Institute Center Schloss BirlinghovenFAQ – Applications at the Fraunhofer Institute Centre Schloss Birlinghoven IZB
How do I find a suitable institute for me?
The websites of the Fraunhofer Institutes located in Sankt Augustin provide detailed information about their research activities:
- Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing SCAI
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology FIT
- Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems IAIS
An overview of all Fraunhofer Institutes can be found on the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft website.
Where can I find open positions?
Current job openings are listed on the individual institute websites.
All job postings across the Fraunhofer network, as well as information about Fraunhofer as an employer, can be found here.
How can I best get in touch with the institutes?
You can apply online through the Fraunhofer application portal. At the end of each job posting, you will also find the contact person responsible for that position.
Students and doctoral candidates
What types of employment are available for students?
We offer positions as:
- Interns (e.g., as part of a mandatory internship semester)
- Student assistants
We also support independent research for bachelor’s and master’s theses, diploma theses, and dissertations.
Are only students from specific disciplines employed?
At the Fraunhofer Institute Center Schloss Birlinghoven, we primarily employ students from scientific and technical disciplines. However, students from other academic fields are also welcome to apply for open positions or to submit proposals for specific research topics.
What is the first step in applying as a student?
Please start by learning more about the research conducted at the institutes that match your academic interests. The application portal lists available positions for students and graduates. The institutes also welcome unsolicited applications.
What should I consider when submitting an unsolicited application?
Please ensure that your application or inquiry is as specific and targeted as possible.
Your message should clearly state:
- Your field of study and current semester
- The time period and duration for which you are available
- How your skills and interests align with the institute’s research
Please address your application to the contact person listed on the institute’s website for the relevant business area or research group.
Are there any application deadlines?
There are no fixed deadlines for student employment. However, please note that lead times vary depending on the type of position, typically ranging from three to six months.
What should I consider if I plan to complete my thesis at a Fraunhofer Institute?
Before applying, please confirm with your university whether and under what conditions externally supervised theses are permitted. You are welcome to contact us with specific topic suggestions. Please note that due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to general or non-specific inquiries about thesis opportunities.
Direct your specific request to the contact person listed on the institute’s website for the relevant research area or group.
Who should I contact for general internship inquiries?
Please visit the websites of FIT, IAIS, and SCAI to learn more about their research activities and contact the listed representatives for internship inquiries. If you are interested in an internship within the administration of the Fraunhofer Institute Center Schloss Birlinghoven (IZB), please get in touch with Ms. Carolin Klinghammer, Head of Administration.
How do I apply as a doctoral candidate at one of the institutes at Schloss Birlinghoven?
Please consult our websites for suitable openings for doctoral researchers. In most cases, you can also apply for a research associate position and pursue your doctoral project in parallel, depending on the topic and project needs. Some institutes offer their own doctoral programs or cooperate with university graduate schools, such as the Research School at B-IT. Further information can be found on the institutes’ websites.
General information
Are travel expenses for job interviews reimbursed?
If you are invited to an interview, travel expenses may be reimbursed under certain conditions. A set of reimbursement guidelines applies. Please note that travel costs cannot be covered for applicants traveling within the local public transport area (Bonn region). You may request detailed information about reimbursement policies before your interview.
Career pages of the institutes: