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Fraunhofer FIT Paid PhD in Digitalization 2026: Apply Today!
Paid Research Position with PhD Option at Fraunhofer FIT Germany 2026
4 min read
Updated
NBy Naman Kumar
Page Summary⌄
Paid PhD opportunity: Fraunhofer FIT offers a salaried scientific researcher position with the option to pursue a doctorate in Digitalization in Bayreuth, Germany.
Research areas: Digital business models, sustainability, IT management, automation, analytics and system development.
Eligibility: Master's or Diplom graduates in computer science, economics, business informatics, mathematics, engineering or related fields. International applicants are welcome.
Language and employment: German C1 and very good English are required. The position offers TVöD-based salary, an initial two-year contract and flexible working options.
Application: Apply online through Fraunhofer Careers using reference number 83104. No application deadline is specified.
Table of Contents
The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology (FIT) is offering a paid scientific researcher position with the opportunity to pursue a PhD in Digitalization in Bayreuth, Germany.
The position is open to Master's graduates in computer science, economics, business informatics, mathematics, industrial engineering and related fields. It offers salaried employment under Germany's public-sector collective agreement (TVöD), an initial two-year contract and opportunities to conduct applied research with industry partners.
International applicants are welcome, but German language proficiency at C1 level or higher and very good English skills are required.
Research Position at a Glance
Position
Scientific Researcher with Doctoral Option in Digitalization
Reference number
83104
Institution
Fraunhofer FIT – Business Information Systems
Location
Bayreuth, Germany
Academic level
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Master's/Diplom graduates interested in pursuing a doctorate
Research areas
Digitalization, business informatics, analytics, IT management and automation
What is the Fraunhofer FIT Digitalization PhD position?
The position is offered by the Business Information Systems division of Fraunhofer FIT in Bayreuth.
The institute conducts applied research to help businesses, public institutions and society use digital technologies to solve practical problems.
As a scientific researcher, you will work on research projects involving digital transformation, technological innovation and the development of digital solutions.
The role also offers the opportunity to pursue a doctorate while contributing to research projects. However, the vacancy does not specify doctoral admission, university enrolment or supervision arrangements.
What funding and benefits does the position offer?
- Salaried research employment - TVöD employment contract - Initial contract: 2 years · 39 hours per week
Additional benefits: - Salary and social benefits under Germany's public-sector collective agreement, with possible performance-related compensation. - Flexible working hours, part-time arrangements and home-office options. - Professional development and training opportunities. - Family-support services, including emergency childcare and support for caregiving responsibilities.
The official vacancy does not specify the exact salary, TVöD pay group or a guaranteed contract extension. Fraunhofer states that it is interested in long-term cooperation.
Who can apply for this research position?
Applicants must have successfully completed a Master's, Diplom or comparable scientific university degree in one of the following fields:
- Economics or business-related studies - Computer Science or Business Informatics - Mathematics or Business Mathematics - Industrial Engineering - Natural Sciences - A related academic discipline
Candidates should be interested in pursuing a doctorate and conducting practical research in digitalization.
Fraunhofer also seeks applicants who demonstrate analytical thinking, independent working skills, initiative, teamwork and a willingness to take responsibility for research projects.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. Fraunhofer explicitly welcomes applicants regardless of nationality.
However, applicants must have German language proficiency at C1 level or higher, alongside very good English communication skills.
The vacancy requires strong communication skills in both languages. English proficiency alone is therefore not sufficient to meet the stated language requirements.
What will you research at Fraunhofer FIT?
The position covers several research areas, allowing researchers to develop expertise in one or more digitalization topics.
Digital business models and platforms: Research how companies develop digital business models, platforms and connected business ecosystems.
Digitalization and sustainability: Investigate how digital technologies can improve production, work, public administration and environmental sustainability.
IT management and automation: Study strategic IT management, digital innovation and the development of automated business processes.
Analytics and system development: Conduct user, customer and business analytics research and develop or test digital systems and prototypes.
Your responsibilities will also include publishing research findings, presenting results at national and international conferences, managing research projects and working with industry and public-sector partners.
What documents are required?
The official vacancy does not publish a complete list of required application documents.
Applicants must complete the online application and provide the documents requested through Fraunhofer's application portal.
How to apply for the Fraunhofer FIT doctoral-track position
Check your eligibility: Confirm that you meet the degree, research interests and language requirements, particularly German C1 and very good English.
Open the official vacancy: Visit Fraunhofer Careers and locate the position using reference number 83104.
Complete the online application: Enter the requested information and upload the supporting documents specified in the application portal.
Submit your application: Review your details and submit your application online. Fraunhofer states that applicants receive an automatic acknowledgement after submission.
Fraunhofer has not published a specific application deadline for this position.
The vacancy is dated 24 September 2026 and was accepting applications when verified on that date. Applicants should check the official posting before applying, as availability may change.
Important things to know before applying
This is a paid scientific research position with a doctoral option, not an automatic PhD admission. Applicants should clarify the doctoral supervision arrangements, degree-awarding university and expected doctoral timeline before accepting an offer.
The initial employment contract is limited to two years. Applicants should also confirm whether an extension or separate funding arrangement would be available if their doctorate takes longer.
Fraunhofer has not published an exact salary amount or pay group for this vacancy.
