Summary: The University of Potsdam is inviting applications for a full-time Academic Staff Member (Postdoctoral Researcher) position at the Chair of AI in the Sciences, Institute of Computer Science within the Faculty of Science. The position focuses on research at the intersection of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) and causal inference, aiming to develop AI systems that are causally interpretable and capable of supporting interventional reasoning in real-world applications.
This role is connected to the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1294 Data Assimilation, providing opportunities to collaborate across disciplines such as hydrology, climate science, and bioeconomy. The appointment is initially fixed-term until June 30, 2029, with the possibility of extension subject to funding and eligibility requirements.
Academic Staff Member (Postdoctoral Researcher) – Explainable AI & Causal Inference | University of Potsdam, Germany
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Academic Staff Member (Postdoctoral Researcher) |
| Organization | University of Potsdam |
| Department | Faculty of Science – Institute of Computer Science |
| Research Area | Explainable AI, Causal Inference, Machine Learning |
| Location | Potsdam, Germany |
| Employment Type | Full-Time (40 hours/week) |
| Contract Duration | Until June 30, 2029 |
| Salary | TV-L E13 (German public sector pay scale) |
| Application Deadline | March 22, 2026 |
Designation
Academic Staff Member (f/m/d) – Postdoctoral Researcher
ID No. 308/2026
Research Area
- Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI)
- Causal Inference
- Machine Learning & Statistical Modeling
- Structural Causal Models
- Mechanistic Model Understanding
- Data Assimilation and Interventional AI Systems
Location
Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
Campus sites include Am Neuen Palais, Griebnitzsee, and Golm.
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Master’s or PhD degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or a related quantitative discipline.
- Strong research background in causal inference or explainable AI, supported by peer-reviewed publications.
- Solid knowledge of machine learning and statistical modeling.
- Strong programming skills (preferably Python) with experience developing research software.
- Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary research teams.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with probabilistic graphical models, deep learning, or time series analysis.
- Familiarity with open-source research workflows and reproducible research practices.
- Interest in interdisciplinary applications in environmental or natural sciences.
- Ability to manage computational experiments and research codebases efficiently.
Job Description
The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research combining explainable AI and causal inference to develop AI systems capable of interpreting predictions in terms of underlying mechanisms, structural dependencies, and intervention effects.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and extending causal inference and explainable AI methods.
- Designing algorithms for causal discovery, causal effect estimation, and concept-based explanations.
- Integrating XAI and causal models into machine learning pipelines within CRC 1294.
- Implementing and benchmarking algorithms on synthetic and real-world datasets.
- Developing open-source research software and reproducible workflows.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary partners from fields such as hydrology, climate science, and bioeconomy.
- Publishing research in high-impact journals and conferences.
- Presenting research at seminars, workshops, and conferences.
- Co-supervising students and supporting research training.
The position also offers opportunities for further academic qualification, including postdoctoral habilitation.
What the University Offers
The University of Potsdam provides a supportive academic environment and attractive public-sector benefits:
- Professional development and networking opportunities.
- Subsidized public transport job ticket and campus bicycle access.
- Company pension scheme, annual bonus payments, and capital-forming benefits.
- Occupational health programs and Academic Sports Center facilities.
- Flexible working hours and partial remote work options.
- 30 vacation days per year, plus additional leave on December 24 and 31.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their application including ID No. 308/2026 via email to:
Secretariat of the Chair
Email: lisa.goesel@uni-potsdam.de
Application documents should typically include:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Publication list
- Academic certificates and transcripts
Applicants with degrees obtained outside the EU must provide:
- A German translation of certificates
- Recognition or evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) or documentation from the ANABIN database.
For further information, applicants may contact:
Jakob Runge
Email: jakob.runge@uni-potsdam.de
Phone: +49 331 977 307204
Last Date to Apply
📅 March 22, 2026
