publish scientific findings in leading journals and present results at international conferences.
• Participate in teaching and supervision activities within the institute.

Your Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics or a related field
• Strong interest in experimental fluid mechanics and multiphase flows
• Experience with laboratory experiments and data analysis
• Programming skills in Python, MATLAB or similar environments
• Knowledge of optical measurement techniques (PIV, particle tracking, high-speed imaging, image processing) is advantageous
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently
• Good written and spoken English.

Our Benefits:

• Opportunity to work in unique experimental facilities including advanced multiphase-flow and environmental testing infrastructures
• Access to state-of-the-art optical diagnostics and measurement systems
• Close collaboration with leading automotive manufacturers and sensor suppliers
• Integration into an internationally recognized research group in experimental and computational fluid mechanics
• Pay in accordance with the collective agreement TV-L, pay grade EG13, depending on the assignment of tasks and fulfilment of personal requirements
• A special payment at the end of the year as well as a supplementary benefit in the form of a company pension, comparable to a company pension in the private sector
• A workplace that is basically suitable for part-time work, although the position is to be filled full-time, as well as flexible working and part-time options and a family-friendly university culture, awarded the “Family-friendly university” audit since 2007
• A wide range of continuing education and company health care programmes as well as a vibrant campus life in an international atmosphere.

What’s more to know:
We welcome applicants of all nationalities. At the same time, we encourage people with severe disabilities to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified.
Please attach a form of evidence of your handicap to your application. We are also working on the fulfilment of the Central Equality Plan based on the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz—NGG) and strive to reduce under-representation in all areas and positions as defined by the NGG. Therefore, applications from women are particularly welcome in this case.

The personal data will be stored for the purpose of processing the application. By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed electronically for application purposes in compliance with the provisions of data protection law. Further information on data protection can be found in our data protection regulations at https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/datenschutzerklaerungbewerbungen.
Application costs cannot be reimbursed.

Questions and Answers:
For more information, please call Dr. Mariachiara Gallia on +49 (0) 531 391-94231 or Dr. Michael Hilfer on + 49 (0) 531 391-94269.

Closing date: 5th July 2026

Are you interested? Please send your application (CV, transcripts and motivation letter) preferably via email to mariachiara.gallia(at)tu-braunschweig.de and michael.hilfer(at)tu-braunschweig.de.

or via mail to

Technische Universität Braunschweig
Institut für Strömungsmechanik
Hermann-Blenk-Straße 37
38108 Braunschweig

vom: 15.06.2026
gültig bis: 05.07.2026