Group Leader – Advanced Audio Research

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, including neuromorphic computing, 5G/6G mobile communication technologies, generative AI in speech and signal processing, and X‑ray imaging for e‑mobility.

The Advanced Audio Research group focuses on the research and development of advanced cutting‑edge speech and audio technologies, including audio codecs such as MPEG‑H, immersive audio renderers such as MPEG‑I, Automotive Audio, and state‑of‑the‑art deep learning for audio coding and processing. The team works closely with various groups and departments to explore a broad range of topics in speech and audio research.

• Team Leadership & Development:
  Provide professional and performance leadership to a team of eight researchers and developers, shaping a high‑performing, growth‑oriented culture.
• Creative Thinking & Experimentation Enablement:
  Encourage and support creative thinking and experimentation by creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and cross‑disciplinary collaboration across the Audio & Media Technologies division.
• Ideation‑Friendly Environment & Empowerment:
  Foster an environment where new ideas are welcomed, and team members are empowered to explore innovative solutions to speech and audio research challenges.
• Employee Skills Development & Potential Cultivation:
  Enhance and cultivate employee skills and potential through targeted development plans, coaching, and learning opportunities.
• Strategy Alignment with Audio & Media Technologies Division:
  Align the group’s strategy with the division’s objectives to ensure cohesive roadmaps and measurable impact.

• University degree (preferably Ph.D.) in engineering or natural sciences, technical computer science, mathematics, or a comparable qualification, plus at least two years of relevant professional experience.
• Very good interpersonal and communication skills, and a genuine passion for fostering team success along with leadership and development.
• Proven experience in team coordination in a fast‑paced, agile environment.
• Proficiency in project management with proven experience in leading R&D projects.
• Research experience, scientific expertise, and a background in speech and audio processing.
• Network‑oriented collaboration and cross‑functional thinking – experience in another field or research division is an advantage.
• Fluency in English; additional German skills are a plus.

• Leadership opportunity: A compelling management role at a global market leader in a highly innovative key industry.
• Collaborative culture:
  Dedicated colleagues with broad professional expertise in a personal and collegial working atmosphere.
• Career development and visibility:
  Opportunity to build your reputation and visibility both in science and in industry.
• Room for creativity:
  Projects with strong practical components motivate our employees to drive innovation.
• Top‑of‑the‑line infrastructure at your workplace:
  State‑of‑the‑art hardware and software in a modern office space support a productive working environment.
• Structured onboarding process helps you quickly become familiar with the institute and extend your network successfully.
• Support for work‑life balance through flexible working hours and hybrid work.
• Ongoing professional and personal seminars, coaching, and language classes.
• Equal opportunities:
  Our female scientists, for example, benefit from the Fraunhofer TALENTA career program.
• Complimentary parking spaces, charging stations for electric cars, covered bicycle parking, and showers at the institute.
• In‑house health management, including sports courses, running groups, and relaxation seminars.

Working time: 39 hours per week. The position can also be filled on a part‑time basis, with a preference to be full‑time. The position is initially limited to 2 years with an aim to extend it subsequently. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits are based on the public‑sector collective wage agreement (TVöD).

We value and promote the diversity of our employees’ skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.