In the Department of Economics, Institute of Economics - Department of Information Systems (Prof. Dr. Jan Marco Leimeister), the following position is to be filled as of 01.06.2026 or by arrangement:

2 Wissenschaftliche Employees (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed-term, full-time (currently 40 hours per week).

The positions are initially limited until 31.12.2028 as part of the project "KIDaS" (The AI-supported data platform for social services) in accordance with the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz). Further employment is sought. The possibility of a doctorate is given.

Are you passionate about artificial intelligence and looking for a challenging PhD position where you can actively shape state-of-the-art AI technologies? Are you enthusiastic about demonstrating the practical application of AI to small and medium-sized companies and providing advice? Would you like to research how Generative AI, Agentic AI and data-driven platforms are designed and at the same time understand the role of humans in the socio-technical system? Would you like to research how Generative AI can be used, for example, for the certification of ISO standards and at the same time understand the role of humans in this? Then this doctoral position is just right for you!

At the Department of Information Systems, we advise SMEs on generative AI as part of transfer projects and develop generative AI agents as part of research projects. In research projects, we design, develop and test generative AI agents and innovative services. We design agentic AI systems that make independent decisions and want to understand how this affects people and companies. Our research approach combines technological excellence with human-centered design to create AI solutions that are practical, trustworthy and socially relevant. In terms of our transfer projects, our approach is to incorporate practical needs and scientific research findings into our SME consulting services.

How do we work?

You will take on responsibility early on in an interdisciplinary team in which you will research and implement new approaches to the prototypical design and use of AI agents, as well as participate in the implementation of empirical studies with well-known corporate partners. Your work will be both independent and in close collaboration with a dynamic consortium of academia, social organizations and technology partners. Together, we will explore how human-AI interactions can be meaningfully designed to enable sustainable, user-centered innovation.

We offer you:

• An innovative and practical research environment with direct relevance to current issues in AI and digitalization in the social sector
• The opportunity to do a PhD in the fields of generative AI, agentic AI, data platforms, digital services or human-AI interaction
• Early assumption of responsibility in an interdisciplinary, agile team
• Diverse development opportunities in the field of new technologies and data-driven business models
• An interdisciplinary, dynamic team and close collaboration with leading practice partners
• International and national conference participation and research stays abroad are encouraged
• Team events and collegial exchange

What convinces us:

• Very good academic university degree in business informatics or a comparable subject (computer science, industrial engineering, economics, business psychology). The degree must be available by the recruitment date at the latest.
• Interest in AI technologies, especially generative AI, multi-agent systems and humans
• Basic knowledge of empirical research methods (quantitative or qualitative) and/or programming skills (e.g. Python, R)
• High level of initiative, ability to work in a team, organizational skills and enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration
• Very good written and oral communication skills in German and English
• Initial professional experience in IT consulting, industry or application-oriented research or development projects, experience with formal graph theory or knowledge graph applications is an advantage, but not required.

If you have any questions, please contact research group leader Dr. Mahei Li (mahei.li@uni-kassel.de) and apl. Prof. PD Dr. Ulrich Bretschneider (bretschneider@uni-kassel.de) or department head Prof. Dr. Jan Marco Leimeister (leimeister@uni-kassel.de).

Applications are accepted at https://stellen.uni-kassel.de/jobposting/622262273c3ff6bd8325003e2768e0450b2ea6b00?ref=homepage.