Research Assistant Speech and Audio

Welcome to the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS

As the largest institute within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, we have been conducting research for over 30 years in diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, microelectronics, sensor systems, data acquisition, signal processing, and signal transmission. Talented individuals from various engineering and natural science disciplines will find a wide range of exciting research topics under one roof. A few highlights that reflect our innovative strength include neuromorphic computing, 5G/6G mobile communication technologies, generative AI in speech and signal processing, and X-ray imaging for e-mobility.

And that’s just the beginning! What sustainable solution will you find with us?

The division »Audio and Media Technologies« is one of the world’s leading organizations in audio, speech, and media processing. For over 25 years, it has been shaping innovations in sound and vision – including groundbreaking technologies such as mp3 and AAC codecs. More than 200 engineers and scientists develop cutting‑edge solutions that are used worldwide.

• Bring research into real-world applications: You develop solutions for efficiently deploying and integrating machine learning models across platforms, enabling efficient real‑time execution on mobile and embedded devices.
• Optimize for performance and efficiency: You adapt algorithms to meet strict constraints on memory consumption and computational complexity while maintaining high performance.
• Ensure correctness through strong fundamentals: You apply your expertise in signal processing to test, validate, and verify algorithmic behavior in practical audio processing scenarios.
• Maintain high software quality standards: You implement clean, reliable code and ensure robustness through automated testing, quality assurance practices, and solid experience with audio processing systems.

• Master’s, Ph.D. or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++ as well as good knowledge of Python, including experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Tensor Flow).
• Solid experience with Linux environments, including shell scripting and build tools (e.g., gcc, make, cmake).
• Practical knowledge of DNN runtimes (e.g., ONNX, Tensor Flow Lite) and optimization techniques such as model compression and quantization (e.g., pruning, quantization‑aware training).
• Experience with audio DSPs, hardware SDK configuration, or digital signal processing for speech and audio is a plus.
• Fluent English and ability to work effectively in international, multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a structured, root‑cause–oriented approach to debugging.

• An exciting role: We offer a diverse and challenging field of work in an international environment, oriented toward state‑of‑the‑art research and technology.
• Room for creativity: Projects with strong practical components motivate our employees to drive innovation.
• Our colleagues enjoy our positive work culture: We are open‑minded, we help and trust each other.
• Top of the line infrastructure at your workplace: With our state‑of‑the‑art technologies, we develop solutions to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
• We value personal contact: With our structured onboarding process, you will quickly become familiar with our institute and be able to extend your network successfully.
• We take your needs seriously: We support your work‑life balance by offering flexible working hours and hybrid work.
• Your goals and interests are important to us: We offer ongoing professional and personal seminars, coaching, and language classes.
• We offer complimentary…