PhD Position: Data-Centric Research on Foundation Models

12.01.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal

The Professorship of Machine Learning at the Department of Computer Engineering at TUM has an open position for a doctoral researcher (TV-L E13 100%; initial contract 1.5–2 years, total 3–4 years) on data-centric research for foundation models.

This project investigates how to optimize training data shaping foundation model capabilities - including data curation, quality, scaling, and evaluation.

The Professorship for Machine Learning at TUM works on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and information processing, with a current focus on foundation models, data-centric research, and applications to scientific and medical imaging.

Your Profile:
* Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field
* Strong background in mathematical and computational sciences
* Experience with large-scale machine learning, foundation models, or data-centric AI is a plus
* Driven, with a strong work ethic and desire to do high-quality research

Why TUM?
TUM is consistently ranked among the best universities in Europe and as the top technical university in Germany. Our group is part of the School of Computation, Information and Technology, and we collaborate internationally with groups in the US and Europe.

We Offer
* A fully funded position (TV-L E13 100%)
* An engaging research project in a diverse, collaborative team
* The opportunity to earn a PhD at a world-class institution

Please send your application to reinhard.heckel@tum.de. Include:
* A brief letter explaining your interest in this project and our work
* Your CV
* Transcripts of grades
We value thoughtful applications over formality, but will not consider incomplete or generic submissions. The position is open until filled. We plan to fill the position as soon as possible.

The position is suitable for disabled persons. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude and professional performance.

Data Protection Information:
When you apply for a position with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), you are submitting personal information. With regard to personal information, please take note of the Datenschutzhinweise gemäß Art. 13 Datenschutz-Grundverordnung (DSGVO) zur Erhebung und Verarbeitung von personenbezogenen Daten im Rahmen Ihrer Bewerbung. (data protection information on collecting and processing personal data contained in your application in accordance with Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)). By submitting your application, you confirm that you have acknowledged the above data protection information of TUM.

Kontakt: reinhard.heckel@tum.de